UFC Insiders Edge 04.21.06: Random Thoughts

Posted by Billy Theriault on 04.21.2006

News on all of your favorite MMA stars including Tito Ortiz, Tim Sylvia, and David Terrell. Plus TUF Ratings drop in episode two and Dave Terrell headed for a big rematch!

Not much going on with me today besides being way too tired from working too much the last month or so. I have received so many e-mails from you guys over the past couple of days and I truly appreciate the compliments. The feedback is greatly appreciated so please keep it coming. Now on to the news of the day.


News: Tito Ortiz accuses Forrest Griffin of cheating

Tito Ortiz was on the radio Monday and said that he believed Griffin used grease to make himself harder to take down. Ortiz accused him of using it on his legs which would prevent Ortiz from getting a good grip to finish his takedown.

My Take:

Was Tito just being Tito or is there some truth behind this? I believe this 100% as Ortiz even commented later that if your not cheating then your not trying. Truth be told, the real reason Ortiz wasn't finishing those takedown was because his knee gave out on him and Griffins takedown defense was superb. I will give credit to both guys for laying their hearts on the line. I would like to see these guys fight again with Ortiz healthy and able to train properly. I have a feeling there would be a ref stoppage involved because Griffin will not stop until somebody makes him.

News: David Terrell/Scott Smith fight appealed.

Looks like we are going to be seeing this fight again. Smith has filed an appeal with the California State Athletic Commission over the finish of his bout with Terrell. During round two Smith and Terrell were standing in the clinch when, according to the appeal, referee Marco Lopez called for a break in the action. In MMA rules the referee is supposed to break the clinch and separate the fighters but apparently Lopez did not. This allowed Terrell to get an easy takedown and position himself to a rear naked choke for the win. Smith is hoping to have the ruling changed to a no decision so that he can protect other fighters from having this happen to them in the future.

My Take:

Smith is just going through the appeal motions and I believe he deserves another shot at Terrell. I don't know how much of a difference this really made as Terrell was within inches of tapping Smith in the first round but couldn't finish the job. I would favor Terrell to beat him again in a rematch but Smiths solids hands could make anything happen.

News: Tim Sylvia throws out first pitch at Dodger Stadium

Sylvia was at the Dodger game on Sunday afternoon to throw out the first pitch. He visited with Dodger players Jeff Kent, Brad Penny, and Nomar Garciaparra among others. Sylvia also went in the Giants dugout and meet with Barry Bonds and Steve Finley.

My Take:

I wanted to write about this just so I could bring up the fact that Bonds and Sylvia were in the same locker room together. Sylvia being a convicted steroid user and the Bonds having all of these allegations thrown at him must have made for a great conversation. I wonder if Andrei Arlovski was scheduled for this appearance until he lost the title. Seeing Andrei throw a baseball would have been pretty damn funny.

News: TUF Ratings Drop

The Ultimate Fighter season three suffered the biggest audience drop in show history last Thursday night.

My Take:

I think this had a lot to do with UFN 4 not leading in. The show will rebound though, because of the dynamics between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock. Once the two coaches have their first disagreement the show ratings will skyrocket again. Originally it seemed like Shamrock and Ortiz jarring with each other all show would be boring but through the first two episodes they have been rather quiet. Anybody who has seen the history of these two knows that quiet will not last very long. On a side note, did anyone find it as funny as I did during episode one when Shamrock says he doesn't know much about Jiu-Jitsu then turns around and brings in a bodybuilding coach. One of the top moments in TUF history.

News: Pride adds two more fights to OWGP

Pride increased the amount of announced matches on the show from three to five as they have signed Fujita to fight James Thompson and Alistair Overeem will take on Fabricio Werdum.

My Take:

Fujita! Way to make it official. I like the way this show is shaping up. With the possibility of Fedor fighting after the first round, there is definitely going to be a buzz surrounding this tournament. I think Punk/Cro Cop will be really fun and Aleksander Emalianeko and Josh Barnett will be one of the top heavyweight fights of the year.


Thanks for checking out the article. I hope you make this a regular thing as I am trying to cater to the fan who needs to know everything about the sport. I am a die hard fan myself and I write about the things that keep me coming back. Hope you all have a great day.