| Does Forrest Griffin Still Have What it Takes? |
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| Written by Matt Foust | |||||||
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Wednesday, 18 November 2009
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When Forrest Griffin steps into the Octagon this Saturday, he will have a number of questions to answer. Chief among those, however, will be whether or not he has what it takes to remain a top-tier fighter in the light heavyweight division. Griffin, the original Ultimate Fighter winner, has lost two fights in a row coming into this weekend's re-match with Tito Ortiz, which has raised concerns about the former champion's chin. Griffin has always been known for two things as a fighter, which are his tireless work ethic and his ability to absorb a If Griffin's abillty to take a punch has indeed been compromised, it will not be the first time that a high profile fighter has been undone by such a malady. Two recent examples include former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and former PRIDE champion Wanderlei Silva. At one time these two combatants were the most feared men in the 205lbs. division, but now they are viewed as being a good hook away from canvas decoration. In fact, Liddell, after losing four of his last five fights (three by TKO or KO), has, mostly likely, set foot in the Octagon for the last time. Will that be the case for Griffin if he goes down against Ortiz? Ortiz, who has eight career wins via TKO or KO, seems to think it might. "I've seen time and time before where guys get knocked out and their heads get soft," Ortiz said. "I hope he's (Griffin) getting weak." Despite Ortiz' confidence, and Griffin's recent woes, online bookmaker BetUS.com is looking for the former light heavyweight champion to rebound. Griffin is presently listed as a -145 moneyline favorite to take out "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" this Saturday night at the Mandaley Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. BetUS.com UFC 106: Ortiz vs Griffin: Forrest Griffin -145 Amir Sadollah -210 Karo Parisyan -110 Jake Rosholt -200 Anthony Johnson -120                        |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 November 2009 ) | |||||||
thunderous shot and keep on going. However, after a TKO loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 92 and a KO loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 101, many feel that the 30 year old former police offer has taken one too many heavy blows to the cranium. What was once a strength, looks to have become a weakness.