Breaking Down UFC 121: Matt Hamill Vs Tito Ortiz

Added on Oct 20, 2010 by John Petit in

UFC & MMA

The main story line here is teacher versus student. When Tito coached on the Ultimate Fighter Season 3 show he picked Matt Hamill as one of his fighters. However, even though Matt won his fight in the house, he was injured and couldn’t continue. They gave him another UFC fight because of the injury at the finale, and the three-time NCAA Division III National Champion in wrestling took advantage of the opportunity. Matt has only lost in the Octagon twice, and once was by way of a decision to Michael Bisping that many people felt was completely wrong. He is currently on a four fight win streak, and two of those fights he received the much coveted post fight bonus (one for fight of the night and one for KO of the night.)

If Tito was any other fighter people would be mocking the UFC for even making this fight. Yes, Tito has earned the opportunities the UFC is giving him, but make no question about it, he is fighting to remain relevant in Mixed Martial Arts. Injuries have plagued Tito for a long time, as he makes excuses for every one of his losses, but he needs a win in the worst sort of way. Tito lost 3 of his last 4 fights, and the odd fight out was a draw against Rashad Evans. Even though he has only fought once a year since 2006, it is important to remember he hasn’t won a fight since then. The 15-7-1 fighter, 5 of them being successful light heavyweight title defenses, also has a wrestling pedigree worth noting. He wrestled in college, and finished third at the 2000 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling. He defeated noted graplers Matt Hughes, Mike van Arsdale, and Rumina Sato to get there. His opponent list has UFC champions all over it, as well as Hall Of Famers, but the question is: What Tito Ortiz is going to show up?

Tito is coming off of a year lay off, and a losing streak that would put any other fighter as a headliner on local shows. If this was 2001, I would be arguing why they were throwing Matt Hamill to the wolves, and asking why does Dana White hate Matt Hamill? However, Its 2010, and the injury prone Ortiz is going to have his hands full. More then likely we are looking at a wrestling stalemate, but at this point if I had to give the edge to someone, I would give it to Hamill. Tito hasn’t displayed good wrestling, or good ground skills in ages. If he ends up fighting off of his back, with Matt in half guard, Tito is going to end up in the hospital yet again. If it does end up in a take down stalemate, I think Matt Hamill will win there too. Seven of Matt’s wins come by way of TKO or KO, and Tito has been overwhelmed by strikes in the past. I see Tito being outclassed in this fight, as he has showed nothing to make me think otherwise, but I do think he will survive till the end and lose by a decision.