Perennial UFC welterweight contender John Fitch (23-4-1) has been forced to withdraw from his July 11 scheduled match at UFC on Fuel TV 4 against Aaron Simpson (11-3) due to a knee injury sustained during training.
News of the injury was first reported on the Wrestling Observer website. Simpson confirmed the news Sunday via Twitter:
“I’m good. This is the 4th time in my UFC career that I’ve had an opponent change. Nothing new. No idea who steps in. Thanks”
When asked who he would like to replace Fitch, Simpson tweeted, “GSP”.
UFC on Fuel TV 4 is set to take place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., and will be headlined with a middleweight match-up between Mark Munoz and Chris Weidman. Fuel TV will air the main card live with Facebook expected to carry the prelims.
Jon Fitch was looking to bounce back from a first round knockout loss to Johny Hendricks at UFC 141 in December 2011.
Aaron Simpson last competed in February of this year dropping a decision to Ronny Markes at UFC on Fuel TV 1. Prior to that loss he had built up a three fight winning streak defeating Mario Miranda, Brad Tavares and Eric Schafer, all by unanimous decision.
The All-American wrestler is currently waiting to see who the UFC will choose as his new opponent.
Stay close to ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) for the announcement of Fitch’s replacement as the news becomes available.