His final dismantling of Ken Shamrock was so one-sided it seemed quick even to those of us who KNEW he would win in the first round. Ortiz is a master in all aspects of mixed martial arts; he can throw with the best of them, is a master submission artist and thrives with the ground and pound. His record showcases his near invincible status, even as he gets older, he hasn’t let up a step.

He overwhelms opponents and bullies them into fighting at his pace. His weakness though resides in his boxing technique in that he juts his chin out and always seems to be inclined forward. This is a benefit for propelling across the ring and exploding into a takedown or launching a flurry of punches, but can be a detriment to smart pugilists who can be patient, pick and pop, then launch a counter-attack.

Sound like anyone?

 

No one in the history of mixed martial arts has ever hit harder than Chuck Liddell. The poster-boy for the UFC is a master at throwing bombs, simply stated: one punch from Liddell can knock out any fighter at anytime. Care to disagree?

What makes Liddell’s power so uncanny is his method. His technique is terrible, his hands are usually low, he throws with no real rhyme or reason and from impossible angles but when he connects with an overhand right or left, he flat out destroys cats.

No one hits harder: not David Loiseau with those elbows, not Forrest Griffin, not even Rich Franklin. The comparison between Franklin offers telling insight as well. Franklin is more technically sound, has better form, has more of a classic fighter’s body, but what separates him from Liddell is that The Iceman is an animal, pure and simple.

Anyone who’s seen the commercials for Xyience supplements (a brand also owned by Dana White) where Liddell trains in a desert has left with the same impression I have: that is absolutely believable – I picture him training in a desert with rocks, rope, logs and of course, a delicious smoothie featuring quality Xyience sports drink.

Ortiz may not be as savage as Liddell, but there is no doubting he is just as (if not more) competitive and simply hates losing. His in-ring discipline and training are legendary, so we don’t believe that he will let down his guard for even one second.

Expect Ortiz to start slow to try to get Liddell to open up, then he can move beneath Liddell’s guard and try to bring the match to the ground – the one area Liddell does not seem comfortable. Expect the Iceman to come out swinging. He’s savvy, so after his first burst he’ll back up to lure Ortiz to him, hoping to catch him with a left uppercut as Tito steps forward.

It should be a monumental match. Both fighters have instant K.O. ability, but betting against Liddell is not something I could ever do. Crack a Budweiser, place your bet on BetUS, call your friends and head to the nearest sports bar, you don’t wanna miss this.

Pick: Liddell in the 2nd round.

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Mike Manning is a freelance columnist and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room and BetUS.com Radio Show. To email Mike, send your comments to faceoff@betus.com.