It didn’t take too much time to reconsider as Dana White announced via twitter that Tito Ortiz will step in to fight Rashard Evans at UFC 133. Initially turning down the fight, Ortiz had a change of heart and now is back in the good graces of the UFC.
Payout Perspective:
It made sense for Ortiz to turn down the fight initially considering the short time to prepare. However, once Lyoto Machida turned down the fight, Ortiz gained leverage. Ironically, before UFC 132 he was quoted as having to beg to keep his job, one event later his job seems pretty secure. The move made sense for Ortiz since the move could be seen as doing a favor for the UFC and guaranteed he stick around. It also meant that he probably would not receive a pay cut at UFC 133.
With Ortiz-Evans the UFC gets a brand name fight that it can sell as its main event. The UFC was probably worried that it would end up with a Rampage-Hammill situation. At least this go round, there will be some definite gamesmanship to hype the fight. Ortiz will likely refer back to their first fight at UFC 73 and cite the fact that he should have won had not it been for a point deduction. Despite being past his prime, Ortiz’s submission victory at UFC 132 shows that he’s still has something left. And, facing Evans, a fighter that’s been out of the ring for over a year, the fight could be more competitive than it looks on paper.
Even though i was rooting for Tito in that fight. He would not have won without the deduction. He grabbed the fence to stop a takedown. He was on his way down and pulled himself back up. If evans gets it and keeps it for a minute or so he wins the round 10-9 rather than Tito winning and losing a point making 9-9. Tito grabbed for a reason. You cant cheat to prevent losing them claim you would have won if not for the punishment. I hope Tito wins but it is silly for people to write of Evans win as a technicality. You cant take away Evans win because Tito committed a foul. He would have more than likely won either way.
Ya I agree I rooting for tito this time I dislike both but I dislike evans more
Evans did not win the fight, it was a draw. Everything else I agree with.
If Tito wins it makes for an interesting storyline, so I’ll be rooting for him. I’m sure they would try to put him in against the winner of Rampage-Jones (no way Machida is in line for a title shot after trying to strong-arm Dana). I don’t think Tito has a snowball’s chance in hell against either ‘Page or Bones, but it would be nice to see one of the original champs back in a title fight.
And I don’t like the way Rashad has been fighting or managing his career as of late, so I would love to see him lose.
Judges’ scorecards were 28-28 across the board, so he would’ve won the fight without the deduction. That said, this is a very interesting rematch due to the amount of time Evans has been away, not to mention the fact that this will be his first full fight camp away from Jackson’s.
Van
The fight was a draw but if not for the deduction Tito would have lost. He didnt get the deduction for no reason. He cheated to stay on his feet and win the round. He was deducted that point for cheating. If he would not have grabbed the fence he would have lost the last round and the fight 2 round to 1. Instead he grabbed the fence to stop Evans takedown and went on to win the round because of it. Then after he was deducted a point it made it a 9-9 round. A draw. Tito didn’t cheat and get a win but he still avoided a loss so he benefited none the less. I dont think Tito cheated purposely but he broke the rules and by luck it worked out for him. Evans could have stuffed Titos takedown by using the fense too. You cant let one and not the other.
A rematch should be interesting. Im not sold Tito has anything in the tank even though i was impressed with his last fight. I think Rashad has many weakness but not sure Tito will capitalize. I see another close fight with Evans scoring a little more points on a slow stationary Tito he plays defense and fights to make it close rather than win.
Good point. That takedown might’ve made the difference.