UFC 61: Bitter Rivals Preview
By Phillip Przybylo: The Ultimate Fighting Championships 61st pay-per-view edition is appropriately dubbed Bitter Rivals, and there may not be a feud more bitter than Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock. There may also be no greater rivalry at this time than Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski.
The first fight between Shamrock and Ortiz over three years ago did not exactly send shockwaves through the sporting world, but it was recognized and noticed. The fight with the sport’s two biggest stars was initially a mere step up in terms of publicity, but it would ultimately become the springboard for legitimizing the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combat. Ortiz dominated the first bout, methodically and brutally pummeling the aging legend. Shamrock is only older these days, so why do it again? Well, they still hate each other and they can still make a lot of money with each other.
And with emotions running high in Las Vegas on Saturday night, anything can happen.
The seemingly never-ending feud started over seven years ago when Ortiz similarly dominated Guy Mezger, a student and training partner of Shamrock. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy would live up to his name and act the part of sore winner, of all things. A couple of middle fingers and a few kind words worked like a charm. Shamrock only encouraged the disrespectful behavior by becoming enraged. Ken, immersed in the world of professional wrestling (and a wrestling contract) at the time, would not have the opportunity to face his nemesis until several years down the line. In the meantime, he would have to endure years of insults.
When they did meet at UFC 41: Vendetta, Ortiz used world-class wrestling skills and slightly superior striking ability to rearrange Shamrock’s face. The punctuation mark could have been placed, ending the feud. However, old habits die hard and Ortiz would resume trash talking Shamrock. Ortiz has always viewed “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” as a fake and could not let himself show a modicum of respect.
When they were offered the chance to coach young fighters for the UFC’s reality show, The Ultimate Figher, they both jumped at the chance to coach against their rival. Ortiz would prove to be the better coach. But his seemingly all-encompassing dominance over Shamrock was put into doubt for the first time since the one-sided rivalry began. Over the course of taping the show, Shamrock had actually found ways to push the former light heavyweight champion’s buttons. It was the equivalent of Frazier finally throwing a one-liner or zinger right back at Ali during their tumultuous press conferences.
Shamrock’s seemingly insane attitude to enter the Octagon with a fighter who destroyed him may also work towards a psychological advantage. At the age of 42 and nearing the end of his legendary career, he has very little to lose. Although his mental condition has been a sore point for him in the past (being too cautious against Royce Gracie in their rematch, being a little too quick to quit while winning against Fujita, being too emotional in general), he may enter the cage on at mental level equal to Ortiz.
However, it may be the only edge he possibly has. Once known as “One Punch” Shamrock (26-10-2), the former superfight champion did little to hurt Ortiz with strikes the first time around. His submission skills have lacked their crispness since his comeback in 2000. In addition, his wrestling skills pale in comparison to Ortiz, who may also be one of the sport’s most complete fighters (losses to Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, and Frank Shamrock–Ken’s adopted brother–may say he is not the “best,” but still he is a complete, versatile mixed martial artist).
With a narrow but solid win over Forrest Griffin several months ago, it is hard to see Ortiz (13-4) as anything but a prime fighter destined for another easy win over Shamrock. Almost every prognosticator sees it as such. Look for something similar Saturday night, but also look for Shamrock to try to go the distance, get his licks in, and use his hatred and determination to hurt Tito and maybe steal a round.
Perhaps, the feud can then end. Shamrock can then be shown a little respect as he was one of the first big stars of the UFC. His foray into the more popular pro wrestling (WWE) probably brought in more fans as his national exposure enlightened people as to the sports existence and nuances. He is a big reason why the sport is going and growing strong–strong enough to invade boxing websites like this.
And perhaps, Shamrock can admit that Tito is one of the greats and deserves a share of the legendary status he holds for himself.
Two other fighters looking to make their mark are the heavyweights, Arlovski and Sylvia. Their bout for the UFC heavyweight championship is not a rematch, but rather, a three-match. They split their first two fights in decisive manner, and by the end of the night, only a true champion will remain.
Sylvia (21-2) is the underdog despite being the current champion. Many view him as someone who strikes first, asks questions later–a one dimensional fighter with many weaknesses. However, Arlovski’s biggest weakness, his chin, happens to match nicely with Sylvia’s style. It was this mix that led to the champion’s win, a win he craved after being criticized by pundits for his easy road to his initial UFC Championship in 2003 and his first lost to the “Pitbull” by submission via an ankle/achillies lock.
“Pitbull” Arlovski (9-4) may have more to gain (a championship), but he also has more to lose. A loss could put him out of UFC title contention for the next couple of years. A loss could ensure him losing his momentum as the UFC’s “it” fighter and major attraction. And a loss could devastate the psyche of the young fighter who once appeared destined for greatness. So Arlovski has plenty of pressure on him, but can he use it to his advantage and let pressure fuel his desire?
The former champion certainly has a wealth of techniques in his repertoire other mental motivation. He is well-versed on the ground, and his striking ability has produced a multitude of knockouts. That same punching ability also knocked Sylvia down before the Maine-iac recovered and offered his fistic rebuttal in the rematch.
With Sylvia’s size and strength advantage, coupled with a win over Arlovski three months ago, the champion has a fair chance for a repeat performance. He has enough tools in the stand-up game to take on and take out any heavyweight. Still, Arlovski has enough striking ability–he’s an excellent kickboxer–to close the gap and eventually take him down. Look for both men to take at least one round in this scheduled five-rounder. But also look Arlovski to win a narrow decision or by a late submission.
Look for rivalries to be settled in the co-main events for UFC 61 and possibly some new ones to begin during the solid undercard featuring multiple exciting UFC veterans as well as respected newcomers to the promotion.
Questions and comments can be sent to the author at: eastside_double_p@hotmail.com
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Posted July 7th, 2006 l 140 views
