Jon Fitch Back in UFC; Lorenzo Fertitta Helps Broker Deal

Well, that didn't take long, did it? Perhaps it was more of an indication of the other options available in the MMA marketplace today. Jon Fitch is back with the UFC after less than a day following a dispute on his signing over his likeness for the company to use in video games and subsequent release.

All indications are that the rest of the American Kickboxing Academy (including Josh Koscheck and Cain Velasquez) will sign the video game agreements as well and continue their UFC contracts.

So what happened? It took UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta to close the deal, according to MMARated.com, who broke the story today.

“Communication kind of broke down with Dana (White) so we talked with Lorenzo,” Fitch told MMARated. “(I) just got off the phone with him and we came to an agreement. We’re going to move ahead and I’ll be back in the UFC."

"We’re going to sign off on the video game and I’m back. It was never even about the agreement or the contract. It was the approach that we felt Dana was being a little bit hot-headed and was threatening us right off the bat. It didn’t seem like a professional way of doing things.”

In a talk with MMAWeekly.com, AKA Trainer Bob Cook said that everything has been settled and that he had a call out to White to help clear the air. A conversation between Fitch and White earlier in the day started the process and Fertitta was asked to join by Cook because their personalities "mesh(ed) a little better."

Ultimately, it was 24 hours that led to the same conclusion: signatures on a piece of paper. However, you have to think the wounds from this very public debate—and especially White's comments to Yahoo's Kevin Iole—are going to take a while to heal.

I love White's personality and passion, but there is a time and a place to unload both barrels. I don't think this setting was the right place to do it.

Josh Nason has written and maintained Ropes, Ring and Cage since 2007 and can be reached at [e-mail]. If you are using any content or recapping from this site, please include a link to www.ropesringandcage.com. Thank you for your support!