Upcoming UFC 133 Evans vs. Ortiz

Upcoming UFC 133 Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz, August 6^th, 2011 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz – light heavyweight

So I am almost furious with this fight. First it was supposed to be Rashad Evan’s shot at Jon Jones, the current belt holder. But when Jones suffered an injury during his fight against Shogun Rua where he earned the belt, Phil Davis was named the new opponent. But of course Davis suffered a knee injury and the spot was offered up to Tito. SO MAD! His most recent win was impressive, a submission victory over Ryan Bader which I haven’t blogged about yet but I will because his reaction is repulsing. Miming digging a grave, dragging Bader in and then covering it up. That is so low class. To celebrate is one thing, and good for him, he worked and trained hard for that but to be a cocky, arrogant, jerk is too much. Not the first time he has celebrated like that and I’m certain it will not be the last but I am not impressed Mr. Ortiz.

For a while now I have been saying I am over Tito. I used to like him and I do not deny that he is talented, he’s a former champ but I can’t stand his attitude and for a couple fights it seemed like he was fighting as a coach not a fighter. It makes sense, just think about it for a minute. When he defeated Bader, he had not won in about 5 years and his contract was on the line. Up against the wall he was in survival mode to save his career against the man who’s only loss was to the current champ. Kudos to him, it has earned him the third pick for this headline fight. Also, good for him for taking another fight so soon after his last. That still doesn’t earn my vote though, I’m hoping that just when Tito thinks he is on his way back up he gets shot back down and suffers a huge loss against Evans.

Just a side note, another little slap in the face, since it has been announced Jones doesn’t need surgery, Evans will not get the first shot at Jones’ title, Rampage gets it in September!

I’m going to make the rest of my choices short and sweet because I’m just plain annoyed with Tito showing up again.

Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama – middleweight

Both of these guys need to win, Akiyama is coming off two straight losses to Chris Leban and Michael Bisping and Belfort just lost to Silva in an embarrassing front kick to the face KO. I’m a fan of Akiyama and especially since Belfort just had his chance at the belt I’m going with him tonight.

Brian Ebersole vs. Dennis Hallman – welterweight

Ebersole is on quite a role and with a recent victory over Chris Lytle I feel like Ebersole has the momentum and he will be my pick this time.

Jorge Rivera vs. Costantinos Philippou – middleweight

I don’t know anything about this Philippou guy but after all the trash talking Rivera did before his fight against Bisping I’m going to be cheering against him.

Mike Pyle vs. Rory McDonald – welterweight

I’m going to be watching at a very busy bar in America so even though I kind of think Pyle will take this, I’m going with my fellow canuck McDonald in this one.

Over fights to note;

Matt Hamill vs. Alexander Gustafsson – light heavyweight

Obviously going with Hamill since I cheered against him in his last fight. Interesting to note that Hamill defeated Mr Ortiz who got the headline spot ahead of him…. Hmm. Granted, Ortiz did just win his last fight and Hamill lost to Rampage bit still, ugh.

Nam Phan vs. Mike Brown – featherweight

PHAN! I love watching this kid fight. After he got robbed of the decision win at his UFC debut I want Phan to finish this fight and not give the judges the opportunity to do that again.