Neiman Gracie says it was ‘awkward’ to be Jon Fitch’s last fight
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Bellator welterweight contender Neiman Gracie was surprised to see Jon Fitch retire after their fight.
Some MMA fighters would be proud and some others might even gloat about being the last opponent of a truly veteran of the sport such as Jon Fitch. For Neiman Gracie, though, who finished the 42-year-old vet with a heel hook at Bellator 246, things got a little uncomfortable once Jon announced his retirement.
Although Gracie was glad to share the cage with Fitch, he admits to Ag Fight he was surprised when Jon said he would finally retire right there. For Neiman, the vet was still going to fight a couple of more bouts before finally retiring, but Gracie still wishes him nothing but the best in the future.
“That was a little awkward. I think nobody expected that. Fitch himself said he was going to fight two or three more times this year. It’s a tough decision for any fighter and each one knows when their time is up. I wish all the best for him and his family in this moment of his life.”
Awkwardness aside, Gracie did feel honored to share the cage with someone like Jon Fitch just in time before he lost the chance. Furtheremore, Neiman believes his impressive win over a former UFC welterweight title challenger, WSOF and PFL should look good in his case for becoming the next Bellator contender to take on champion Douglas Lima.
“I do believe I will (be the next title challenger). He (Fitch) was going through a great moment in his career and I think he was the number one guy in the rankings. He was coming off a draw against the former champion. I do believe this win makes me the top contender. Let’s see what happens.”
Before the Fitch win, Neiman Gracie (10-1) suffered his only professional MMA loss, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Rory MacDonald, back in June 2019. In his mixed martial arts career, the 31-year-old has nine wins via submission and one by unanimous decision.