Tito Ortiz Replaces Phil Davis, Faces Evans At UFC 133

Tito Ortiz

Ortiz agrees after initially declining fight

Tito Ortiz has agreed to replace the injured Phil Davis and will face Rashad Evans in the main event of UFC 133.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon.

Ortiz and Evans faced off the first time around at UFC 73 in July 2007. Ortiz would have walked away with a decision victory, but a point was deducted from his score for holding the cage. Instead of a victory, Ortiz was forced to settle for a draw.

Since that time, Evans has improved dramatically and even held the UFC light heavyweight title after beating Forrest Griffin. Ortiz went on a losing streak that lasted until UFC 132 earlier this month, when he beat Ryan Bader in a monumental upset.

Ortiz was the first fighter asked to replace Davis, but initially turned down the fight. After backup option Lyoto Machida also declined to accept the fight, Ortiz was asked again and accepted.

Ortiz could be in line for a title shot if he’s able to overcome the odds once again and beat Evans.

“UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz 2” takes place Aug. 6 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.