The original main event for UFC 106 was supposed to be a heavyweight title fight between the champion, Brock Lesnar, and the number one contender, Shane Carwin.  However, Lesnar was forced to bail out due to an illness that is now considered to be pretty serious.  So while the MMA world wishes him and his family well, the new main event is a rematch between two former light-heavyweight champions in Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin.

Ortiz was victorious via split decision in their first contest at UFC 59 in April of 2006.  It was a fight where Griffin, the TV announcers, and the entire arena all wanted to see two more rounds.  That obviously didn't happen, but now fans are hoping to be treated to three more rounds of the same back and forth action as the first go-around.

Griffin is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC and has been since his brawl with Stephan Bonnar at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale.  He's best known for his willingness to throw caution out of the Octagon door, and throw hands and feet with little regard for taking punches.  His cardio is amazing - he often seems to get stronger as fights go on - and even in victory he absorbs some degree of punishment.  Griffin holds notable wins over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Mauricio Rua.  However, his most recent fight was an embarrassing loss to middleweight champion and pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva, where he was completely outclassed and ended up running out of the cage before the winner was even announced.  Griffin will be looking for redemption from that defeat as he takes on the Huntington Beach Bad Boy.

Ortiz hasn't fought since May 2008 and isn't widely considered a main event fighter at this point of his career.  But after having back surgery to repair some disc damage, he says he's healthy and ready to show the world why he's one of the biggest draws in the history of the sport.  Ortiz's biggest strength is his wrestling, and having a bad back kept him from utilizing the full extent of that talent.  His career boasts wins over Ken Shamrock (x3), Vitor Belfort, and Wanderlei Silva.  His ground and pound technique is among the best the sport has ever seen, and his fights are generally very exciting.  If he's able to take Griffin to the mat, it could end up being a rough night for the TUF 1 winner.  Originally slated to meet Mark Coleman at this event, Ortiz doesn't care who his opponent is.  He just wants to get back to title contention and win the belt that he once wore with so much pride.

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 106 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!