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04/16/2006 Archived Entry: "UFC 59 'Reality Check': Sylvia KO's Arlovski, Ortiz Decisions Griffin!"
UFC 59 'Reality Check': Sylvia KO's Arlovski, Ortiz Decisions Griffin!
By Laz Izada
ANAHEIM, Calif., April 15 - Excitement ran abuzz at the Arrowhead Pond Arena as the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s presented their first card in the state of California to a sell out crowd of 18,OOO thousand fans.
In the main event for the UFC Heavyweight Championship Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski 11-4 now fighting out of Chicago by way of Belarus was taken on former champ Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia 23-2. Arlovski was coming in with a winning streak, defending his belt six times. Arlovski known for his quickness, had defeated four opponents under 1:25 in the 1st round by KO. He had already beat Sylvia by KO in .47 seconds in a previous meeting.
Sylvia was looking to avenge that embarrassing defeat. Sylvia 6’ 8” came in the best shape of his life weighting a slick 256 lbs.
This much anticipated bout lasted a little bit longer this time around. Arlovski was the clear favorite to win among experts and fans. But Sylvia proved them wrong. Arlovski took Sylvia down at 2:34 in the 1st round with a clear right hand. Hurt, Sylvia used his legs to get up, as he was determined not to stay down on his back.
Once on their feet, Arlovski was looking to put Sylvia away he threw a big left jab then a big right that had him coming forward. That’s when Sylvia caught him with a huge right hand to Arlovski’s jaw that took him down.
With Arlovski down on the mat on his stomach Sylvia took advantage of the situation and went in for the kill by landing six rights to the back of Arlovski’s head. Arlovski was defenseless, prompting the referee in stopping the bout at 2:43 of the 1st round.
Sylvia the new champ was jubilant after the victory. He said that he would like to take care of “unfinished business” against Frank Mir, whom he had previously lost to, and that he would give Arlovski a rematch.
In a very exciting close tough and nail co-main event former light heavyweight champion Tito “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Ortiz 15-4 was making his return to the sport. He was taking on “ The Ultimate Fighter 1 star” Forrest Griffin 12-4.
Tito won the 1st round by taking Griffin down and punishing him throughout the round. In the 2nd round Ortiz tried several times but could not put Griffin down. Griffin clearly won the round by outboxing Ortiz leaving him frustrated.
The 3rd round started the same way as the 2nd round. Griffin outboxing Ortiz, then towards the end of the round Ortiz took Griffin down again, sealing the victory.
Final results where a close split decision for Ortiz 30-27,29-27,and one 29-28 for Griffin.
PPV commentator Eddie Bravo had Griffin winning by a score of 29-28.
While being interviewed after the close bout, Ortiz told the 18,000 fans “boo me, cheer for me, whatever, I’m Tito Ortiz and I’m staying here for a very long time.”
Griffin had some comments after Ortiz admitted that he lost the 1st and a close 3rd round, and then he honestly mentioned that he is “not a good technical fighter, that he just fights, period, and that he is in good shape and that is all he needs to take on anyone at 205lbs.”
The next UFC event #60 will be on May 27th,in California again at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Matt Hughes, welterweight champion, defends his title against the legendary Brazilian Royce Gracie. The match up is being billed as “Undefeated Legend Meets Greatest Welterweight of All Time.” It should be explosive, a can’t miss live event or PPV buy.
