(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for IFL)
Rematches are often the sign of lazy matchmaking. Back in the PRIDE days, they'd go "instead of finding fresh talent to challenge Wanderlei, lets just feed him an endless string of Japanese cans, followed by a washed up Kazushi Sakuraba. Our fans will love it."
And you know what? They did. But that doesn't mean it was necessary.
However, some fights have enough enthralling subplots to justify a rematch. In my humble opinion, here are a few...
Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz
This rematch was slated to happen a few months after their lackluster draw at UFC 73, at UFC 77 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Because Tito was tied down to "Celebrity Apprentice" at the time, it didn't happen.
Why do people call Tito a warrior? "Celebrity Apprentice"? Really?
Anyway, had this been a five-rounder, I am 100 percent confident Rashad would have prevailed. He was getting stronger as the fight went on.
Also, the crucial Tito fence grab in round 2 negated a thunderous Evans takedown that could have swung the fight.
Plus, Rashad has improved his quickness, footwork, and dexterity sevenfold since then; he would end Ortiz on the feet.
Ortiz hasn't added anything to his game in about ten years, other than an overhand right that is reminiscent of a drunken bum swinging at a pinata.
Of course, since Rashad is now the champion with the monumental task of solving the riddle of Machida, this fight isn't even necessary.
Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz IV
Just kidding.
Robbie Lawler vs. Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz has a 19-7 record in mixed martial arts competition. 20 if you count the time he beat a clearly drunken Gomi but got it revoked because he tested positive for marijuana. And I count that.
I don't care if he was more stoned than Benicio Del Toro every time he gives an interview. A win is a win. The thing is, though, if he had Rich Franklin's personality, I honestly believe he would have at least ten losses. Imagine fighting a guy who was calling you a little bitch during exchanges. You'd want to pay him back pretty quick, right? Well, Nick knows this. Thats' just who he is. It is a brilliant strategical tool that often swings fights in his favor.
Case in point: his scrap with a still-somewhat-green Robbie Lawler at UFC 47. You may remember this show; it featured the worst fight in MMA history. Wade Shipp vs. Jonathan Wiezorek. Holy moly.
Anyway, Nick came out, dropped his hands, stuck out his head like Prince Naseem, and shouted enough uncomplimentary remarks at Lawler that ref Steve Mazagatti actually told him to stop talking. Lawler became so agitated and angry that a short right hook on the chin was all it took to end his night.
If anything, the loss helped build Lawler into the great fighter he is today. He is much more relaxed and calculated now. But if you told me that he never wakes up in a cold sweat wondering how the hell this one got away from him, I wouldn't believe you. I guarantee you Lawler broke something expensive when he looked at the tape of this fight. This is a rematch that has to happen.
Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Although this would almost certainly be a let down compared to their epic 2005 clash, I feel like Rogerio deserves another shot at Shogun. That fight was remarkably close. Rogerio just gave up too many takedowns. On the other hand, Shogun has looked like absolute dog feces lately, and Rogerio isn't the most exciting fighter in the world, although it depends on the matchup. You know what? Scratch this. Bad idea. It's like giving Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer their own show.
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