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UFC 140 Results: 5 Fights We Would've Loved to See Tito Ortiz in

Dan HiergesellDec 11, 2011

On a night where we witnessed Jon Jones' vindication as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, it was difficult to bypass the importance of the legendary Tito Ortiz and his first-round demise to Rogerio "Little Nog" Nogueira via TKO.

The fight was Ortiz's second-to-last promotion left on his UFC contract, putting him on the horizon of 15 active years within the organization.

With one fight left, barring setback from Dana White and the UFC, "The People's Champ" is three-rounds away from hanging the gloves up once and for all.

A day that will end the reign of one of the most dominant champions in MMA history, and a controversial one at that.

Here are five fights that we would've loved to see Tito take part in.

5. Chael Sonnen

1 of 5

Chael Sonnen and Tito Ortiz are two of the best smack talkers in UFC history.

Ortiz doesn't hold back against anyone, and Sonnen goes after the big dogs like Anderson Silva.

The pre-fight squabbles would be some of the best all-time, especially if they had coached The Ultimate Fighter.

Both guys sport some of the best aggressive wrestling and cardio in their respective divisions, making this matchup an instant tactical ground battle.

But that doesn't mean they wouldn't throw bombs.

The fact of the matter is that Sonnen and Ortiz are very similar fighters inside, and outside, of the Octagon, meaning a showdown could produce one of the best fights of the year.

4. Chris Leben

2 of 5

I'm putting Chris Leben on this list because there's nobody else I'd rather see charging Tito Ortiz with an array of clock-stopping power shots.

Ortiz would probably test the waters on the feet, but one shot would teach the veteran that "The Crippler" isn't just a nickname.

I think this fight would be a testament to Ortiz's heart and Leben's will to withstand punishment.

Truly a promotional bout for the MMA world and one that would capture the brute force of the middleweight and light heavyweights divisions.

3. Rich Franklin

3 of 5

Why has this never happened?

Sure, Rich Franklin fought at 185 lbs. for the majority of his career, but the veteran was always able to strap-on some weight and showcase his talents in the light heavyweight division, like he's doing now.

Franklin and Tito Ortiz have both fought some of the best names in the sport, including Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva, Evan Tanner, Lyoto Machida and Ken Shamrock, so it would be very interesting to see how this fight would have panned out.

Both guys are very well-rounded, especially Franklin who boasts excellent stand-up and a solid takedown defense, which ultimately bodes well for a fan favorite fight.

With Franklin due back sometime in 2012, more than likely the summer, this fight is still possible if Ortiz does in fact get another shot in the Octagon and decides to do it after some well-deserved time off.

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2. Quinton Jackson

4 of 5

To be honest with you, it's shocking that this fight was never booked by Dana White and Joe Silva.

I guess the stars just didn't align.

Regardless, Rampage Jackson and Tito Ortiz are two of the most popular fighters in MMA history, let alone the most talented.

In Jackson's near five-year career in the UFC, he fought in four title shots.  During that span, from 2007-now, Ortiz fought in none.

It's safe to say that Jackson was simply waiting.  Ortiz never caught up.

However, based on fight appeal, I couldn't think of a better draw than these two dueling it out in an aggressive swing fest.

1. Dan Henderson

5 of 5

Here it is. 

This is a fight that will truly never happen, and one that we would've loved to witness.

At this point in their careers, Tito Ortiz being on his last legs and Dan Henderson on the cusp of title shot against Jon Jones, this legendary showdown seems utterly impossible.

Ortiz is easily considered one of the most proficient and popular champions in UFC history.

And Henderson is considered a true legend of the sport, and a fighter that was semi-responsible for making PRIDE the powerhouse that it was.

To have this two fighters meet in the Octagon, it would simply be history in the making.

I think Henderson would probably land a fight-ending H-bomb, but Ortiz's wrestling and shear heart inside the cage goes hand in hand with his opponent's.

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis.

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