Lowkick.com UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz Community Predictions
Rewind five weeks.
Former champion Tito Ortiz is on his last legs inside the UFC. Ryan Bader is a big favorite going into their fight, and Dana White has already made it clear Ortiz will be cut if he loses. Not only does he win, but he makes Ryan submit faster than Jon Jones did.
Coming back to the present Tito is suddenly relevant again. He has the backing of a fan-base seemingly larger than his following was in his heyday. His future is set up inside the Octagon with the aforementioned White advising that he will not be cut with a loss, and he goes up against a guy he should have beaten in their first match-up, Rashad Evans.
“Sugar” is in a bit of a different place. In the past year and a half he’s switched camps, had a second high profile feud with a man he called his brother just six months ago, lost out on a title shot twice, and has had to heal up after injuries. Oh, and he hasn’t fought in just under 450 days. A win here, and he most likely gets that shot at Jon “Bones” Jones. If he loses than he goes to the back of the line where the top tier of the 205 lb division.
The rest of the card features a couple great prospect vs. veteran fights in Pyle/Macdonald and Philippou/Rivera. A couple oddities in Hallman and Ebersole. And finally a fight between the legendary Vitor Belfort and perpetual fight night bonus contender Yoshihiro Akiyama. It’s the second straight PPV I would consider sub par and worthy of being a Fight Night on Spike, or in a perfect world HBO. However, those are the ones that usually deliver the best fights funny enough.
On to the fights!
dray12 – Tito is bigger and stronger, Rashad is faster. This fight may come down to who has the better game plan and who has the superior technical ability. I think the blueprint to beat Tito is an easier one to execute for Rashad than the reverse. Evans TKO 3
edub – Man I hate picking this fight. On one hand I really want Tito to win, and possibly set up a number 1 contender match with Forrest Griffin (were he to beat Shogun down the road). Also I didn’t pick against him last month, and that came back to bite me in the butt! I really can’t pick against Evans here though. Tito has the size to give Evans problems, but I think Evans has the speed to give Tito a loss. Again I’ll say it; I hope I’m wrong. Evans by Decision
Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
dray12 – I still think Vitor can be champion if he uses his entire game. Banging with Akiyama might not be a good idea even though Vitor is faster, and I think we might actually see this one hit the ground. Belfort by Decision
edub – This fight is all sorts of wrong for “Sexyama” in my humble opinion. The only thing Akiyama does better than Belfort is Judo, and Belfort is naturally the much bigger man. I think even if it hits the ground Vitor’s black belt in Bjj will keep him out of trouble. Belfort TKO 2
Jorge Rivera vs. Constantinos Philippou
dray12 – The torch will be passed. Philippou by Decision.
edub – I think “El Conquistador” will put his young opponent through the ringer here. When he can pressure his opponents, and beat them up against the cage he usually has success. Rivera will be able to accomplish that here. Rivera by Decision
Dennis Hallman vs. Brian Ebersole
dray12 – Hallman will use his superior grappling and control to earn a decision or submission, although he could face trouble a few times along the way. Hallman by Decision
edub – I’m in agreement with dray here. Hallman is the much more seasoned foe when it comes to top competition, and he has grappling that gives most 170 lbers in the world fits. MMA’s resident steroid defender will get the win here. Hallman by Decision
dray12 – It’s hard to bet against Mike Pyle, but when I see a young and inexperienced fighter who is so impressive from a technical standpoint, I have to go with him. Rory by Decision.
edub – Rory Mac is the future of the 170 lb division. He’s not only adept everywhere, but he is good anywhere the fight takes place. He’s got speed, power, and as dray mentioned he is extremely impressive from a technical stand point. Pyle is the kind of guy who can give Rory problems, but he’s also made mistakes in big fights in the past. I think he will here. MacDonald Submission 2
