BJ Penn vs Jon Fitch — Fight recap

BJ Penn and Jon Fitch fought to a majority draw over three rounds at UFC 125 on February 26, 2011, with referee Herb Dean officiating. Fitch dominated the striking exchanges, landing 47 of 72 significant strikes (65%) compared to Penn's 12 of 29 (41%), while controlling the cage for 10:43 to Penn's 3:36.

Penn's wrestling proved more efficient—he converted 2 of 3 takedown attempts (66%)—but Fitch secured 4 of 11 attempts (36%) and used that control to dictate much of the fight's tempo. The striking disparity, particularly Fitch's 29 head strikes landed, showcased his superior output, though Penn's takedown accuracy and submission attempt kept the fight competitive enough for the split decision verdict.

The result highlighted the stylistic clash between Penn's grappling-heavy approach and Fitch's well-rounded striking, leaving both fighters' welterweight trajectories in question.