TITO ORTIZ VS. FORREST GRIFFIN
The main event of the night features a rematch between two former Light Heavyweight Champions, Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin. There will definitely become fireworks, as there is no love lost between Tito and Forrest. Controversy followed their first fight are to Ortiz winning a questionable decision. Making things even worse, Tito accused Griffin of using a greasing agent during their fight. Forrest is coming off of two losses: one to Rashad Evans, and the other controversy of Anderson Silva (K.O.). Tito has been very inactive, only fighting twice in the last two years, and desperately needs this win if he wishes to still be considered a threat in th Light Heavyweight Division.
Forrest Griffin has always been, and will probably always be the underdog. Yet, until his most recent fights, he has always found a way to beat the guy that was suppose to beat him. A great thing about Forrest is his tremendous heart. On the flip side, there is nothing else tremendous about his game. When I describe a fighter, I will usually mention that he is great at one particular thing…most A-level fighters are. However, Griffin is not great at one particular thing. He has good hands, but lacks knock out power. He has solid wrestling, but can’t beat Tito in that department. I would have to say that his Jiu Jitsu is his biggest weapon. Although not great, it is very good. If Forrest wants to win this fight, he needs to do what he did the first time. He out struck Tito by using his long jab and also stuffed several take down attempts. If it does go to the ground, he will most likely be working from his back, so he needs to stay tight , and keep Ortiz from posturing up and unleashing his ground and pound. Tito is very hard to submit, so Forrest should focus on wrapping him up until the ref puts them back on their feet, where he has the striking advantage.
Tito Ortiz held the Light Heavy title longer than anyone else in UFC history. An extremely tough wrestler, Tito has proven that his wrestling ability is some of the best the UFC has ever seen. There have only been a select few that have been able to fend off Tito’s explosive take downs, and he literally introduced the term “Ground and Pound” into our vocabulary. Although Tito has decent hands, he never truly evolved, as the sport did. Tito never developed his striking to be at the same level as most of his peers. Plagued with back injuries for years, he recently underwent back surgery, and claims to be in the best shape of his career.
If this is true, I believe Ortiz can easily take down Forrest. Even if he takes a few coming in, Forrest’s lack of power should not result in too much damage. Tito realizes that it is unlikely Griffin will knock him out, so he will be willing to trade in order to set up his shot. Ortiz is an experienced veteran who has the ability to learn a lot from his last fight. Forrest will still out box him, but will not be able to defend Tito taking him down enough times to pull of the victory.
Winner: Tito Ortiz by Decision
Josh Koscheck VS. Anthony Johnson
The semi-main event features Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson in the 170 lb. division. Although he is always a formidable opponent, Koscheck has never truly been able to get to the top of the 170 lb. weight class. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is a ferocious up and comer, who will be launched into title contention if he can pull this one off. Anthony Johnson is an absolute monster. He is huge for 170 lbs., and is rumored to walk at around 210 lbs. Perhaps this is why he’s missed making weight by a large margin for his last fight against Yoshida. As I said in my last prediction, Johnson has devastating power in all of his strikes, and brings size and strength into all facets of his game. Although Anthony does not have the same wrestling pedigree as Koscheck, he is no stranger to it. Johnson has a strong wrestling background that will allow him to hold his own against Josh. That being said, it is obvious “Rumble” is going to force Koscheck to stand with him, where he is capable of finishing anyone in this division.
Introduced to the world via TUF, Josh Koscheck was once considered a boring , one dimensional fighter. Although he displayed tremendous athleticism and high level wrestling,he was extremely predictable.having very limited striking ability,josh would take you down,”lay and pray”, and pull of the win.however, in the last few years, josh has developed very solid striking, and has become a very complete fighter. Koscheck has tremendous power,and can lay people out with one punch.the problem that i am seeing however, is that he is too willing to stand and trade in doing, so his wrestling is taking a back seat to his new found talent.If josh wants to win this, he needs to stick to his strongest weapon…his wrestling. The reality is that he will probably be stubborn, and try to prove that he can stand with the best of them. If he does this with Johnson, he won’t be standing for long.
Winner: Anthony Johnson by K.O.
These picks are courtesy of your brother in MMA,
Robert “The General” Perez
Head Striking and MMA Coach at the 4oz. Fight Club in Houston, TX
Striking Tips from the General
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I’m a little worried that Tito’s eye, which he has been hiding in all of his video blogs this week, has effected his training and could be a factor in the fight. I like Forrest Griffin by tko in the 2nd round.
Tito by major smackdown!