MMA Fighter Bios: JON FITCH

JON FITCH

Born: Fort Wayne, Indiana
6’1, welterweright

A solid member of the Purdue wrestling squad, Jon Fitch began dabbling into the world of MMA in 2002 and fought in the 205 pound weight class. He amassed a 4-2 record, but then turned up his game a whole new level by joining the American Kickboxing Academy and dropping down to 185. Fitch would secure an amazing 14 straight wins and would become a very well rounded fighter along the journey. In late 2004 in Mexico, Fitch would become the MMA Mexico welterweright world champ, by winning a one night eight man tourney, stopping all three opponents despite being sick with mononucleosis at the time. Using a load of skill and ample heart, Fitch has pushed past limits that could have easily set back a less driven fighter into being an average competitor. Although not flashy and provocative when it came to self promotion, Fitch humbly stayed under the radar and quietly entered the UFC tied a league record at the time for 8 straight wins in the UFC. He began with a with over Brock Larson at 185, then dropped down to 170 and defeated Josh Burkman, the very dangerous Thiago Alves, Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Luigi Fioravanti, Roan Carneiro, Diego Sanchez and Chris Wilson. His impressive string of wins earned Fitch a title shot against Georges St. Pierre. Unfortunately for Fitch, GSP was too much for the American welterweight and won by decision. Nonetheless fans and fighters alike were astounded at the immense heart displayed by Fitch, who was able to survive some very dangerous attacks from Pierre, and showed incredible fortitude in the bout despite the defeat by decision. But in very in impressive fashion, Fitch bounced back and defeated Akihiro Gono via unanimous decision and followed up with another win agains Brazilian Paulo Thiago. A one-time UFC record holder, who held one of the most impressive streaks in MMA, Fitch is one of the hardest working fighters in the game. Perhaps competing in a GSP era could cause a UFC title to elude Fitch for the moment, but his skill, heart and ability to win against tough opponents, as well as show incredible endurance has been well-noted in the MMA world.

VERSATILE FIGHTER Fitch has fought at: Light-Heavyweight: 2-2
Middleweight: 3-0
Welterweight: 14-1

FITCH FACTS
He at one point tied with Anderson Silva and Royce Gracie for most consecutive wins in the UFC at 8 victories

Guerilla jiu-jitsu black belt under Dave Camarillo

Has never lost a fight in Las Vegas (6-0)

2002 Purdue Grad, BSC in Physical Education with a minor in History

Has an Indiana State teaching license