Speculation has been running rampant for months now about the future of former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz and whether or not he would consider re-signing with the organization following the last fight on his contract against Lyoto Machida at UFC 84.
During an appearance on MMAWeekly Radio Wednesday night, Ortiz says he is “100%” that he will not return to the UFC.
“Me going to somewhere else is 100% happening,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz alluded to his frustration with the president of the UFC, Dana White, as the major factor in the decision, but he admitted he left with a heavy heart when saying goodbye to the fans after his fight last Saturday night.
“Later on after the fight was over, I was sitting down going over the loss, I think that’s when it really touched me that that’s going to be my last time walking out for the UFC,” Ortiz stated. “It’s really hard to say, but the president, the way he treats me, I can’t continue on with them. He’s a monster and I’m going to go elsewhere where they respect me.”
“I’m very thankful for the fans, every one of the fans, I even talked to after and so forth, we’re like ‘we’re going to follow you no matter what Tito, no matter where you go. We’re going to follow you.’ It’s just the fact of getting the greatest fights ahead of me from this point on and continue my career, turn the next chapter in my life.”
It seemed for a moment following the fight between Ortiz and Machida that possibly fences could be mended between the fighter and the promotion, but the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” says his mind is made up.
“No, I’m not going back to the UFC, I don’t want to,” commented the former champion. “I can sleep now and not worry about what’s going to be said about me. I don’t have to worry about what I have to say to make sure I say the right thing. I’m sick of kissing ass and I’m not doing it anymore.”
Following the fight, Ortiz will embark on a three week tour of the country in support of his recently released autobiography, “This is Gonna Hurt.” He will also weigh his options of signing on with an existing promotion or possibly starting his own organization.
While the California native will be unable to attend the upcoming Elite XC show in New Jersey due to family obligations, Ortiz said that he and girlfriend Jenna Jameson will definitely be attending the debut Affliction produced card.
Ortiz stated that he would like to have another fight set up by “September or October” and he’ll be judging promotions on many things including marketing, promotion and various other factors.
“Then it’s time to start plugging away and see what show fits perfect for me,” said Ortiz.
Could we see Tito Ring side at this Saturday's EliteXC event, Maybe come in and challenge Kimbo??
Wouldn't that be awesome.
"While the California native will be unable to attend the upcoming Elite XC show in New Jersey due to family obligations, Ortiz said that he and girlfriend Jenna Jameson will definitely be attending the debut Affliction produced card."
“Me going to somewhere else is 100% happening,” said Ortiz.
Sounds like a cave man, either that or Machida hit him to hard. Any who, I don't see him going to affliction because they are a rival clothing brand so maybe EliteXC will sign him. I think after a convincing loss like that, he won't ever be a top 10 again.
Me going to somewhere else is 100% happening, said Ortiz.
Sounds like a cave man, either that or Machida hit him to hard. Any who, I don't see him going to affliction because they are a rival clothing brand so maybe EliteXC will sign him. I think after a convincing loss like that, he won't ever be a top 10 again.
Affliction is a rival to no one in MMA, they dominate the clothing scene like UFC dominates the MMA scene.
I don't think Tito has the skill to compete in the top 10 at LHW anymore but the convincing loss can be deceaving when it's at the hands of Machida, he makes everyone look bad (except BJ Penn).
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I am glad he is gone. He was a good fighter but in the real world you talk to your boss like that your get fired. I guess I really just dislike the guy
I am glad he is gone. He was a good fighter but in the real world you talk to your boss like that your get fired. I guess I really just dislike the guy
That whole "employee/employer" relationship is f*cked. I hardly think it'd be fair to dump the failure of that relationship in Tito's lap. "In the real world" your boss wouldn't talk and treat you the way Dana did Tito either. Dana is definately not your typical boss. Personally, I think that press conference clip shows how sh*tty things went. What would be wrong with Tito answering questions with the other fighters? I think Tito was 100% right in staying there. The press wanted to talk to Tito and as long as Tito kept it respectable, f*ck it...let him talk. The general Tito hate is stupid. Its gone too far. Tito even said, "if you guys dont wanna talk to me, I'll leave". They wanted to talk to Tito. IMO, the UFC management looked like *ssholes.
Yea the tito hate is rediculoso. I could never figure out why so many people dislike tito and franky here. I mean they both talk a mean line, but that's kind of their job.
Everybody should hate Tito. He talks about people being disrespectful toward him yet he is disrespectful to the flag of our country. You DO NOT fly any coutries flag at the same level as the US Flag, not in the US anyway. But, Tito does it every time he walks to the ring. Sorry, but, I will not ever like or have any respect for a douche that does something like that.
Personally, I hope this is the last we see of him. Maybe he will catch something from that whore bag of his and they can both die slowly and alone of anal syphillis.
Ortiz Confirms He Will Not Return to UFC
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