Jon Fitch Cleared To Return, Could Fight At UFC 139

The number-two ranked welterweight in the world, Jon Fitch (23-3-1), will finally be allowed back into the cage. After sitting out since February because of an injury, Fitch announced the news via an elated tweet Tuesday afternoon.

The 33-year-old American Kickboxing Academy product was last seen inside the Octagon at UFC 127, where he and B.J. Penn battled to a controversial majority draw after 15 minutes. Afterwards Penn admitted to reporters that he felt he had lost the fight. Regardless, a rematch was quickly scheduled for UFC 132.

At the time, the rematch was deemed a number one contender match to determine the next challenger to Georges St. Pierre's welterweight title. Unfortunately, Fitch was forced to pull out of the bout in late March after suffering a torn rotator cuff and labrum in training camp.

Since then the former NCAA Division I wrestler was forced to rehabilitate his injury from sidelines and watch as Penn was booked for a title eliminator match against Carlos Condit at UFC 137.

Now, after being officially cleared by a physician Tuesday, Fitch presumably jumps right back into the welterweight fold. According to MMAJunkie.com, the UFC veteran's next move could be a fight against Johny Hendricks (11-1) at UFC 139, though neither side has confirmed.