Jon Fitch on MMA Nation: "I Don't Think Anyone Can Beat Cain Velasquez"

It was a busy Sunday on August 1st with the return of Jon "Bones" Jones to Versus, but the MMA Nation train rolled on. We spoke to top UFC welterweight contender Jon Fitch as he prepares for one of the most important fights of his career, i.e. the rematch with Thaigo Alves at UFC 117.

Fitch had a lot of positive things to say about Alves, noting the American Top Team's mental durability has improved leaps and bounds since his entrance to the UFC at such an early age. We also delved into other topics, most notably how his AKA teammate Cain Velasquez will fare against Brock Lesnar, how Fitch has improved since his loss to Georges St. Pierre and how much more seriously his other AKA teammate Josh Koscheck takes wrestling as a part of his daily training.

Notable excerpts below. Entire audio of the interview available here:

Jon Fitch on Chael Sonnen's pre-fight antics:

It is what it is. It's not something I would do. But if he feels that's what he needs to do to help sell the fight, that's fine. It's pretty entertaining. He's a smart guy. He can easily make you feel foolish in a short period of time given the chance. But that is just not my style, that's not my character. I prefer to let my fighting speak for itself. I'm involved in this sport more for the challenge and competition of it, not putting on a show. It's a little more pro wrestling than I like. It placates to fair-weather fans more than real fans. Just focusing on entrainment solely doesn't lend to building a strong fan base very well. If the sport were built purely on entertainment it would never survive.

Fitch on how much Josh Koscheck has improved since the first time he fought Georges St. Pierre:

He has improved by leaps and bounds just for the simple fact that when they first fought he wasn't doing any wrestling. He had it in his head that no one was a better wrestler than him and no one would be able to take him down. He didn't train in wrestling for that fight at all. That's changed a great deal. In the past year or two we've focused on wrestling a great deal. That's gonna be a huge factor. It was a concern that we all had. It took a couple losses for him to realize that he still had to work on wrestling. As far as straight wrestling, he's the best in the division. As far as MMA wrestling, he and Georges St. Pierre are at the top.

Fitch on what type of improvements he sees in Thiago Alves since the first time they fought:

The thing that most people don't notice is the mental game. He's a lot tougher mentally. He was just a puppy the first time we fought. He was mentally weak. Through the years and the experience he's gained, he's a much stronger fighter now. But it doesn't concern me. I get excited for challenges. It's something I look forward to. It appeals to me because you are only as good the people you beat.

Fitch on Cain Velasquez and his chances of defeating Brock Lesnar:

I don't think there is anyone that can beat him. He's unlike anyone I've ever seen. He can take the fight in so many directions. He's got great stand up and great wrestling. The only thing that's lacking a bit is his jiu-jitsu, but that's because it's hard to find guys that are 240 pounds and are good to roll with. His submission defense is outstanding though. There are a lot of big guys in our gym he can train with to help prepare for Brock too. Bobby Lashley, Mark Ellis, and Daniel Cormier. And during training we are always putting him in bad positions to make sure he gets the most out of his workouts. He's definitely ready.

Fitch on whether he believes he is prepared to once again challenge for the welterweight title:

Absolutely. I think I've been ready for a while. Now it's just about staying where I'm at and defeating the challengers that come along until I get my shot to become a champion.

Fitch on how he has changed since his fight against Georges St. Pierre:

A lot has changed for me. My striking is just a lot more sharp and technical. The thing that hurt me in the fight with GSP is I threw a lazy leg kick and caught an overhand right and I was on queer street the rest of the fight. It was all down hill from there. I've worked a lot on my Muay Thai. My head movement and foot movement has dramatically improved. I'm a much faster and better athlete now. My diet has changed too. I'm a lot leaner and in better shape now.

Fitch on how he views Georges St. Pierre's recent conservative approach to fighting:

I think a lot of people had it in their heads that he has a weak chin because of the Matt Serra fight and that he is using his wrestling more now because of that. But he's always been wrestling-based. He uses his wrestling to set up his striking. He's fought some good strikers recently, so why play into their strength? It's all about the path of least resistance. It'd be moronic to just stand trade with guys like Thiago Alves and Dan Hardy.