MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer</B><BR><BR>
Tito Ortiz?s career hasn?t appeared this promising in well over half a decade. The ?Huntington Beach Bad Boy? broke a five year skid when he submitted highly praised prospect, Ryan Bader at UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber 2, and the unlikely win has reignited interest in the once dismissed former champion.<BR><BR>
Prior to the bout a few interesting factors loomed; the most pronounced was the clear indication that a loss to Bader would signal (what many considered) a long overdue release of Ortiz, who hadn?t posted a victory for the promotion since October of 2006. With a contract that guarantees a sizeable reward regardless of outcome, Ortiz had become a costly investment that, quite frankly wasn?t paying off.<BR><BR>
The victory over Bader, as unlikely as it seemed at the time, shocked audiences everywhere, and showcased two attributes we rarely see from Ortiz: quality submission skills and dangerous punching power. In short, Ortiz looked better than he?s looked since holding the belt circa 2000.<BR><BR>
Now, Ortiz has a prime opportunity to put himself right back into the mix of upper echelon light heavyweights. Though only weeks distanced from his last outing, Ortiz agreed to meet the fellow former champion at UFC 133 after Evans? previous opponent, Phil Davis withdrew due to injury. The bout will hand Ortiz a chance at redemption, as a point deduction prevented him from earning a decision nod over Evans when the two first collided at UFC 73 in 2007.<BR><BR>
While there?s certainly no guarantee as to the outcome of a fight, Tito Ortiz enters this specific bout with some considerable advantages over Evans; let?s break this one down!<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>5. Hunger, Literally:</B> Ortiz may have shocked Ryan Bader, but make no mistake, his career is still in jeopardy. A loss here puts him right back on the cusp of release, and that?s something Ortiz can ill afford. Expect Tito to come out hungry and determined, for this is one gentleman who certainly doesn?t want to lose his job; the man?s got kids to feed.<BR><BR>
<B>4. Mouthwash, Use It:</B> There?s no doubt that Tito mentally kicks himself repeatedly for clinging to the octagon?s fencing at UFC 73. The foolish foul not only earned Tito an unwanted point deduction, which resulted in a draw, it ensured he continue in his winless ways, and acted as a springboard for Rashad, who?s not only faced nothing but elite competition since, winning the divisional title in the process.<BR><BR>
Ortiz knows that one mistake cost him the fight, and he?ll be ready to rinse the nasty taste that?s lingered since that dreadful evening. Don?t expect too many erroneous maneuvers from Tito this time around.<BR><BR>
<B>3. Rust, It?s Tough To Shake:</B> By the time these two climb back into the cage to settle their score, Rashad will have been inactive for roughly fifteen months. That type of layoff can be good in some cases, and horrible in others: Considering the fact that Evans has only competed three times in the last two years, I don?t consider the hiatus beneficial.<BR><BR>
Expect Rashad to require at least a single round to shake the rust and find his rhythm and timing. That?s ample opportunity for Ortiz to pick up big points and distance himself on the judges? score cards early. Hell, Tito may even seize the chance to land a fight changing strike.<BR><BR>
<B>2. You Know I Already Won, Bro:</B> Ortiz should have a solid mental edge, finally (how often can you say that about Tito?). Not only is he returning after the (arguably) most impressive fight of his career, but mentally he?s got to believe he won the first fight.<BR><BR>
Confidence (as can a lack of, for that matter) can sometimes predetermine the outcome of a fight, and this is a good example of a likely candidate for that setup. Expect Ortiz to take the greater risks in this rematch.<BR><BR><!--more-break-->
<B>1. Momentum Baby:</B> This selection fits hand in hand with number three, for opposing reasons, obviously. Tito?s returning after just a month away from action, he just defeated an opponent with a similar skillset to Rashad?s, and he?s got the memory of their initial meeting boiling in his brain. These factors should only bolster Tito?s belief in himself, and have likely cast a shadow of doubt in the mind of Rashad Evans. Anything can happen in MMA, but I favor momentum nine of ten times.<BR><BR>
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