UFC 132 Preview Part Five: Tito Ortiz vs Ryan Bader

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It’s all on the line for Tito Ortiz at UFC 132 as the former light heavyweight champion must defeat Ryan Bader or face being cut from the UFC roster. With his career in jeopardy Tito must be feeling the pressure especially since he hasn’t won a fight in the UFC for over five years. He may need a miracle in order to pull off a win against an opponent who is bigger, stronger and faster than he has been in years. Many are wondering how it’s possible for Tito Ortiz to still be active in the UFC with his less than impressive recent record. Tito would probably point to his draw against Rashad Evans and split decision loss vs Forrest Griffin as evidence that he is still a competitive fighter and close to a victory. He may have used a similar argument in pleading with UFC President Dana White to give him one last shot.

In his recent blog post on ESPN.Com, Tito referred to himself as “the last of the mohicans” which sounds like words from a man who knows he’s an old school fighter in an evolving sport. But as The Huntington Beach Bad Boy, Tito Ortiz was the original pay per view draw that helped put the sport of mma on the map. Much has changed since the days when Ortiz ruled the light heavyweight division, for starters his recurring injuries, feuds with Dana White and mounting personal problems have all contributed to the downward spiral of a once great career. Tito knows this is his last chance and the only thing standing between him and a future with the UFC is Ryan Bader.

Ryan “Darth” Bader is a two time All American wrestler and a dangerous striker who showed off his KO power last year when he knocked out UFC veteran Keith Jardine. The Ultimate Fighting champion had all the momentum going for him that any rising star could want until he suffered his first defeat in February of this year at the hands of the current Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. It’s his only loss to date and Ryan must defeat the legendary Tito Ortiz in order to keep his status as a top ranked light heavyweight and hopeful future title contender. Bader knows that take downs and striking worked well for Matt Hamill in the match against Tito and he may pick up where Hamill left off this Saturday night when the Octagon door closes.

At this stage of his career, Tito Ortiz may not posses the raw power or athleticism to match his opponent but he does have plenty of experience in important matches.  Aside from experience, his best shot at defeating Bader will be to go on the attack from the opening round. If he can surprise Bader with an early take down and control him then he may be able to conjure up recent unpleasant memories still lingering inside Bader’s mind courtesy of Jon Jones. This strategy might be enough to take Bader out of his own game plan allowing Tito to push the pace and control the fight. Despite his powerful wrestling base, Ryan Bader appeared helpless off his back against Jones so Tito needs to get this fight on the ground quickly and establish early dominance. With his career on the line you can expect that Tito Ortiz will start fast and give everything he’s got as he makes his last stand. The final prediction is that Tito Ortiz pulls off a shocking upset and defeats Ryan Bader by decision.

Skully Williams has been a fighting fan most of his life. What started out as a casual interest in pro wrestling and boxing has evolved into a full time passion for MMA. Combined with his love of writing this pugilistic penman is delighted to be a part of the Inside Fights team.