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[jhell]

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Jon Fitch, Christian Wellisch and possibly others cut by UFC

By: MMAmania

Former number one UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch was today handed his walking papers for refusing to sign an agreement that would give the promotion exclusive lifetime video game rights to his name and likeness, MMAmania.com can exclusively confirm.
Christian Wellisch — who also didn’t ink the paperwork — was also released. Others who do not sign the agreement could also be let go in the future.
Fitch and members of his camp were not immediately available for comment on the startling development.
While the full details are a little murky at this time, Fitch was apparently approached about the issue when he turned in his signed bout agreement to fight Akihiro Gono at UFC 94: “St. Pierre vs. Penn 2″ on January 31. And when he and his representatives attempted to negotiate the video game deal it was all or nothing.
He didn’t sign it and was terminated shortly therefafter.
Fitch — who is tied with Royce Gracie and Anderson Silva for the most consecutive wins in UFC history (eight) — recently lost a gutsy unanimous decision to welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” on August 9.
The former Purdue University wrestler just returned from a trip to Thailand to refine his Muay Thai and stand up skills. For the time being he may have to now put those skills to the test outside the Octagon for the first time since 2006.
He’s among the top 170-pound fighters in the world and should land on his feet sooner rather than later. Talk about a big loss for the UFC … and Jon Fitch.
More on this breaking exclusive news as soon as we receive it. Hopefully cooler heads soon prevail.

Wow, that's crazy shit.

[Bubbles]

Thats a huge shock and ridiculously dumb move by UFC

[the dazzle]

WTF?? no way. i thought he was set to fight Gono next??

[atj-lucko]

UFC taking a playbook from the Vince McMahon and the WWE.
Honky Tonk Man also refuses to give up his likeness and name for toys.

[Diegonightmare]

If a top-10 WW like Fitch goes to Affliction (which I think is a virtual certainty if he cannot reconcile with the UFC), that will represent a shift (albeit a small one) in the balance of power (stable of talent) in favor of Affliction.

Granted, Zuffa would then have "only" 8 of the top 10 welterweights in the world, but still...2 of the top 5 (Shields being the other) would not be contracted with Zuffa.

[jhell]

Originally Posted by atj-lucko

UFC taking a playbook from the Vince McMahon and the WWE.
Honky Tonk Man also refuses to give up his likeness and name for toys.

You know, that was the first thought that popped into my head as well.

[Dr. MMA]

Jeez is this actually true? I need more confirmation!

Originally Posted by Diegonightmare

If a top-10 WW like Fitch goes to Affliction (which I think is a virtual certainty if he cannot reconcile with the UFC), that will represent a shift (albeit a small one) in the balance of power (stable of talent) in favor of Affliction.

Granted, Zuffa would then have "only" 8 of the top 10 welterweights in the world, but still...2 of the top 5 (Shields being the other) would not be contracted with Zuffa.

I don't know about the shift though. Sure they have 8 of the top 10 but that's not the only welterweights. Majority of the top 20 or 30 WW's are also in the UFC. Who do we have in the top 30 outside of Zuffa: Fitch (now), Shields, Thompson, Sakurai, Fickett and Daley.

The UFC WW division is sooo deep its just ridiculous.

[Moriason]

What the hell are you doing at a time like this UFC? So close to probably putting away another organization, and they decide to release some of their top talent.

This is a straight stupid move.

[smoogy]

Word on the street is that Koscheck might not be around much longer either

[Diegonightmare]

At "the other site" they are reporting that someone from AKA also said Kos has been released for the same reason.

If true, this is truly a WHAT THE FUCK kind of moment.