Personally, I think the MadCatz TE layout makes infinitely more sense for this game's controls than the MK stick's five button configuration does. X-ray inputs are less awkward, the buttons are closer together, and your hands aren't as far apart (though I can see why some people might actually like that).

It's also made from better parts. From what I've heard, there have been quite few quality issues with the fight stick. That said, I haven't used the fight stick, so it's hard to say. And of course, there's the convenience of using the same stick for MK as SF4.

I really like it.

It took some getting used to,
and I wasn't sure I had made the right choice at first,
but I love it now.

It definitely makes the game feel more "arcade-like" and nostalgic,
and I also feel like having a dedicated controller for MK
causes me to take the game just a *little* more seriously.

I actually disagree with Temp re: using the Capcom stick-
I *vastly* prefer the stick and buttons used in the MK stick.

I would 100% recommend a fight stick. But unless you have tons of money don't bother getting a MK-specific stick. You will not be able to properly use it for any other fighting game you want to play and most other fighting games require a stick way more than MK does.

Get something with a traditional curved button layout ( Like the Madcatz range) and you good to go. You can also pick up a nice entry-level stick for a very reasonable price whereas the MK stick is still pretty expensive (and overpriced for the components used imo).

Regardless what you end up with, I guarantee it will be an improvement over a pad (particularily the Xbox one), just give yourself a week or two to adjust to it. There will be some re-learning involved. Don't jump back and forth, once you have the stick, "stick" with it.