WSOF: No title fights until late 2013, but Burkman-Fitch slated for WSOF 3

Despite two solid debut shows and a third one planned for June, World Series of Fighting officials say they’re going to wait to implement promotional titles.

That means the upcoming WSOF 3 bout between welterweights Josh Burkman (25-9) and Jon Fitch (24-5-1) won’t be for a title, WSOF President Ray Sefo announced via Twitter on Wednesday.

Burkman vs. Fitch, though, is in the works for WSOF 3, which takes place June 14 in Las Vegas at a venue to be announced. The bout will headline the night’s NBC Sports Network broadcast, Sefo told MMAFighting.com.

Burkman and Fitch fought once before. Back at UFC Fight Night 4 in 2006, Fitch scored a submission victory over Burkman, who suffered his first UFC loss.

Fitch went on to challenge for a UFC title and become one of the most successful 170-pounders in MMA history. But following his recent 1-2-1 run, which included a February decision loss to Demian Maia, the UFC cut the 35-year-old wrestler this past month.

Burkman got his own UFC release back in 2008 after a 5-5 run in the UFC. But in recent years, the 32-year-old has largely dominated in outside organizations, including the WSOF, where he defeated Gerald Harris in the first show and knocked out Aaron Simpson in the second, which took place this past weekend. He’s now 7-1 in his post-UFC career.

Following the Simpson win, Burkman told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he didn’t believe Fitch deserved an immediate title shot upon his WSOF arrival, though he expressed enthusiasm over the possibility of the rematch.

For the latest on WSOF 3, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Jon Fitch)