Jon Fitch did what he usually does Saturday night at UFC 117, taking Thiago Alves down over and over again, controlling him on the ground, and grinding out a unanimous decision victory.

Fitch has now won by unanimous decision in each of his last five fights, and he has clearly established himself as the No. 2 welterweight in MMA, behind only UFC champion Georges St. Pierre.

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Fitch took Alves down in the first minute of the first round and appeared to be ready to control him and grind out the round like he so often does, but Alves did a nice job of getting on top of Fitch and then standing the fight back up with a minute and a half to go. However, once they got to their feet Alves didn't do much standing up, and Fitch finished the first round by taking Alves down one more time.

It was more of the same in the second, with Fitch taking Alves down and controlling him once again, and Alves not able to do much of anything to respond. Alves did manage to end the second round on his feet and land a couple of punches, but mostly it was another typical Fitch round.

Alves looked better at the start of the third, landing some punches and a good kick, and sprawling to stop Fitch's first takedown attempt. But by the midway point of the third, they were on the ground with Fitch on top once again, and he easily controlled the rest of the round.

Fitch, who improved to 23-3, isn't the most exciting fighter around. But in the welterweight class, he's definitely the second best.


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