Tito is not the same fighter he once was, he's way more hype than he is performance. Kinda like a better version of Ken SHAMrock. that said he's got the tools to lay'n pray a win, but with the way some refs stand up quicker now a days, it may not work. I see Tito dominating the 1st and then losing steam for the last 2 rounds, a la the Griffin fight. Machida won't be able to stop Tito from taking him down early, but will later on and will pepper him with shots to get the decision. He may land one to end the fight.. but I doubt it.
The UFC were looking for someone that could benefit the most from the boost beating Ortiz would provide. After Machida's destruction of Sokodjou, they are looking at billing him as the next contender for the 205-lbs title--that is, if they don't give Liddell a rematch in between. They were also looking for a bad match-up stylistically for Ortiz, which they found in Machida. His stand up is very technical as compared to Ortiz's sloppy punches and bull-rushes. Ortiz is fighting for a contract with another company. I think as soon as the going gets tough, he'll start looking ahead and thinking he doesn't give a damn about this fight anymore. I expect Machida to wear him down and get the decision.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (speeds @ May 20 2008, 07:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The UFC were looking for someone that could benefit the most from the boost beating Ortiz would provide. After Machida's destruction of Sokodjou, they are looking at billing him as the next contender for the 205-lbs title--that is, if they don't give Liddell a rematch in between. They were also looking for a bad match-up stylistically for Ortiz, which they found in Machida. His stand up is very technical as compared to Ortiz's sloppy punches and bull-rushes. Ortiz is fighting for a contract with another company. I think as soon as the going gets tough, he'll start looking ahead and thinking he doesn't give a damn about this fight anymore. I expect Machida to wear him down and get the decision.</div> here's the thing though, a W in this fight will get him a much better contract than an L, that has to be weighing on his mind.
This could go either way I think. Tito hasn't looked good lately. He even gassed a bit in his last fight. It can't be discounted that he is fighting for a new contract and some redemption after the bashing he's getting from Dana. I feel bad for him in that sense. He's up on big bear in seclusion and Dana is going around promoting and bashing him where ever possible. Machida on the other hand has been able to neutralize everyone his has fought. Like you said speed he's tailor made be beat Tito. Tito was a very good fighter at one point and is still young enough to repeat that success. I just don't know if he can do it. especially against one of the hottest fighters in the world right now who sees this as his chance in a really crowded division.
no doubt Tito could take it, but the more he talks.. well the more it feels like talk. He's saying he's 100% and his wrestling is back to what it used to be with a healthy back, but it remains to be seen IMO.
I'd love to see Tito win, but he won't. I just wish he could leave the UFC a winner and give Dana the bird on the way out.
