UFC 153: 5 Fights for Jon Fitch to Take Next

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Following a dominant performance against one of the quickest rising stars in the welterweight division, Jon Fitch has once again proved his worth to the UFC.

Fitch's three-round beatdown of Erick Silva at UFC 153 left the young Brazilian battered and bruised in what can only be considered a classic performance from one of the division's most tenured fighters.

But where exactly does this victory leave Fitch?  Is he back to being one fight away from a title shot?

Assuming he and Josh Koscheck still have no interest in fighting each other, here are five fights the guerrilla jiu-jitsu practitioner should take next.

Jake Ellenberger

fiveouncesofpain.com

This seems like the most likely option.

Both Jon Fitch and Jake Ellenberger are coming off impressive victories after losing in devastating fashion.

A decisive win over a hard-nosed athlete like Ellenberger would surely put Fitch back into the title race for good and prove his loss to Johny Hendricks was a fluke.

Not to mention both men are two of the biggest gamers in the division and would easily produce a gritty war capable of capturing Fight of the Night honors.

Rory MacDonald

Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

Currently the best prospect in MMA, Rory MacDonald would be yet another great opportunity for Jon Fitch to prove he deserves another title shot.

MacDonald already has his hands full with an upcoming bout opposite legend B.J. Penn at UFC on Fox 5, but if the kid can get past the aging veteran, a showdown with Fitch could be in the cards.

Because when it comes down to it, as long as Georges St-Pierre is the welterweight champion, MacDonald probably won't fight for the belt.

That means he'll be pitted up against some of the best fighters in the world at 170 pounds.  Fitch fits that bill.

John Hendricks

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Jon Fitch is the type of guy who thrives on overcoming obstacles. 

He's the type of fighter who prides himself on hard work, dedication and perseverance.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise if Fitch demands a rematch against the guy who knocked him out with one punch.

The bottom line is that Johny Hendricks' first-round victory over Fitch at UFC 141 cost the veteran a chance at fighting for No. 1 contender rights.

You know what they say—revenge is a dish best served inside the Octagon.

Nate Marquardt

Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

It's been rumored that Showtime is on the fence about keeping Strikeforce around (h/t Cagepotato.com)

If the two cannot come to terms over the next few months, the promotion may go under water.  That'd leave its prominent titleholders and top contenders jobless.

That's where Nate Marquardt comes into play.

Marquardt's stint in the UFC was a very successful one; so, it's very likely that he'd make a return to the promotion that made his name what it is today.

He'd be fighting as a welterweight instead of a middleweight this time, but that bodes well for a guy like Jon Fitch who's one or two wins away from another shot at Georges St-Pierre.

If he could beat Marquardt, Fitch's stock would rise considerably.

Nick Diaz

Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

Aside from a matchup with Georges St-Pierre or Josh Koscheck, a potential fight opposite Nick Diaz would be Jon Fitch's most exciting move.

Diaz is arguably the second-most popular welterweight on the planet and would surely get Fitch's blood boiling by talking his usual pre-fight nonsense.

A victory for either fighter would solidify their spot as next in line for a shot at the title.

Once Diaz returns from his one-year suspension, which should happen around February of 2013, a fight with Fitch could be set in motion.

Not for nothing, but the UFC isn't going to let Diaz waltz his way back into the long-awaited title fight with GSP. 

He's going to have to work for it.

 

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