Dansby’s Dirt: UFC 106 Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 Preview
The following entry was written by BSN Assistant Vice President and Kickboxer Stuart Dansby.
BSN is the official nutritional supplement provider of the UFC.
To read more of Dansby’s Dirt, go to BSNOnline.net.
The UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 Preview Blog
UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 happens this Saturday night from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and airs live on Pay-Per-View. Though there are no title bouts, there are some “Get a shot at a title bouts” and there are some “Where is my career going bouts;” all of which make UFC 106 a decidedly interesting and perhaps more importantly, highly explosive fight card.
Forrest Griffin (16-6-0) versus Tito “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Ortiz (16-6-1)
Freaky how these two guys have almost identical records, have both been a UFC champion at light heavyweight and they have both fought each other once before to a split decision. Freakier? Tito is in the Guinness Book of World Records for longest nickname. Ortiz won that first fight and said that he was injured going into the fight, wasn’t in any type of cardio shape and just fought on heart alone. He also says that he is now, and for all appearances seems to be, in the best shape of his life. Depending on injuries and how much punishment a body takes, 34 is not old for a modern-day UFC fighter. As a caveat to that though, it’s especially not old for a wrestler that doesn’t rely on speed as part of his attack. The question that begs itself though is whether Tito is totally healthy and recovered from his back injury? Tito didn’t fair well in his last three outings in the UFC, as he lost to Chuck Liddell and Lyoto Machida and had a draw with Rashad Evans. So has the back surgery healed him? Has his boxing training with renowned guru Freddy Roach made him a much improved striker? The beauty of fighting is that it’s the most honest sport in the world. You are who you are and the fight itself tells all.
Griffin on the other hand needs a win here, badly. On his side of the debate one might argue that he’s a much more improved fighter than the guy that battled Tito to a split decision 3 1/2 years ago. His experience level is much more extensive and since his showdown with Stephen Bonner in the TUF #1 final, he’s proven that he knows how to endure a long hard fought battle; be it on the ground or in the stand-up. Tito just might want to sport his new boxing skills and try to hurt Forrest at his own game in the stand-up, and then of course, try and take him down to his ground and pound. The more the fight goes to the mat, the better it is for Tito. However, and this is an important however, look for Forrest to have a much improved take down defense; and this I think will be the deciding factor in Tito getting worn out. There could be some cage rust here, as Tito hasn’t fought since April ‘08. This will be a hard fought match, just like the first one, and it will be close. Forrest Griffin wins in a decision.
Josh “Kos” Koscheck (15-4-0) against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (8-2-0)
This is a key fight for both men, as they’re both getting in line or back in line (Koscheck) for a title shot at “Rush” St. Pierre. This’ll be another harbinger of a fight! Both of these guys are decorated college wrestlers, although on paper, “Kos” does have the more impressive resume. We tend to forget that, as he’s such and aggressive striker. Johnson’s the same; great wrestler, but seems to love standing-up and kicking ass. These guys know each other, as they have had some serious sparring sessions a few years back when A.J. was not nearly as good as he is now. There’s little doubt they’ll both push the pace here and the Octagon will transform into intense-city! Johnson is a little more athletic. “Koz” is still very much in his prime, and not only has almost twice the number of total wins under his belt, but the caliber of fighters that he’s faced is formidable, to say the least. So if this fight goes to three rounds, Koscheck has the advantage (again at least on paper). Don’t think it will though, as there should be a ton of striking and dirty boxing, with both guys going at each other like two supercharged Big Horn Sheep and only going to the ground if one of them gets hurt. When it’s over, Anthony will out rumble “Kos” though, and will continue his meteoric rise in the UFC.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueria (17-3) takes on Luiz Cane (11-1-1)
Got to tell you people that I’ve been waiting a long time to see the other Nogueria brother in the UFC. He comes over with an impressive record from Pride and is one of the top fighters in the world at 205. This guy is more athletic than his brother “Minotauro” and although they are both known for world class Jiu-Jitsu skills, he’s also an excellent boxer; having won the Brazilian boxing championship, South American Games and even medaled in the 2007 Pan AM games. Cane though ain’t no slouch, and he’s a well rounded fighter. He’s got very good Muay Thai and a solid ground game. This fight will most likely end on there (the mat) and when it does, look for Rogerio to continue his winning ways with a submission.
Then again… I could be wrong on any of these picks (insert disclaimer here); after all there is a reason that they actually fight the fights!
Thanks for reading and supporting.
Have a powerful day!
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