Tito Ortiz: 2 Fights That Could and Should Happen Next

Tito Ortiz defeated Ryan Bader at UFC 132 in what was labeled as one of the greatest upsets in MMA history. He appeared to be working his way back into the mix, and the world in general was stunned. A little over one week later, he accepts a fight on s…

Tito Ortiz defeated Ryan Bader at UFC 132 in what was labeled as one of the greatest upsets in MMA history. He appeared to be working his way back into the mix, and the world in general was stunned. A little over one week later, he accepts a fight on short notice to face No. 1 contender Rashad Evans, losing by way of TKO. Many say this was a major step back for Tito, but in all actuality, it hurt his stock in no way whatsoever. 

Tito is one of the highest paid fighters in MMA today, and he wants to prove that he still has what it takes to be one of the best. Taking that fight with Rashad really showed that his heart is 100 percent back in the right place. That fight wasn’t about money for him, it was all about respect, and he earned a lot of that in his fight at 133.

So where does this loss put him?

Tito is a top 15-20 fighter at the moment, but in all truth, he may be a top 10-12 in the eyes of the UFC bosses. So who should he fight next? 

Rich Franklin. Rich is coming off a loss against Forrest Griffin. Rich has been around the game for a long time and has defeated a who’s who list of competition. He told Dana White that he only wants to fight the best of the best because his career is coming to an end. Well, a fight with Tito would make total sense here. Both fighters are well rounded, with Tito having the advantage in the wrestling department. There is no telling how this fight would go down, but no matter what, it is guaranteed to be an entertaining war. So, that is the first fight that makes sense.

Another option would be Forrest Griffin 3. Forrest and Tito are a great fit for each other in the cage. The two have met twice before and both fights were a split decision, with each fighter having one win. The only way that this fight could happen is if Forrest loses in his rematch with Shogun. Forrest and Tito haven’t really evolved much since their last fight, but both appear to be in the best shape of their lives. Tito could use wrestling to his advantage, but on the ground, Forrest is the more superior grappler (his grappling is highly underrated). This fight would not only be very entertaining, but it would complete another legendary trilogy under the Zuffa banner.

In a way, those two fights are must sees when it comes to a Tito Ortiz fight. Tito has a couple of years left and probably three to six fights before he hangs up his gloves for good. When a fighter is in that stage of their career, nothing is better than to see them face another legend and add yet another memory to their legacy. Be on the lookout in the next couple of months, because there is a high chance that one of these fights will be made.  

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UFC 132 Results: Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber Results and Aftermath

Action-packed, toe-to-toe, legendary. Those are the words that described the main event from UFC 132.This is the first event that the UFC has hosted that featured former WEC fighters in the main event, good thing this was a main event because they trul…

Action-packed, toe-to-toe, legendary. Those are the words that described the main event from UFC 132.

This is the first event that the UFC has hosted that featured former WEC fighters in the main event, good thing this was a main event because they truly saved the best for last.

Every round was close, Faber dropped Cruz multiple times, but Cruz always recovered and, in most cases, appeared to do enough to win the round. 

This fight is not only Fight of the Night, this is the new front runner for fight of the year. Both gave it all that they had, and the fans will surely go home happy after this fight. 

This fight truly could’ve went either way. The judges got this one correct. People may dispute this decision, but just because Faber dropped Cruz, Cruz always rebounded. 

After the fight, both showed respect to each other and the fans showed their unhappiness with the decision.

Last night many things were proven. The bantamweight division deserves more attention than it has been given since the merger. Also, Dominick Cruz is one of the overall best in the world.

Next for Faber, expect the likes of a Brian Bowles or Demetrious Johnson. This loss will not affect his stock, but he will have to work his way back into the title picture. Also, a fight with Miguel Torres could be legendary.

Next for Cruz appears to be unknown. Demetrious Johnson, Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez. Those appear to be the top three men to face him, but it is up to Joe Silva to decide who will be next in line.

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UFC 132 Results: Wanderlei Silva vs Chris Leben Results and Aftermath

Wanderlei Silva vs Chris Leben may have been the toughest fight that I have personally witnessed. I like both but Wanderlei is everyone’s favorite literally. Early in the fight Wanderlei rocked Leben, but as Wanderlei pushed forward he was caught…

Wanderlei Silva vs Chris Leben may have been the toughest fight that I have personally witnessed. I like both but Wanderlei is everyone’s favorite literally. Early in the fight Wanderlei rocked Leben, but as Wanderlei pushed forward he was caught, which led to a clinch and then 4 solid uppercuts that led to Wanderlei dropping and Leben showering punches and finishing one of the greatest fighters who has ever lived.

After the fight Wanderlei took over a minute to regain complete consciousness. He tried to grapple with the referee until he realized that it was over. After  he stood he turned to watch the monitor to see what took place, and you could see the disappointment on his face. After the official decision was made, Wanderlei exited and the look of disappointment was clear on his face.

Leben was extremely excited, which was expected. He defeated his hero by Knock out. He even said that Wanderlei was his hero and thanked him for all he has done. Leben definitely redeemed himself in this fight, and showed he still has it. The direction that the UFC goes with him is a big question mark though.

