World Series of Fighting 6 Preview

Jon Fitch is a troubling 1-3-1 in his last five outings. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Welterweights

Jon Fitch (24-6-1, 0-1 WSOF) vs. Marcelo Alfaya (15-6, 0-0 WSOF)

The Matchup: When asked to explain Fitch’s surprising release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship earlier this year, UFC President Dana White referenced the former title challenger’s salary, saying he was simply too expensive to retain. Considering some of the talent that has managed to stick on the UFC roster, the claim seemed a little ridiculous at the time. However, after Fitch was choked unconscious by Josh Burkman in June, the decision to part ways with the American Kickboxing Academy product seems wiser than it initially did.

Fitch has won just once in his last five fights, and during that time, his chin has been exposed in matchups with Johny Hendricks and Burkman. At 35 years old, it is possible that Fitch is finally feeling his age, though it is important to mention that all of his recent setbacks have come against top-tier opposition.

Rather than pairing him with another well-known commodity such as Aaron Simpson or Gerald Harris, the WSOF has matched Fitch with Alfaya, a 34-year-old who splits time between Team Nogueira and American Top Team. “Grilo” has won his last three bouts, including a pair of first-round finishes with the Florida-based Championship Fighting Alliance promotion. Alfaya’s most notable bout came at Bellator 11 in 2009, when he suffered a first-round knockout loss to current UFC welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger.

While Alfaya is known for heavy hands and a decent ground game, this fight is more about Fitch getting back to what he does best. With a couple quality wins, the former Purdue Boilermaker could find himself right back in the WSOF 170-pound title picture. A shallow division gives Fitch a solid opportunity to rebound from the loss to Burkman.

There are no secrets as to what Fitch will attempt to do. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native uses his striking just enough to move into tie-up range, where he wears down his opponents before dragging them to the canvas. Fitch has never been known for top-shelf athleticism, but his relentless approach can be difficult to overcome without one-shot knockout power or phenomenal grappling and scrambling ability.

Although he has compiled a respectable record, Alfaya is not going to be able to combat the classic Fitch grind. Outside of rocking the UFC veteran with a big right hand early, this figures to follow the blueprint of so many Fitch performances.

The Pick: A heavy dose of clinch work and wrestling leads Fitch to a unanimous decision.

Last Fights » The Prelims