Thanks to David Douglas, here’s a piece looking at the upcoming matchup between Guy and Tito at UFC 50: The War of 4. Click on READ MORE to see the whole story.
The War of 4 is Set for UFC 50
Guy Mezger hopes to settle the score with long time nemesis Tito Ortiz in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 50: The War of 4. Mezger and Ortiz, who have met before in two controversial fights, will enter the UFC Octagon in Atlantic City on October 22 and decide their feud once and for all.
Since its inception, in 1993, the UFC survived many attempts to shut it down. Influential organizations such as the American Medical Association and major network programming sought to ban the UFC from American viewing audiences. Arizona Senator John McCain supported these detractors. McCain views the sport as nothing more than a “senseless, brutal, tough man brawl.” Thanks to a new generation of hybrid mixed martial arts, fighters from around the world and continuous growth of a loyal Pay-Per-View audience, UFC still stands today.
Most recently, the UFC lives on under the new ownership of Zuffa Sports Entertainment, based in Las Vegas, Nevada – the fight capital of the world. Zuffa introduced more acceptable standards to appease the critics. For instance, appointed matches within new weight divisions replaced the fight tournament. Five- minute rounds supplanted free for all no time limit fights; all fighters wear gloves, and wrestling shoes are prohibited.
Through years of perseverance, UFC spawned legendary fighters and matches; many of which were controversial. Mezger, a Dallas resident, is one of these warriors. He is a member of the legendary Lion’s Den and personifies the true meaning of mixed martial artist. Mezger competed and won major championships in the US and Internationally. Prior to entering the world of mixed martial arts, Mezger established his domination with world championships in Full Contact Karate and Kickboxing. Additionally, he competed in boxing and submission wrestling matches earning a reputation as a warrior who will compete “any time, any place, any rules.”. Mezger went on to excel in mixed martial arts. Guy won the prestigious King of Pancrase and Pride Championship titles in Japan, UFC XIII in the US and most recently the European Vale Tudo Championship.
In UFC, Guy is known for his two controversial show downs with Tito Ortiz. The first encounter was at UFC XIII – Ultimate Force in 1997. Mezger won this first fight. Midway through the fight with Ortiz seemingly in control, referee “Big” John McCarthy stopped the action so the medical staff could examine a cut in Mezgers scalp. Many experts and fans felt this break unfairly gave Mezger time to recover and regain momentum. In addition, some fans in the arena felt that Guy might have tapped out during the action prior to the stoppage. McCarthy did not see it this way and allowed the fight to continue. Shortly after the medical stoppage, Mezger preceded to position Ortiz into a guillotine chokehold forcing him to tap out in defeat.
In 1999 at UFC XIX -Young Guns- Mezger and Ortiz met for the rematch. This was the most anticipated rematch since the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock battle at the “Superfight” in 1995. Again the outcome was controversial, but this time the victor was Ortiz. The action was quick, perhaps too quick for Mezger. He was on the receiving end of strikes to the back and sides of his head and appeared to not properly defend himself. Referee John McCarthy halted the action giving Tito the win. Mezger fans and fight corner felt the action was stopped too soon. To them it did not appear that the blows were causing any damage. Ken Shamrock, Mezger’s trainer and manager, did not agree with the decision and argued his case to McCarthy. While this was argument continued Ortiz put on a T-shirt that had a personal insult towards Mezger printed on it. Shamrock spied the T-shirt and turned his attention towards Tito. A ruckus ensued in the Octagon.
Tito Ortiz went on to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and “Poster Boy” of the new UFC. During his reign, Ortiz was seemingly unbeatable, until he met Randy Couture at UFC 44 in 2003. Couture, a two time UFC Heavyweight Champion, dominated the five round bouts winning a unanimous decision. Ortiz lost his next fight- the UFC 47, earlier this year, in the second round by knock out at the hands of Chuck Liddell.
Well, that was then and now is now…..
Ortiz vs. Mezger III is now set. Will this restore Tito Ortiz to title contention? Or will this be the last fight for Mezger or Ortiz? And could this be UFC’s answer to some of boxing’s great rivalries from the past i.e. Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Duran, and most recently Gatti-Ward? Time will only tell.
Let’s get it on……..
Guy Mezger is the Head Instructor at Guy Mezger’s FS Martial Arts located within the Landmark Fitness Club at 12740 Merit Drive, Dallas, TX 75251. FS Martial Arts offers instruction in Kid’s and Adult Karate, Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai, Lion’s Den Submission Wrestling and Private Training. The phone number is 214-954-0022.
