Fitch vs. Penn II, Dunham vs. Sotiropoulos slotted for UFC 132 in July

[ITurnGirlsGay]

After their first meeting ended in an anticlimactic draw, welterweights Jon Fitch (23-3-1 MMA, 13-1-1 UFC) and B.J. Penn (16-7-2 MMA, 12-6-2 UFC) now will rematch at UFC 132 in July.

Additionally, lightweight contenders Evan Dunham (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and George Sotiropoulos (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) have agreed to clash on the same card.

UFC officials today announced the bouts.

Although not officially announced by the organization, UFC 132 is expected to take place July 2 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The night's main card, including both of today's announced fights, are expected to air on the night's pay-per-view broadcast.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/22861/fitch-vs-penn-ii-dunham-vs-sotiropoulos-slotted-for-ufc-132-in-july.mma

This is pretty awesome. I'm glad they rematched Penn and Fitch. I know it seemed logical, but with Dana you never know. He didn't rematch Tito and Rashad.

Sodapop and Dunham should be fucking epic, too.

 

[jmt225]

I remember Jon and I talking about a potential rematch between Fitch and Penn the night of their first fight, and both of us were against it.

I, as I sure Jon does, know that a rematch between Penn and Fitch is the most 'logical' thing to do, but their first fight just wasn't good enough to get really hyped for a rematch. This time around either we're going to see Fitch blanket Penn with that pathetic pitter patter ground and pound for 3 straight rounds, or Penn will somehow whip up a gameplan of his own to keep that from happening. It's just a waste for both guys, IMO. I would much rather see both fight new opponents than fight each other again at the time being. Hopefully there's a better co-main event announced for the show than Evan Dunham vs. George Sotiropoulos.

And speaking of Evan Dunham vs. George Sotiropoulos... don't get me wrong with that above statement, this will be one entertaining, mind-blowing fight on the ground. I am definitely looking forward to this fight and think it's perfect booking by the UFC; however as good as this fight is, if it's the actual co-main event to a card headlined by Penn/Fitch 2, then that's a fucking joke, unless the show airs for free.

 

[INDYjon22]

Like JMT said, I don't like this fight. Sure it makes sense, but it also just feels like there are better things for both guys to be doing right now. Unless this fight becomes a title fight because GSP is moving up, I won't get all that excited for it. Nothing against either guy. I love Fitch, I respect Penn, and I enjoyed their first fight, but both guys could be fighting other guys.

I would love to see Penn fight some of the other strikers in guys like Hardy, Condit, Lytle, and Kampmann. I would also love to see Penn fight Kos. It would be a great fight for both guys in terms of getting the winner in title position. A fight with Alves would be pretty awesome as well. On the other hand, I would love to see Fitch fight either Condit, Shields, or Koscheck. The same goes for Fitch, I think those fights would be great for him and would work as good title elimination fights.

Now, all of my ifs could just lead to another fight between Penn and Fitch, but it would have to be for a title. Right now, besides Jake Shields, Penn and Fitch are the top contenders for the WW title and if GSP leaves the division then they need to fight for the belt. But, I just can't get behind this fight as just another 3 rounder.

At the very least this fight shouldn't happen because it will put me and JMT at odds again.

 

[Buffalo Dave]

I'm with Jon and jmt. I'm not overly excited at all about Fitch/Penn too. I would agree with Jon on his view, saying he's down for it if it's for the title because GSP moved up. With Penn seeming unsure of his future, I would hate to see his last fight happen against Fitch. I along with most other people would rather see Penn, go out in a slugfest with someone, definitely not gonna happen if/when he fight's Fitch.

Another thing I'm gonna agree with Jon on, is that I would also love to see him fight Kos. Kos would be dumb enough to stand up with Penn. It definitely would be one hell of an exciting fight.

JMT, I don't think Dunham/Soti has been officially announced as the co-main event. I could be wrong, but I think it was just announced at the same time as Penn/Fitch 2. I always thought that we would see these to fight, but not from trying to rebound of losses, I thought these two would be meeting at some point as a title shot eliminator fight. It's putting a huge risk at giving Dunham his third straight loss. I thought Dunham's next fight would be a lesser of an opponent. A third straight loss would not only hurt his chances of staying in the UFC, but also knock him way out of the title picture. Either way this should still be a great fight to watch.

Melvin Guillard vs. Shane Roller is another fight announced for this card. Both guys are coming off awesome finishes in their last fights. Guillard disposing Dunham in half a round with some wicked knees, and Roller crushing Tavares with some punches. This card is getting stacked with Lightweight bouts.

 

[Nerotheory]

Penn vs Fitch 2 i don't think will be any better then the first. Fitch is a boring fighter and BJ is good every once in awhile.

Dunham vs Soti i think is a great match up cause both are on the rise.