After this, it is unknown what the UFC will do with Wanderlei. He said that he wanted to fight for 5 more years, but there is a possibility that he could be cut. If he remains, then it would make sense to give him someone like the loser of Belfort vs Akiyama, or a guy like Aaron Simpson. It just doesn’t make sense to feed him to the sharks anymore.

Chris Leben has moced himself back into a picture where he needs a top name. Give him a mid to top guy. Chael Sonnen is now able to fight again. This could set up a welcome back to the UFC fight for Sonnen.

This fight, could and should win KO of the night.

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UFC 132 Results: Dennis Siver vs Matt Wiman Results and Aftermath

Siver vs Wiman so far was the best fight of the night. Tons of back and fourth action the whole time and in all truths the judges got it correct on this one. Round one was a solid round for Siver with him landing more efficient strikes and defending th…

Siver vs Wiman so far was the best fight of the night. Tons of back and fourth action the whole time and in all truths the judges got it correct on this one.

Round one was a solid round for Siver with him landing more efficient strikes and defending the takedown. Wiman appeared to be a little frustrated. Round two started out close but ended with Wiman on top raining down elbows. Many would call it a 10-8 round but in all truths it was a 10-9. After round 2 both men appeared tired and went to the wrong corners. Round three was much closer with Siver truly getting the best of Wiman. He got back up after the takedown and at the end of the round really rocked him.

What is next for both men?

Is this the fight that sets up a rematch with Guillard and Siver? It truly could. Both are rising quickly but Siver could also fight Clay Guida. Either way, it is time for Siver to get a big name. He has won four in a row.

Matt Wiman, well he arguably won that fight. His stock wasn’t truly affected . There are a few good fights left for him. Give him a guy like Rafael Dos Anjos or George Sotiropoulos.  Wiman has a very bright future and a future rematch with Siver may take place.

After the fight it was obvious that Wiman was not happy as he made his way back. Siver was respectful in his victory and the future appears to be bright for him.

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UFC 132: Carlos Condit, B/R MMA Exclusive Interview

Bleacher Report MMA catches up with “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit discussing his upcoming fight with Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132. We also talk about a future fight with GSP, and his thoughts on Nick Diaz.UFC 132 will take place on July 2 at the …

Bleacher Report MMA catches up with “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit discussing his upcoming fight with Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132. We also talk about a future fight with GSP, and his thoughts on Nick Diaz.

UFC 132 will take place on July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight card will close out a run of six straight weekends of UFC/Strikeforce fight cards.

Check here for full UFC 132 fight coverage.

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UFC 132’s Wanderlei Silva; Can He Make a Run at the Title Before Retires?

This Saturday, July 2, 2011, Wanderlei Silva will make his return to the Octagon taking on the dangerous Chris Leben in a highly-anticipated middleweight contest. Leben is coming off of a knockout loss to the heavy-handed Brian Stann. Leben originally …

This Saturday, July 2, 2011, Wanderlei Silva will make his return to the Octagon taking on the dangerous Chris Leben in a highly-anticipated middleweight contest.

Leben is coming off of a knockout loss to the heavy-handed Brian Stann. Leben originally called out Wanderlei after defeating Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 116 last July. Leben was on a three-fight win streak until he met Stann at UFC 125, so in this fight he is looking to bounce back to get himself back into the big picture.

Silva has not been inside the Octagon since UFC 112 where he defeated Michael Bisping by way of unanimous decision. Since that fight, he has been dealing with injuries.

Videos of Wanderlei’s training for this fight have become available on YouTube and he appears to be in excellent shape and ready for this fight. Wanderlei is getting up there in age and at the current moment, this is his last chance at greatness in a realistic aspect.

Even though he has only won two of his last seven fights, his impressive debut at middleweight against Bisping really shot his stock back through the roof.

His inactivity has hurt him in a rankings standpoint, but since when have rankings truly mattered?

An impressive win should easily make him if not top-10, at least top-12 in the world. But, the big question still remains: Does Wanderlei have what it takes to make it through the middleweight division and get a shot at the title before he retires?

The answer is YES!

At this current moment, the UFC middleweight division is truly lacking depth. Nate Marquardt dropped to 170, and was then cut. Chael Sonnen is suspended, Damian Maia recently lost to Mark Munoz and Michael Bisping (has never truly defeated a top-10 UFC middleweight) has somehow put himself in the position for a chance at the title if he defeats Jason Miller.

Wanderlei is a legend, in all truths with a win, he would be one to three fights away from a title shot, it just all depends on what happens with Anderson Silva after his fight with Okami (if he wins).

Wanderlei is being written off by many people, many say he just doesn’t have it anymore. Those people must have missed his fight with Bisping. At this moment in time he truly appears to be in the best shape of his life, and has also aligned himself with very solid camps outside of his own personal gym in Las Vegas.

Never count Wanderlei out. He is easily in the top five of greatest of all-time, and always gives it his all. He is truly a force a middleweight.

So, will Wanderlei defeat Leben and make himself one step closer to a shot at the middleweight title? Tune in this Saturday night to UFC 132 live on PPV to find out.

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