Ex-WSOF Champ Jon Fitch Reveals That He’s ‘In Talks’ with Bellator MMA, Scott Coker

It appears that Jon Fitch won’t be taking part in the Professional Fighters League upcoming welterweight tournament.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Fitch, who was the World Series of Fighting 170-pound champion before the promotion rebranded to become the PFL, announced that he became a free agent on Friday. At this point, Bellator MMA looks like the destination of choice.

“So I’ve finally got some career news. As of [Feb. 2] I am officially a free agent,” Fitch said. “I’m in talks with Scott Coker and Bellator right now. Hopefully we work something out by the end of this week.”

Fitch competed in PFL’s inaugural event in Daytona, Fla., on June 30, when he submitted Brian Foster with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The 39-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., native has won his last four fights, including triumphs over Jake Shields and Yushin Okami under the WSOF banner. He claimed the vacant welterweight crown by outpointing Joao Zeferino at WSOF 30 in April 2016.

A former title challenger in the UFC, Fitch left the Las Vegas-based promotion following an 18-fight stint in 2013. His tenure began with an eight-bout winning streak that culminated in a title shot against Georges St. Pierre. Fitch would drop a five-round verdict to “Rush” at UFC 87. He earned notable wins over the likes of Thiago Alves (twice), Diego Sanchez, Joshua Burkman and Ben Saunders during his UFC tenure.