From MMATorch.com
HYDEN'S BLOG: What The Fitch?
By By Frank Hyden, MMATorch contributor
Nov 20, 2008 - 10:17:26 AM
I won't pretend to know all the details, but when I read Alex Williams' blog on the site here about UFC cutting Jon Fitch and possibly cutting Josh Koscheck and Cain Velasquez I was surprised to say the least. The title of this blog piece was about what I said, except sub out Fitch for another word that starts with F. Obviously, there's more to the story but this seems like a bad move for UFC. Jon Fitch is a great fighter and very popular. And if they release Koscheck as well that puts a major dent in their Welterweight division.
If this is really just about merchandising rights, it seems very petty. I suppose UFC officials believe that fighters the caliber of Fitch and Koscheck grow on trees. To a certain extent they're right. But in this economy the UFC should try to have as many established stars under contract as possible. We know what to expect when Jon Fitch steps into the octagon. Is it worth taking a risk on an unknown who may flame out under the pressure of fighting before a large audience? Fitch is great, you can't just replace him easily. Fans want to see the best fighters in the world fight each other. Why mess that up over some small merchandising issues?
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