Rousimar Palhares is ready to put his WSOF title on the line. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Rousimar Palhares will defend his World Series of Fighting 170-pound title against Jon Fitch at WSOF 16 on Dec. 13.
Palhares made his promotional debut at WSOF 9 on March 29, when he captured welterweight gold by submitting Steve Carl with a heel hook 69 seconds into the opening frame of their championship bout. It was the Brazilian’s first fight outside the UFC since 2007. “Toquinho” was 8-4 in the Octagon but was cut from the organization for unsportsmanlike conduct when he continued to hold onto a heel hook after Mike Pierce tapped out in their meeting at UFC Fight Night “Shields vs. Maia.”
Another longtime UFC veteran, Fitch is 2-1 in the WSOF cage. After falling victim to a Josh Burkman guillotine choke in his debut, the former UFC title challenger has bested Marcelo Alfaya and Dennis Hallman in his last two WSOF appearances.