A pair of veterans with 78 combined pro fights will finally cross paths Nov. 12.
Jon Fitch (28-7-1, 1 NC) will defend his World Series of Fighting welterweight title against Jake Shields (31-8-1, 1 NC) at WSOF 34 in Loveland, Colo. MMAFighting.com confirmed an initial report Tuesday by ESPN.com.
The bout was originally set to go down at WSOF 30 in April, but after a contract impasse between Shields and WSOF, Shields was pulled from the matchup. Fitch instead fought and defeated Joao Zeferino via decision in a fight which filled a title which was vacated after former champion Rousimar Palhares was stripped of the belt.
But Shields has signed a new WSOF contract, according to the ESPN report, and will meet Fitch for the title. Shields is 2-1 since joining the company, with his last fight the controversial loss to Palhares which set in motion the chain of events which ultimately led to this fight with Fitch.
The 38-year-old Fitch, for his part, has won four of his past five bouts.
WSOF 34 will air on NBC Sports Network and runs on the same night as the highly anticipated UFC 205 at New York's Madison Square Garden.