I think Forrest can beat Tito

mannywankenobi · 04-14-2006, 07:04 PM

That's right, I said it. Am I nuts? Maybe. But I happen to think that Forrest has a decent chance at beating Tito. And here's why:

1. The strength and size factor

One of Tito's biggest assets has always been that many times Tito is the bigger and stronger fighter. For example, his fights against Evan Tanner, Yuki Kondo, Frank Shamrock, Elvis Sinosec, Patrick Cote, and arguably several others. Tito has always been a big LHW and at one time even talked about competing at HW because he knew he had the frame and strength (although all that was just talk IMO and I didn't take it seriously). And because of this, Tito is able to control many of his opponent on the ground , usually manhandling them.

Well one thing about Forrest is that he also is a big LHW. His first pro fight was at HW against Dan Severn. I remember seeing Forrest fight in KOTC before TUF 1 ever aired, and the first impression he gave me was that he was a physically stong fighter, of which he won that fight via a brutal GNP stoppage with his opponent left in a bloody mess. IMO, Forrest will match Tito's strength physically. So I really don't see Tito manhandling Forrest as many of you think he will.

2. The ground game

Ever since the Forrest/Bonnar fight, Forrest has been seen as a brawling slugger type fighter. But the truth is, Forrest has a very good ground game. Some guys I train with competed in a NAGA that Forrest also competed in and they videotaped his fights. And from what I've seen, I know Forrest has a very solid ground game. I realize that Tito has superb sub defence and so I don't expect Forrest to sub Tito. However, I do see a fight on the ground being more of a competitive battle than the one-sided beatdown that many of you are predicting.

3. The standup department

Tito is an underrated striker. But Forrest is a better striker IMO. If the fight spends any significant amount of time on the feet, I give the edge to Forrest. Forrest used to be the sparring partner of K1 fighter Mark Selbee. And he has also had the oppurtunity to train for 3 weeks with the only man to ever KO Tito, Chuck Liddell.

4. Forrest's heart

The biggest problem for anyone fighting Forrest is that Forrest is the kind of guy that refuses to die. Even if Forrest is bloody, battered, and bruised and cardio depleted, Forrest will keep on throwing leather with every ounce of fiber in his being, as we saw in his showdown with Bonnar. And so I really don't see Tito finishing Forrest. In Tito's last 2 fights, he had trouble putting away a much smaller opponent in Cote, and a physically drained Vitor. In both of those fights Tito had to settle for decision wins and I predict that if Tito does win this fight it'll be by decision...again. But what else is new? And so the point is that because Forrest is so hard to finish, and Tito has had trouble finishing his opponents in his last couple outings, Forrest is always dangerous and his tendancy to throwdown till the very end could win him points and favor in the eyes of the judges should the fight go to a decision.

So there you have it folks. Mannywankenobi is officially insane. I think Forrest can and will pull the upset. I guess that makes me a TUF newb. In fact I should probably give up my blackbelt in Sherdog-fu and be demoted down to a white belt for making this thread. But just thought I'd share with you my insanity.

Flame away.

nymets · 04-14-2006, 07:08 PM

when are the weigh ins? shouldnt they have happend already? i wanna see what kinda shape tim sylvia looks to be in.

hovito · 04-14-2006, 07:10 PM

Oh for sure man, Forrest's face is gonna beat up Tito's hands.

Americo_perozo · 04-14-2006, 07:13 PM

I agree with ya Manny, I don`t know why there are so many people saying that Tito is gonna kill Forrest, I honestly don`t see it happening, I don`t see Tito ko`ing Forrest and winning by desision, it seems very unlikely from my point of view, I see a close desision in favor of Forrest or a surprise Ko....

mannywankenobi · 04-14-2006, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nymets

when are the weigh ins? shouldnt they have happend already? i wanna see what kinda shape tim sylvia looks to be in.

I don't know what your post has to do with my thread topic but since you're a NY Mets fan I'll excuse you this time. I also am a Mets fan and nowadays is good time to be one. So how about the Amazins' anyways? Pretty dominant right now, huh?

...oops, there I go derailing my own thread. Back to topic. Uh...Forrest is a strong guy!

Punished · 04-14-2006, 07:14 PM

Who's Forrest?

Title Fight Productions · 04-14-2006, 07:16 PM

Very well thought out and argued points. I think Tito will come in around 12 pounds heavier than Forrest thought. Tito will be huge!! Also i havent said this on hear yet as i can't reveal a source but you seem like you can take the truth....Forrest has an injury. Nothing big enough to stop the fight like a cut or anything, from what i hear its some type of knee tweek or such. Not an excuse for Forrest in anyway, if you wanna fight and the Commision doctors say your good to go, then all excuses go out the window!!!! Just a little "inside" info for you.