• UFC 130

Story calls out Fitch in pursuit of title shot

ESPN staff
May 30, 2011
Rick Story is growing as a fighter © UFC
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Rick Story is getting in the habit of calling out opponents, and he has singled out Jon Fitch as his ideal next match-up.

Story wanted Thiago Alves at UFC 130, and once he got the Brazilian he took his opportunity with a unanimous decision victory. Matching the former welterweight No. 1 contender in the striking realm, Story controlled the fight with his wrestling, and now he is looking for a fight that sets him up for a title shot.

Fitch is the man Story has his eye on, a man who could potentially match his own wrestling capabilities. Story relishes the test, despite the fact his last loss also came against a wrestler in Jon Hathaway.

Story would have to wait for Fitch, who is recovering from surgery, but after suffering an almighty knee to the jaw from Alves, he could use the rest.

"Me and my coach Pat White were discussing this, and we think that the next opponent that would best suit us would be Jon Fitch because he's the next guy in line," Story said.

It would seem UFC president Dana White might be willing to concur.

"I actually thought it was a great fight," said White. "He got crushed with that knee, and the fight changed. Thiago had a chance to jump in there and take that fight over, in my opinion, and he didn't. Rick kept his head together and kept his composure like a pro.

"He showed some big stuff tonight against a tough guy who's been in big fights. I thought it was a great fight. No reason to boo."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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