Some people may think that Tito Ortiz has nothing to prove tonight and that this is little more than an exhibition match for the fans who felt cheated after UFC 61. The truth is this fight means more to these fighters than you may realize.
Will Shamrock Retire?
Ken Shamrock originally claimed that win, lose, or draw he would retire after this fight. He has changed his tune slightly since then, but I think it’s the smart thing to do. Ken has had a hell of a run in this business and the only thing he really has left to prove, at least to himself, is that he can beat Tito Ortiz. If Shamrock does win tonight, he would go out on top with a win over his biggest rival in UFC. It would be a story book ending to his career in mixed martial arts.
If Shamrock loses again tonight, it would be for the third time to Tito Ortiz. Ken has only had one win in the last four years. I honestly don’t think he could recover from that and expect to keep competing. However, while another loss would be a sad ending for Shamrock, he would still have the satisfaction that he tried his best, no matter what.
The only way Shamrock can really lose is if he were to defeat Ortiz and continue fighting. At 42 years-old, with only one win over the last few years, there’s not a lot of options for Ken.
What Will It Mean For Tito If Ken Wins?
A loss for Ortiz tonight, as far-fetched as that may seem to most people, will not affect his upcoming title shot against UFC Light Heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in December. I think that’s why most people don’t think Tito has anything to prove tonight, but I beg to differ.
If Shamrock pulls off a win tonight, even by decision, it will rock Ortiz. Losing to a man he’s already beaten twice, and going in to a title fight against a man that’s already defeated him once, could mess with his head. After all, his next fight after winning at UFC 61 was supposed to be a title shot. The fans spoke out after the fight and demanded a rematch, so Dana White made it happen. It’s a fight that Tito Ortiz really didn’t need to take, and a fight that the Tito of old would have laughed off, but the 2006 model seems to be more mature and cares just a little bit about what the fans want.
Ortiz is going to go out there and do everything in his power to stop Shamrock so he can concentrate on Liddell. I’m sure he’s not even considering losing as an option today, but it could happen. It doesn’t mean that a loss tonight would screw him up completely. Hell, it could be just the fire under his ass the he needs for his title fight at UFC 66. I still think it would mess with him though; a loss he never should have had. Of course, the average person will never notice, because Tito’s ego will cover up any holes in his armor.
The Final Chapter
The probability of Shamrock pulling off a win tonight is about as likely as Mike Tyson reviving professional boxing. I’m sure if you’re Ken Shamrock (or a Shamrock fan) you want that one final win — and who better to have a win against. Ken would have to be faster than he’s ever been in his life to pull off an upset against Ortiz. I just don’t know if the “old man” has it in him.
If Tito Ortiz doesn’t go into this fight with some serious focus, it could mean big trouble for the “Bad Boy.” However, I think Ortiz is smart enough to be focused on the task at hand, and not thinking ahead to Chuck Liddell.
Just because the fans weren’t happy with Herb Dean’s stoppage last time doesn’t mean that the outcome will be much different. I expect Ortiz to look for the takedown early, followed by some nasty ground n’ pound.
Sick’s Pick: Tito Ortiz, TKO in the first round.
