UFC 106 – Ortiz vs. Griffin Preview Analysis
The UFC Returns to Las Vegas On November 21, 2009
Oct 31, 2009
Although heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar pulled out of his title defense against Shane Carwin, UFC 106’s remaining fight card still possesses a number of interesting fights. Tito Ortiz, who was fishing for other fight contracts while over coming back surgery, rematches with Forrest Griffin who is coming off a devastating loss in UFC 106’s main event. Josh Koscheck looks to follow – up his knockout victory over Frank Trigg against Anthony Johnson, while perennial contender Karo Parisyan returns after a drug suspension. Phil Baroni, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and Luis Cane round out an exciting night of fights.
UFC 106 Main Event –Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin
Tito Ortiz (15 Wins – 6 Losses – 1 Draw) took a split decision over Forrest Griffin (16 Wins – 6 Losses) in 2006. After a dominating first round by Ortiz, Griffin showed his durability by climbing back into the fight. Ortiz now has considerable ring rust, though Griffin has lost his last two fights by knockout. Both are former light heavyweight champions with well rounded skills, although Ortiz excels at conditioning, fighting in the clinch, and has an effective ground and pound. Whether Ortiz can take Griffin down and hold him there should be a key battle in the fight. Griffin is a resilient fighter, but look for Tito Ortiz to take a decision win in his return to the UFC.
Josh Koscheck vs Anthony Johnson
In what could be a classic wrestler vs. striker match – up, Josh Koscheck (13 Wins – 4 Losses) faces Anthony Johnson (8 Wins – 2 losses) in a welterweight bout. Koscheck is a 4 time NCAA Division 1 wrestling All – American who has improved his striking to deliver crisp knock outs. A majority of Johnson’s wins come through knockout, although he failed to make weight during his last fight providing a decisive advantage. Johnson will not have a size or power advantage over Koscheck who trains with the formidable AKA team. If Johnson can strike early he can surprise Koscheck who is likely to take the fight to the ground where he will dominate. Look for Koscheck to win through strikes on the ground in the second round.
Antonio Rogerio Noguiera vs. Luis Cane
In a battle of Brazilians, Antonio Rogerio Noguiera (17 Wins – 3 Losses) meets Luis Cane (10 Wins – 1 Loss – 1 No Contest) in a light heavyweight match – up. Both are solid fighters with wins over strong opposition. Luis Cane is younger by 5 years, while Noguiera compensates through experience. With both fighters having a solid ground game along with stand – up skills, the fight may be tentative as each probes for weakness in their opponent. Look for Cane to upset Noguiera through a decision based on effective striking.
Karo Parisyan vs. Dustin Hazelett
Known for his high amplitude Judo throws and his Kimura submissions, Karo Parisyan (18 Wins – 5 Losses – 1 No Contest) meets Dustin Hazelett (14 Wins – 4 Losses) in a battle of submission artists. Karo has lately fought to decision victories, and once touted as a title contender, is difficult to finish. Despite this, look for a focused Hazelett to frustrate Karo to take a decision victory.
UFC 106 Undercard Preview
A relatively green Amir Sadollah (1 Win – 1 Loss), a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter reality series meets the veteran Phil Baroni (13 Wins – 11 Losses) who has been competing in MMA with mixed success since leaving the UFC. Baroni is known for gassing in later rounds, but he has also consistently displayed strong punching ability. Favor experience as Phil Baroni will knockout Sadollah within the first round.
Marcus Davis (16 Wins – 5 Losses) and Ben Saunders (7 Wins – 1 Loss – 2 Draws) are trying to rebound from losses. Saunders possesses a considerable height advantage and will rely on striking to keep Davis at bay. If Saunders can engage Davis in a striking match he may win, but look for Marcus Davis to take the fight to the ground and grind out a victory in the second round.
UFC 106 Fight Predictions
Although UFC 106 has ten fights in total, these six will likely be broadcast.
- Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin – Ortiz by Decision
- Josh Koscheck vs Anthony Johnson – Koscheck by ground strikes in round 2
- Antonio Rogerio Noguiera vs. Luis Cane – Cane by decision
- Karo Parisyan vs. Dustin Hazelett – Hazelett by decision
- Amir Sadollah vs. Phil Baroni – Baroni by knockout in round 1
- Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders – Davis via ground and pound in round 2
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