How did Victor Ortiz get slapped around by Maidana, then destroy Berto who is better?

[SCEN3RY]

Different types of fighter.

Personally, I think Ortiz' mindset was different... he wanted to win, he needed to win, he wouldn't be denied... coupled with the fact putting on some weight gave him a lot more fuel and firepower.

^^^Basically, both. Styles make fights, Maidana, versus Ortiz, "wouldn't be denied," Ortiz more or less adopted that same mindset versus Berto. Plus give Maidana his props, for example, look at the way he went down against Khan, that was 2 brutal body shots, it probably took him another 4-5 rounds just to recover, but he went through till the end, it's in his head to keep fighting. Ortiz knocked both guys down, but Maidana never appeared hurt as Berto did. Maidana kept coming, took Ortiz out of his comfort zone and fought at his pace. I'd love to see both rematches though.

[MindBat]

Because he grew balls. He's no longer scared to take a shot. You could see it in the 6th round. Even when he was in trouble, he still bounced back.

I agree. He seemed to make a mental switch in the Berto fight. As if something told him "Come on, Vic! Fight back or die trying!" He refused to be intimidated by Berto and turned on the hidden killer instinct he didn't realize he had.

He appeared more focused on pulling off the victory and the rest is history.