One of the most anticipated bouts at UFC 132 saw Tito Ortiz pick up one of the biggest victories of his career, after he defeated light heavyweight prospect, Ryan Bader.
Both men came out and began to feel each other out, trading leg kicks in the process. Ortiz and Bader continued to circle. Then Ortiz stepped inside and landed a right hook that knocked down Bader. Ortiz continued his assault on his opponent shortly after, and applied an arm-in guillotine choke to submit Bader within two minutes of the opening round.
What’s next for Tito Ortiz? –
The win for “The Huntington Beach Boy” ended a five-fight winless streak, which has allowed Ortiz some breathing room for the moment and remain in the UFC. Since 2006, Ortiz has remained competitive throughout his losing skid, fighting some of the top fighters in the world such as Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida. The win not only earned Ortiz a victory over a top fighter, but a chance to maintain some drawing power, as it could lead to a bout against respected veteran like Vladimir Matyushenko or the winner of Rich Franklin and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
What’s next for Ryan Bader? –
After suffering his second consecutive loss, Bader will likely remain out of action for the rest of the year. Bader’s time away will give him a chance to redefine his overall gameplan and evolve as a fighter. While a return to the Octagon before the end of the 2011 is a bit premature, Bader will need to re-solidify his status among the light heavyweight division if he intends to stay in contention. A bout against up and coming fighter, Alexander Gustafsson is possible, or a facing fellow wrestler Matt Hamill is also likely.