A few bars around my house are still displaying the original UFC 106 event poster with Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Tito Ortiz, and Mark Coleman. Now only one person from that poster is actually fighting tomorrow. Did the UFC not ship out updated posters?
I find myself pretty apathetic about Tito vs. Forrest. I've actually been pretty underwhelmed with Tito's prefight trash talk... although in his interview during the UFC 105 broadcast he managed to show off his mastery of the english language yet again, "Yeah, I do think it is coincidental. Everything in my life is coincidental and I believe everything happens for a reason." Holy shit Tito. I think I'll take Forrest by unanimous decision. Although if they've paying attention to main events recently, they should both be really looking to finish inside the distance.
I'm most interested in Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson. On paper Koscheck should win this fight but his ego is going to prevent him from doing so. Koscheck is going to forget about his wrestling credentials yet again, and try and stand and trade with Johnson. Koscheck needs to get within close range to land his devastating overhand right, but that will be extremely difficult against a fighter who has a height and reach advantage. I think Johnson will end this one early with a highlight reel KO.
Should Johnson win the UFC will put their marketing machine behind him. He's young, articulate, and has some swagger to him without being disrespectful to other fighters. He'll get one more fight to build him as a legitimate contender to GSP, and if he wins, a title shot. His ability to make 170 is always going to be a concern though.
Nice to see Lil Nog in the UFC finally. I'll take him by unanimous decision over Luis Cane.
Karo Parysian vs. Dustin Hazelett was cancelled yesterday as Karo had to pull out. Karo clearly has problems. I sincerely hope he gets the help he needs with his reported issues with pain killers and anxiety. However, I found it odd that the UFC scheduled him to fight when he hadn't paid his fine to the NSAC yet for his positive drug test after his last fight. Last minute fight cancellations are never a good thing - the UFC needs better due diligence procedures in these matters and should be aware of their fighters' standing with the respective athletic commissions well in advance of the events. But good on the UFC for paying Dustin Hazelett his base salary and his win bonus anyways.
If Amir Sadollah loses to Phil Baroni it will really display just how bad the talent on TUF 7 actually was.
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