With Akihiro Gono out with a hand injury, MMAmania.com has learned that Chris Wilson (13-3) might step up to face top welterweight contender, Jon Fitch (15-2), at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" on March 1 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
It would mark the Octagon debut for the red-hot Team Quest fighter if and when bout agreements are finalized.
Wilson is a veteran of the International Fight League (IFL) and Bodog Fight. He has strung together four straight wins against solid competitors such as Rory Markham, Jay Heiron and Derrick noble during that stretch.
He's a tough guy who will be thrown in the deep end against an experienced UFC veteran like Fitch in his Octagon debut. It's an incredible opportunity, however, to make an instant splash in the organization much like Houston Alexander did when he burst onto the scene to dash the title chances of Keith Jardine.
Fitch, however, is undefeated (7-0) in the Octagon since his debut in 2005. He has also not lost a professional fight since 2002 — more than five years. His rise to the top of the division has been long and hard and it didn't get much easier with this fight ... it's dangerous.
In the recent past, we've called for Fitch to take on Karo Parisyan and Marcus Davis, who are top guys and well-known among fans. Those fights are not going to happen in the immediate future. Therefore, we'll have to just sit tight and hang on for the ride.
This should actually be a tough fight for both guys if the Wilson who appeared in the footage that I've seen shows up in Ohio in top form.
For the latest UFC 82 fight card click here.
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