TMZ, the apparent juggernaut in MMA news, broke the story late last night that Forrest Griffin has dipped out of his UFC 114 fight against Lil Nog due to a shoulder injury. The bout was scheduled to go down May 29th which is actually less than four weeks away. Now the question is: Who will take on Antônio Rogério Nogueira, a dude that hasn’t lost in three years, with only a few days to prepare? Can’t think of anyone? Don’t worry, I’ve already thought for you. I will think for you whenever you can’t think, it’s just another perk of being a MiddleEasy reader.
Vitor Belfort
Pending the mandatory ‘Are you my Brazilian friend?’ check, Vitor Belfort would be a great candidate to bang against Nog. Dude’s healed up from his injury that has sidelined him for three straight UFC bouts and the last time The Phenom lost was in Pride against Dan Henderson over four years ago.
Unfortunately Thiago Silva is scheduled to bang against Ryan Bader at UFC 116 so both of those likely candidates are out of the ‘Lil Nog sweepstakes’.
Tito Ortiz
We’re not sure what happens to Tito on TUF 11 that forces Rich Franklin to replace him, but actually fighting an MMA fighter instead of being accused of fighting his porn star girlfriend would be a welcoming change for The Huntington Beach Bad Boy. I’m sure he would be game just to get the media off of the ‘Jennito Scandal’.
Phil Davis
Alright, so his last fight was against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 112 in which he easily won Anaconda Choke in the first round. Phil really didn’t sustain any damage and he’s not on medical suspension so accepting a shot at Lil Nog does not seem out of the question. He’s 6-0 in his MMA career and all the ladies love those pink butt shorts he rocks. Well, ladies and Mets fans.
If ZUFFA selects from the pool of the above mentioned fighters, I will completely take credit for it and send in my resume to be Joe Silva’s assistant. Now who are your picks? [Source]
Update: It looks like UFC has found a replacement, Jason Brilz.