UFC 148: Tito vs. Forrest 3 Is a Perfectly Acceptable Fight

Tito Ortiz is getting his wish for one more UFC fight. He's even getting his own hand-selected opponent, as the UFC confirmed this morning that the long-rumored third bout between Ortiz and Forrest Griffin will take place at UFC 148 in July.

I stay fairly tuned into Twitter throughout the day, and I was shocked to see the immediate backlash on the fight from fans and journalists alike. 

We've known this fight was coming down the pipeline for months, so it can't be a surprise.

And what's the big deal, anyway? Ortiz wants one last fight, and they're giving it to him. Would you really rather see Ortiz—a legend of the sport and a guy who helped build the UFC into the global powerhouse it is today—be sent packing from the Octagon by someone like Jason Brilz or Rich Franklin?

Of course not. That's a silly notion.

Griffin is the perfect final opponent for Ortiz. Forrest has zero desire to get anywhere near a title shot at this point in his career. He's just waiting for his own opportunity to ride off into the hills. There aren't any heavy expectations on either of these guys, and that's just fine.

Need I point out that they've already faced each other twice, with each man taking a close split decision? In this day of immediate rematches that hold up the title pictures of entire divisions, doesn't it make sense to let these two veterans square their issues, whether real or imagined?

It makes perfect sense.