Recent reports suggest that Fitch vs. Thiago has been signed and is ready to go for UFC 100. Jon Fitch finally gets a fight, but is this what we really expected?
Enter Brazilian newcomer Paulo Thiago. Undefeated, but with experience only in Brazil, he comes in to sign a rare one-fight contract with the UFC.
A one-fight contract? That doesn't happen in the UFC.
The lack of confidence in Thiago's ability must have spurred this unique arrangement. Dan Evenson even got a longer contract!
You probably don't know who he is, and there's a reason for that.
With that said, it makes sense that Thiago will come in and fight a young new talent in the UFC, so he can establish himself as a UFC winner. Not a chance.
Thiago is left in a cage with Jon Fitch's teammate Josh Koscheck. The poor guy is going to be a punching bag for "Kos." I guess the Jiu Jitsu practioner is there only for entertainment value as he'll surely get knocked out.
So here comes the first fight of the main card, Josh Koscheck vs. Paulo Thiago.
Thiago will have to take this to the ground to have any chance, but that won't happen because Koscheck is too good of a wrestler to get taken down by Thiago.
Fair enough; Thiago is screwed. I almost pity him.
The fight begins with Koscheck feeling out his opponent, controlling the pace of the fight. It's only a matter of time before Thiago gets lit up by Kos, much like Yoshida did at Fight for the Troops.
Thiago looks weak; he is leaving the side of his face open for Kos' haymaker to take him out of the UFC permanently. Once again, it is just a matter of minutes, maybe seconds before Thiago hits the floor.
KA-BOOM!
Two punches out of nowhere knock out Koscheck and the fight is stopped! Wait, what? Thiago wins? That can't be, I was just pitying the fool. Unbelievable!
One month later Thiago's next opponent is announced as Jon Fitch. Obviously, Fitch is heavily favored against Thiago. Thiago is now widely regarded as a fluke that pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history.
Fitch not only has his first fight in over six months coming up, but also he must avenge his teammate's loss. It's safe to say that there is a lot of pressure on him.
On the other hand, Thiago comes in expected to lose once again. What does he have to lose? Absolutely nothing.
He has probably already set himself up with a few more fights in the UFC by knocking out Koscheck. All he can do now is try to win. Otherwise, no big deal. He's facing Jon Fitch for God's sake. Fitch only loses to GSP.
Now let's just imagine for a minute that Thiago pulls off the impossible again. What happens then? He will have beaten two of the top four fighters in the welterweight division within months. Does he face the winner of GSP and Alves? Seriously?
I'm going to say it: If Paulo Thiago beats Jon Fitch he deserves a shot at the title, no doubt in my mind.
First, though, Thiago has to actually beat Fitch.
Impossible, right?
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