I wrote a previous article regarding the upcoming Tito Ortiz vs. Matt Hamill MMA fight during UFC 121 on October 23 in Anaheim, Calif.

There has been a lot of confusion as to why Ortiz and Hamill, who previously trained together for a brief time, would accept a fight against one another.  A recent article published by MMA writer Steve Cofield helps offer additional insight into the interesting matchup.

Ortiz posted a recent video blog, in which he signs the fight contract (and notes money isn’t an issue, but said the UFC won’t allow him to release salary information).

“It sucks, but this is business,” Ortiz said in a recent blog video.  “I had another friend who was close to me and ended up losing a friendship,” Ortiz also said (referring to former friend Chuck Liddell).  “So I come to realize that anyone at 205 can’t be my friend.  This is business…strictly business.”

Ortiz also said this is just a step forward in his attempt to regain the UFC light heavyweight title — a feat I’m unsure he’ll be able to do with his time left in the UFC.

Despite many MMA fans believing Ortiz’s career is over, he is still a strong draw for casual MMA fans.  Even if he tones down his usual pre-fight trash talk against Hamill – which he promised to do – expect the fight to be popular among MMA fans.

As Cofield mentions in his blog, Hamill is a “younger version of Ortiz,” but I think it’s worth noting Ortiz has been in more high-profile fights — and he was a former LHW champion.  Hamill still has raw wrestling strength, but could suffer if Ortiz manages to show up in decent shape.

The Ortiz vs. Hamill fight has very little relevance in the grand scheme of things, but should be a very appealing fight for fans.  Can teacher beat pupil, or will Hamill move Ortiz one step closer to retirement?

What say you?