A whole new following for Griffin

In UFC, much like in pro wrestling - you don't always have to get the win to get over. In fact, in many cases, it's easier to get the crowd on your side if you don't have your hand raised but are brave in the attempt.

That's exactly what happened earlier tonight when former reality show contestant Forrest Griffin, The Ultimate Fighter, faced off with a UFC Icon: former Light Heavyweight Champion, Tito Ortiz.

Ortiz said afterwards that he was nursing an ACL injury and was at "70%". I don't if I should take that as load of shit or an insult to Forrest. How many times did Ortiz duck Liddell citing nagging injuries as the reason? Granted, there's a big difference between Griffin and "The Iceman".

The fight started with Ortiz catching the kid and unloading a brutal ground and pound. Fans were likely waiting for Big John to wave his hands, but Griffin hung in.

he fight ended up being a split decision in favour of Ortiz.

“I never said I was the best,” said Griffin. “I’m just a dog. I fight.” That attitude, as well as his performance against the former champion and current Ultimate Fighter coach has cemented Griffin as a contender and one of the best Light Heavyweights in the world. I'm pretty sure we will see a rematch of this fight.

Oh ya, and Tim Sylvia punched the piss out of Andrei Arlovski to take back the Heavyweight Championship. Anti-climactic much? Ya.

I give SpikeTV and the UFC full marks for trying to make us care about these two - but neither have the compelling back stories of a guy like Forrest or even Tito.

Quick prediction: Within 2 years the gross majority of the fighters under UFC contract will have cut into the company via their Ultimate Fighter program. It's already happening, and it's just a matter of time before those cats completely take over. Fans want to feel passionate about a fighter AND see a great fight. Is that too much to ask?

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