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Currently, Tito Ortiz is opponent-less for UFC 106. While the event is six weeks away, fans are eager to learn of a new match up.
Ortiz was set to fight Mark Coleman at the Nov. 21 event, but Coleman was forced to withdraw from the bout with an MCL injury. The UFC is yet to make any announcements about who will replace Coleman.
According to Sports Illustrated's Josh Gross, Ortiz "mentioned to the UFC [that] Travis Wiuff is an opponent he'd like to fight." However, the UFC declined his request, and is still searching for a replacement. Ortiz said that he would "fight anyone."
A good match up for Ortiz would be against the likes of Stephan Bonnar or Houston Alexander, said Gross.
Many fans have been expressing their opinions about Forrest Griffin replacing Coleman and engaging in a rematch with Ortiz. However, while no official statement has been made regarding Griffin, Griffin has said that he will return to the Octagon in 2010. In addition, Griffin got married recently and is reported to be on his honeymoon.
On Tuesday, Kimbo Slice offered to replace Coleman. While the fan response has been enormously positive, this match up cannot happen. The two are in different weight classes (Ortiz in light-heavyweight; Slice in heavyweight), and Slice does not have a contract with the UFC.
Slice just posted on his Twitter account that he thinks Ortiz takes safe fights, and that he would love to see Ortiz fight Griffin or Kieth Jardine - two opponents who would be tough to beat.
Ortiz has not fought in the UFC since his loss against Lyoto Machida in May 2008 at UFC 84. Ortiz chose not to re-sign with the promotion due to his anger with UFC President Dana White. In mid-July 2009, White and Ortiz had stated that they had made amends. A week later, Ortiz announced that he had signed a six-fight contract with the UFC. At the end of July, White officially announced Ortiz's return to the Octagon.
As of now, the search for Ortiz's new opponent continues.
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