Tag: Flagship

Brian Barker:

Tito Ortiz’s submission victory over Ryan Bader at UFC 132 creates an interesting problem for the UFC, Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva. The truth is that nobody gave Tito a realistic shot to win this fight including the odds-makers who had him as a 4:1 underdog.  

Even Matt Hughes was getting a few good laughs over Ortiz’s chances of winning at the UFC 132 Q and A. Dana probably believed that he wouldn’t have to deal with Ortiz after tonight and he could finally hand him his walking papers and be done with him.

Tito’s victory creates a little bit of a dilemma for the company because no one really knows where Ortiz is ranked in the light heavyweight division and it also derails the development of Ryan Bader. Just like any other sport, building prospects is an important part for any organization and Tito was thought to be easy prey to get Bader back on track after his loss to Jon Jones.

It will certainly be interesting to see what the UFC decides to do with both men at this point. Bader has now lost two fights in a row and a third would put him in danger of no longer being a can’t miss prospect a la Brandon Vera, Todd Duffee and Houston Alexander.

It will be even more interesting to see what the UFC does with Ortiz. A win may have saved his job, but probably isn’t enough to catapult him into the upper echelon of the division.

An interesting option could be to fight the winner of Rich Franklin and Lil Nog or maybe pair him up with Phil Davis if he happens to get past Rashad. One thing you can bank on is that Dana certainly won’t be giving Ortiz any easy fights.

With all that being said, Ortiz definitely deserves credit for tonight’s victory because he showed his complete game. Tito’s hands never really instilled any fear in opponents but he was able to rock Bader with a solid right hand, he showed a little of his patented ground and pound, and quickly switched to a guillotine.

Overall, it was quite an impressive performance and it will be interesting to see how he looks his next time out.

Tito Ortiz is back. He has been on a bit of a losing streak over the past few years, as well as battling many injuries and personal issues. He was a 5-1 underdog in this fight, and while a rare few picked him, virtually none truly believed it.

Ryan Bader is like a young Tito many say. He has now lost two straight. While many may laugh about him losing to Tito, in all truths it is not a bad thing.

Tito has been fighting nothing but top competition while on his losing skid.

The started out with both men attempting to find their range, which led to Tito connecting with a right, which dropped Bader. Tito instantly swarmed him with punches then locked in an arm in guillotine. That move is a wrestler’s weakness a Tito said and Bader eventually tapped out.

So what is next for both men? Ryan Bader needs to take a small break and truly evaluate himself. Starting undefeated and then losing two straight will mess with your mind. His next fight should be against someone like Matt Hamill. This would be a good match up for both men, and with coming off of a loss it makes sense.

Tito Ortiz is a big question mark at the moment. It is hard to even think about who they could give him. The reason that is said is because it is unknown where he is ranked in the “UFC”. He could fight the winner of Matyushenko and Gustaffson, or they can throw him in to the deep end and let him fight the loser of Davis vs Evans. Either way Tito Ortiz is back!

Bleacher Report’s Cody Slovensky

Carlos Condit absolutely outclassed Don Hyun Kim in their match up. I interviewed Condit and asked if he felt Kim was ready for an opponent of his caliber, and well…..He say that we would find out Saturday night, and indeed we did.

Condit caught him with a flying and finished him with a few punches. Condit really made a statement in this fight. He said that if he finished Kim that he would request a title shot, well with this impressive victory I personally say that he deserves it.

Post fight, Kim still appeared dazed. He made it to the back, but when you are knocked out for the first time, it is a different experience for you. Condit isn’t a very emotional type person that boasts celebratory emotions after a fight. But again he did make it clear he wanted a title shot.

What is next for Kim? This loss did not hurt his stock at all. He loss to one of the best welterweights of all time. He could be facing the likes of a Rick Story or a Charlie Brennaman. He is still mid level contender and two more wins and he is back.

What is next for Condit? He is ready for the big dogs. In all truths it would be nice to see a rematch with Kampmann, but now that his stock level has risen even more it is time for a guy like Jon Fitch or BJ Penn.  He does have a claim to fight for the belt, but that would include a long layoff, which is what he just encountered so odds are he will have 1-2 more fights before a shot at the championship.

Bleacher Report’s Cody Slovensky

Carlos Condit used to have a reputation for submitting his opponents.  It seems now he wants to change his rep.

For the second time in as many fights, Condit walked out of the Octagon with a first round knock, this time of previously unbeaten Dong Hyun Kim.

After what seemed a lackadaisical start to the fight, one that saw Condit get taken down before reversing his position and getting back up, Condit threw a lazy straight right kick before moving in close enough to throw a brilliantly timed flying knee that landed square on Kim’s jaw, dropping him to the canvas. 

The additional punches Condit landed after pouncing on a fallen Kim were probably not even necessary, but referee Steve Mazzagatti allowed him to it anyway, further punctuating another impressive win for the former WEC Welterweight Champion.

The question now becomes; what’s next for Carlos Condit?  In a division staring for a legitimate threat to Georges St. Pierre’s title, maybe Condit is that threat.  It’s true that GSP has a formidable opponent on deck in Nick Diaz, but should that fight end the same way most of St. Pierre’s do, Condit may very well have the best case for a shot at the champ.

Just as impressive as Condit’s ability to end his most recent fights early is who he’s beaten in the process.  A left hook KO of Dan Hardy, who’s lone strength seems to be boxing, and now a flying knee KO of Dong Hyun Kim, who had yet to taste defeat and consistently looked a class above those he formerly fought, screams that Condit is as worthy an opponent to challenge St. Pierre’s strap as exists in the UFC.

Will the UFC give it to him?  Count me among those who think they should.

Bleacher Report’s Patrick Straub

Melvin Guillard once again showed why he is a top contender.  His speed and hands are some of the best in the lightweight division.

Shane Roller is a very solid wrestler, but made the mistake of staying on the feet and attempting to trade punches. Early on all was well, then Guillard starting landing hard shots which rocked Roller and led to the end for him.

Post fight, both men were respectful. The doctors were attending to Roller who appeared to be OK, while Guillard celebrated and spoke facts. He did not demand  a title shot and his post-fight speech truly made him look well in the eyes of the big names of the UFC.

There are many fights that both men could take after this, but one thing is for sure, and that is it is time for Guillard to get a top guy so that we can truly see where he is at in the lightweight division.

Next for Roller? There are a few names that come to mind, but the best that does is the loser of Siver vs Wiman. Wiman would match up pretty well with both guys, and while Siver has superior stand-up, Roller’s wrestling could truly make the difference.

Next for Guillard? He is at the top of his game. A fun match up for him would be Anthony Pettis.Guillard would have the advantage considering his teammate is coming off of a victory over Pettis.

Pettis is healthy and that could be perfect for a meeting in Dallas, TX later this year.

Bleacher Report’s Cody Slovensky