Rousimar Palhares responded when Tatame.com related some Jon Fitch to him. The former UFC title contender had said last October that he would turn down a fight against “Toquinho” because of the WSOF welterweight champion’s reputation of holding submissions after the opponent has tapped out. The two are set to face each other at WSOF 11, on July 5, although Fitch is claiming he’s owed the fight in June. Here’s what Palhares said:
I know that I’ll be ready. I can’t talk for nobody. He can say whatever he wants, what he thinks, what he feels. I know that I’m here working to hold that belt with me for a long time. If he wants to take it from me, I guarantee that it won’t be easy, he will have to fight. This belt won’t leave so soon from here.
Palhares submitted Steve Carl at WSOF 9 to win the promotion’s 170-pound title, on March 29. Fitch is coming off a split decision win against Marcelo Alfaya at WSOF 6 last October.