Another thread to fill the forum and stir the hype I think Ortiz was the perfect guy. He just finished a fight which he didn't suffer at all. He is in decent shape and has 10 days to get back into it. Plus it would give him a chance to avenge a draw which many would argue was his win anyway. That Evans draw ****ed up his record more than it had to be. I understand he doesn't want to risk his new resurrgence but this was a good opportunity and I'm sure the UFC would have considered it had he lost. Source: Bloody Elbow - Mike Chaipetta asked Dana if the Lyoto fight is signed and he said No, and Ortiz turned it down too.
Dunno what they'll do if Lyoto decides against it, maybe move Matyushenko into the spot and switch it with Franklin/Nog as the main I guess.
They want a high profile fight to save the PPV but if they can't do it then might be worth stepping someone like Franklin into the position then make the Matyushenko vs Lil Nog rematch/the Brilz beaters.
If Lyoto accepts the fight then im glad Ortiz declined it. Machida-Evans II is basically a number 1 contenders fight. Ortiz is coming off that great victory but even with a win over Evans he isnt deserving of a title shot. Id rather see Ortiz fight Stephan Bonnar probably win and build himself back up. A relevant Ortiz makes for some big fights.
If Ortiz is en route to retiring then I don't mind him being matched like Couture was. Keeping the name alive and let him get some good wins. If he intends on a run at the title then he is either good enough or not. I hope that Ortiz gets some wins under his belt like Bonnar. It would be nice if he avenged a loss to Evans or Hamill on his way. That would put him up there.
