BJ Penn, who has held both the lightweight and welterweight titles in the UFC, returns to action tomorrow as he takes on top welterweight contender Jon Fitch at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia. The winner of the fight, which can be seen on Pay-Per-View at 10:00pm ET tomorrow evening, will be next in line for a shot at the welterweight belt. UFC 127 Betting Odds have Fitch listed as a -210 moneyline favorite in the headlining match.
BJ Penn (16-7-1), for all his MMA 
accomplishments, comes into UFC 127 having won just six of his last 11 fights. Granted, four of those victories were in defense of the lightweight title and all 11 of the fights were against some of the best fighters in the world, but he obviously needs a win to keep some of the shine on his big name.
Penn, who scored a first round knockout of Matt Hughes in his last fight (November 2010), will have his work cut out for against Jon Fitch.
Fitch, who wrestled for Purdue University, is an in your face grinder that never seems to tire. While he is primarily known for his skills on the ground, the Indiana native is also a capable stand up fighter.
Fitch, who owns a 26-3 professional record and a 13-1 mark in the UFC, will enter the Octagon tomorrow riding a five fight win streak. He last fought in August, when he defeated Thiago Alves via unanimous decision. It marked his second career victory over the hard hitting Brazilian.
The last time Fitch tasted defeat was August of 2009; he suffered a unanimous decision loss to champion Georges St. Pierre in a match for the welterweight title. Prior the St. Pierre loss, Fitch had won 16 consecutive fights.
Penn is an MMA legend, but Fitch is the better fighter right now. While either fighter is capable of ending this scrap early, the most likely outcome is a decision in favor Fitch.
UFC 127 BJ Penn vs Jon Fitch Betting Odds:
BJ Penn +165
Jon Fitch -210
