Bellator should sign Fitch to fight Askren right away

[JonSnitchPhones]

Originally Posted by who cares

I can't speak for them, but i would imagine because it's very very hard for a fighters to find a home with an org that will give them exposure and pays as well as WSOF.. Do you think Score Fighting Series was paying Rick Glenn $5k/$5k?? I highly doubt it.

And where are the veterans supposed to find fights that pay well other than with Bellator? CFA, XFC?

Then Rick Glenn would have signed with Bellator long-term exclusive vs. long-term exclusive. I think he would have been dropped straight into a tourney, getting more money via base and sponsors, and exposure. But he knew if he signed w/ WSOF he'd get a decent payday initially while having the flexibility to jump to the UFC very soon which he was lobbying to do. But as a bonus he can greater exposure in 1-2 fights with WSOF than SFS, demanding a bigger entry deal into the UFC. WSOF is a significant positive in that way for some prospects looking to make a name for themselves. But WSOF is bad for MMA if they're preventing the current #2 from truly competing with the #1. Then you're going to see many less Lombard and Alvarez type deals.

[JonSnitchPhones]

Originally Posted by CC27

Yeah if Fitch won their title it wouldnt be terrible because he is still a top 10 WW but imo Bellator would rather have their own guys as champs.

But in some cases its def worth the risk, this could legitimize Askren in more fans eyes, he is unbeaten and is the champ but most will agree he hasnt fought the elite yet. Jay Hieron was his biggest win in a fight many thought he lost and Jay was just cut by the UFC again.

So he needs that big name win against a proven top 10 UFC WW to show he is a top 10 WW in the world.

It would be even better if Askren beat the guy who beat Fitch. Then you make 2 WW's much more credible.

[skylolow]

Originally Posted by CC27

Yeah if Fitch won their title it wouldnt be terrible because he is still a top 10 WW but imo Bellator would rather have their own guys as champs.

But in some cases its def worth the risk, this could legitimize Askren in more fans eyes, he is unbeaten and is the champ but most will agree he hasnt fought the elite yet. Jay Hieron was his biggest win in a fight many thought he lost and Jay was just cut by the UFC again.

So he needs that big name win against a proven top 10 UFC WW to show he is a top 10 WW in the world.

This


At some point you got to prove yourself. Going against guys coming off a tournament filled with basically very little name value or experience outside of a journey man like Saunders(who is what he is) you can't really put a lot of weight in your record. I'm sure Askren would agree. He knows he isn't going to be taking seriously as one of the best WW in the world fighting the Thompsons and Hornbuckles of the world.

Bellator needs to start bringing in guys who are above there tournaments. Guys like Fitch, Rampage, or Josh. Even bringing Eddie back....what if he drops his fight with Chandler. You really going to pay Eddie 150K to fight each fight in a tournament against people well below his level.

[5H3RD0G]

Bellator should scoop up some talent Sass vs Held would be epic, Fitch vs Askren. Tons of great matchups. They are going to release 100 guys, time to build a killer roster for the tournaments.

[FrodoFraggins]

Bellator is too attached to their tournaments to do something like that. But I agree that he shouldn't have to go through a tourney to get a title shot.

[KeeSmyth]

All Askren tittle defences have been against quality fighters, not everyday a fighter of Fitch quality becomes avaiable. Bellator should be first in line to try sign him when he deceides what he wants to do

[edwin]

I'm surprised the UFC cut Fitch.

I think Fitch could beat Askren. If they sign Fitch, they should make him win a tournament and build him up due to his name value from his UFC run as he was one of the top welterweights from his run there.

I could see him winning a tournament and then beating Askren for the title and being the Bellator Welterweight Champion for a while.

[CC27]

Originally Posted by KeeSmyth

All Askren tittle defences have been against quality fighters, not everyday a fighter of Fitch quality becomes avaiable. Bellator should be first in line to try sign him when he deceides what he wants to do

Jay was decent, Lima is ok and Karl is lower/mid level at best.

Jay couldnt hang in the UFC, Karl would get smashed and cut in the UFC WW div and Lima would be a good mid level striker who would lose to every top WW/wrestler he fought.

Fitch is on another level than anyone in Bellator and anyone Askren has ever fought or will fight in Bellator.

[2 COOL]

I would love to see it. I know people say eehhh will be boring, etc.... I dont care, I REALLY want to see who would win this fight. I honestly cant pic a winner

[CDF47]

Askren would dominate fitch worse than Maia did in the wrestling game. Askren by UD.