Josh Burkman Replaces Jake Shields, Steps In To Fight Jon Fitch At WSOF 11
The World Series Of Fighting took a huge blow earlier this week when Jake Shields pulled out of his his debut for the promotion against Jon Fitch in July. But, things appear to have worked out just fine, as Fitch is now set to meet Josh Burkman for a rubber match.
The news was revealed by WSOF’s executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz last night who confirmed Burkman will step in on short notice for the injured Shields. WSOF 11 takes place on July 5 and will have it’s main card available on NBC Sports Network. The main event features a lightweight title fight as Justin Gaethje attempts to defend his belt against Nick Newell.
The venue and location for the event hasn’t been seceded yet but it is expected to be confirmed in the oncoming days. Burkman had a public fallout with the WSOF recently after asking to be released on Twitter, but according to Abdel-Aziz that’s all a thing of the past:
“When I called Josh to take the fight he didn’t hesitate and said yes right away,” Abdel-Aziz said (via MMAFighting). “He will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. I have nothing but respect for him.”
The matchup is now the third bout to be setup for Fitch for the July card. He was originally booked to challenge Rousimar Palhares for the Brazilian’s welterweight title but that fight was scrapped when “Toquinho” withdrew to spend some time with his ill mother.
Fitch was then matched up with Shields who went on to drop out with a disclosed injury. Now he finds himself preparing to take on Burkman in what will be their long-awaited trilogy.
The welterweights first collided inside the Octagon back at UFC Fight Night 4 in 2006, Fitch took the first victory with a second round rear naked choke. However, Burkman took his revenge in their rematch, defeating the former UFC title challenger with a first round guillotine choke.
So LowKickers, who takes the trilogy?
