Forrest Griffin defeats Tito Ortiz via Split Decision. (28-29, 30-27, 29-28) In the rematch of their previous encounter from UFC 59 both former champions Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin left everything in the ring with the original Ultimate Fighter taking a razor split decision which evened up the series between the two fighters.
It was thought that due to his inactivity that Ortiz may have struggled early on but proved the doubters wrong with his improved stand up catching Griffin with an accurate right cross, then came the wrestling skills of Tito who took down Griffin with ease. Ortiz was able to work effectively from the top position using his hands and elbows well but Griffin though proved too strong to keep on the canvas and was back to his feet moment later, catching Ortiz with a good combination and stuffing the follow up Ortiz takedown
Like round one,round two opened with Ortiz scoring with another overhand right followed by another takedown; again Tito was in a dominant position and again made the position count with a left elbow opening up a cut on the left side of Griffin’s face. Griffin again showed good strength and was able to sweep Ortiz to overtake the top position as the round drew to a close.
The Third round proved to be crucial to the fight with Griffin taking the round with his better cardio as Tito started to struggle with fatigue and was left to look like a human punch bag as Forrest tee'd off shots from all angles.
When the scores came in both fighters thought they had taken the bout but only one man's hand was raised, with Griffin taking the scores by 30-27, 28-29, and 29-28.
After the result, Griffin immediately played matchmaker saying “Tito, I think we’re going to have to do a third, we’re one and one man,”
Josh Koscheck defeats Anthony Johnson via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:27 of R2.
In an entertaining bout both Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson decided to give the fans their monies worth as they both looked to stand and trade in the first round with Josh actually getting the better of the exchange. In the round Koscheck was left on the canvas with Johnson looking to land a big knee strike, he didn’t land properly and instead forced Koscheck's finger into his eye, momentarily stopped the bout. When the fight got back underway Josh closed strong getting very close to securing a rear naked choke.
Again in the second round both fighters looked to trade in the centre of the cage. This round would witness yet another eye poking foul which again stopped the bout as this time Johnson was left in agony. When the fight got back underway Koscheck scored a single-leg takedown and started dropping elbows from Johnson’s half guard as the round neared conclusion. Johnson was no on survival mode but as he scrambled to get to a better position he gave up his back where Koscheck was then able to sink in a tight choke which made Johnson tap with seconds remaining.
After the fight Koscheck said “There is someone here who thinks he’s the No. 1 contender, He hasn’t fought anyone. He’s sitting over there. His name is Dan Hardy. He hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’m the No. 1 contender. He ain’t fought anybody like me, guaranteed. I’m the number one freaking contender in this weight division.
Paulo Thiago defeats Jacob Volkmann via Unanimous Decision. (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira defeats Luiz Cane via TKO (Punches) at 1:56 of R1.
Amir Sadollah defeats Phil Baroni via Unanimous Decision. (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
SPIKE CARD
Brian Foster defeats Brock Larson via TKO (Strikes) at 3:25 of R2.
Caol Uno and Fabricio Camoes declared majority draw. (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
George Sotiropoulos defeats Jason Dent via Submission (Armbar) at 4:36 of R2.
Bonuses
Fight of the Night 70k bonus goes to Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson
Knockout of the Night 70k bonus goes to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Submission of the Night 70k bonus goes to Josh Kosckeck
