Fight Review: UFC 87 – Georges St. Pierre vs. Jon Fitch

Round One: GSP immediately ducked under the strikes of Fitch and got the takedown. GSP likes to posture to his feet, come down with a left-right, and use that to pass. When Fitch turtled up, GSP stayed in front of him to punch and sprawl rather than spin to take his back. Fitch threw a leg kick and GSP timed it with a straight right hand that knocked him down. GSP threw a lot of elbows on the ground when he didn’t posture up. Fitch tried rolling for an armbar on the right side early but had no success.

Round Two: GSP very good jab in this round. He kept Fitch at bay with the jab but didn’t follow enough with the straight right. When GSP switched stances, he reached way too much with the straight left. GSP likes to throw a superman jab followed by a leg kick. Fitch had success going to the body of GSP with the right hook but didn’t follow up. The one time he did follow up, he landed a nice flurry ending with a right hook.

Round Three: Every time Fitch threw the left hook, GSP countered with a one-two. GSP got sloppy with his control on the back of Fitch and ended up losing the position and allowed Fitch to get on top. GSP good job of controlling the posture of Fitch. Fitch very active on top but didn’t really do much damage. GSP slipped out the back door to escape from being on his back.

Round Four: GSP continued success with the jab. Fitch had some success with the jab himself but the reach disadvantage hurt him. GSP excellent takedown defense. Fitch had a deep single but failed to put GSP on his back. Once GSP stuffed the takedown, he reversed and got a takedown of his own. GSP good elbows in tight on the ground.

Round Five: GSP again with an excellent jab and still throwing the superman jab followed by a leg kick. GSP with easy takedowns this round. Every time he postured up he came down with the left hand. Fitch good job just surviving.

Result: Georges St. Pierre by Unanimous Decision

Conclusions: GSP took away the leg kicks of Fitch early by dropping him with the first one he threw. GSP excellent jab and when he put the right hand behind it, it usually landed. Fitch had success going to the body of GSP. GSP just excellent takedowns and takedown defense. GSP a little sloppy with his jiu-jitsu and seemed content on just beating up Fitch from inside the guard.