Jon Fitch vs Thiago Alves Fight Prediction – UFC 111

JON FITCH vs. THIAGO ALVES

Fight Overview:  In their first meeting, Fitch caught Alves with a fluky upkick, and then pounded him out for the win.  This time, Alves will look for redemption and try to get on the road to another title shot, but Fitch hasn't lost to anyone in UFC besides the champion, so Alves is going to have his hands full.

Fitch's Strengths:  Fitch has very solid boxing and a stifling clinch game that takes opponents off their game.  He also has an excellent chin and underrated takedowns.

Fitch's Weaknesses:  Fitch is not a very good finisher at all, so he lets dangerous opponents stay around for the entire fight, which is bound to catch up with him eventually.

Alves' Strengths:  Alves has really good striking, with good hands, good leg kicks, and great knees and elbows from the clinch.

Alves' Weaknesses:  His wrestling is not very good, and his bottom game also leaves a lot to be desired.

The Verdict:  As tough as Fitch is, I think Alves takes him this time.  A lot of Fitch's success comes from using the clinch to stifle his opponents and roughing them up with dirty boxing, but Alves is probably more effective at striking in the clinch.  He is definitely more effective at striking from a distance, so he should control the majority of the fight and earn the unanimous decision, avenging his past loss.

Fight Prediction:  Thiago Alves by unanimous decision.