Nov 20 The Fight Forecast: Griffin vs. Ortiz

This Saturday marks the return of UFC superstar and former light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz, who will be centre stage in the headlining role of UFC 106. The last time Tito was in the octagon was at UFC 84 in May of 2008 where he lost an unanimous decision to current champion, Lyoto Machida. Ortiz's opponent is a familiar one, Ultimate Fighter season one winner, Forrest Griffin. He and Tito have already locked horns once in the eight-sided cage which ended in a split decision victory for the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy". Now Griffin has had more high-caliber fighter experience and Tito is finally healthy and rested, this bout has all the ingredients for Fight of the Night.

Griffin's game plan for Tito should be a mix of pushing the pace and slowing him down with effective leg kicks. In his last four fights, Forrest has faced some of the worlds most dangerous and talented strikers. Fortunately for Forrest, Ortiz shouldn't be an immediate threat in the striking category. However, Griffin shouldn't try to brawl with him but instead frustrate Ortiz into making a mistake.

Tito should be looking to take Forrest to the ground and dominate from the top position, inflicting as much damage as possible with his ground and pound. It's hard to say at the moment just how good Tito will look on Saturday night. Although, if his back surgery has in fact gone off with flying colours than a much stronger and faster Tito could be a force in the light heavyweight division.

The Split Decision: Like their first fight, I think this is going to be very close with key advantages going to each fighter throughout the bout. It'll be better to judge where Tito is at after the fight but for now I think Griffin will take this fight via unanimous decision or split decision.

Gary's 2 Cents: Forrest Griffin is a gateway fighter. Good enough to fight some of the best, but only good enough to beat some of them. Tito won't be on that list. Tito has a soft chin, but Forrest has neither the power, nor the talent to take advantage. Look for Ortiz to get back to basics, and demonstrate the kind of ground and pound that made him one of the most feared light heavyweights ever. Forrest doesn't have to quit in this fight, the ref will stop the beatings in the 2nd round. Tito by TKO in Round 2.

Tags: Forrest Griffin \ MMA \ Tito Ortiz \ UFC

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