Tito on the move?

Beefutz · 10-27-2007, 12:02 PM

Tito was in the audience at the last EliteXC show.

He had a fighter he was training in the main event, so his appearence there was understandable.

But the 205 division is so completely stacked (like nothing I have ever seen) I dont think Tito can be regarded as a major player in the UFC anymore.

He is a big name, he has been a great fighter, but that division is just brutal, and to be moving into the downward side of his career, why would he want to continue in that division and lesson the value of his name?

A move to elite XC makes perfect sense. I imagine they would pay big bucks to get that kind of name in their organization, it would easily increase their market share. Tito would not have to face the likes of Rua, Chuck, Wandy, Hendo, etc.

In fact, could you imagine the smack talk and promotion that would come out of a Frank Shamrock/Tito Ortiz title bout?

Ajw · 10-27-2007, 03:20 PM

That does sound like it would be a good move for Tito and EliteXC. Plus Tito could have the satisfaction of not working for Dana.

bayouboy · 10-27-2007, 03:34 PM

Didn't he just sign an extension with the UFC?

sitnspin · 10-27-2007, 03:48 PM

I think so, and aren't they trying to work out a fight with Henderson?

Alika · 10-27-2007, 04:08 PM

i read somewhere that Henderson thought it would be a step down to fight Tito, so unless big bucks are paid i dont see that happening.

sitnspin · 10-27-2007, 04:17 PM

That's gotta be irritating for Tito. He's used to guys like Rashad and Forrest saying what an honour it is, and how it's the biggest fight of their lives. Now you've got Hendo shrugging it off like there's no point.

Heatwaves · 10-27-2007, 04:20 PM

Fighters show up at other organization's events all the time to promote other fighters, so I didn't particularly find Tito's presence that odd. I don't think Tito would leave the UFC unless another organization made him an offer that nearly breaks their bank. Also, I believe the UFC would be very aggressive with their counter-offers. While Tito is no longer a Top 5 LHW, he's arguably the UFC's number two draw after Chuck Liddell (now that Randy's gone). He's so polarizing that he makes the UFC a lot of money every time he's on a fight card.

Heatwaves · 10-27-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sitnspin

That's gotta be irritating for Tito. He's used to guys like Rashad and Forrest saying what an honour it is, and how it's the biggest fight of their lives. Now you've got Hendo shrugging it off like there's no point.

That's not necessarily that bright of a move for Hendo. As a main bout, a fight with Tito could earn him a great deal of payola in ppv buy bonuses. I mean which card would sell more, Hendo vs. Machida, Hendo vs. Jardine or Hendo vs. Ortiz? IMO, only a fight with Liddell (if Liddell gets by Silva) would generate more buys.

sitnspin · 10-27-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatwaves

That's not necessarily that bright of a move for Hendo. As a main bout, a fight with Tito could earn him a great deal of payola in ppv buy bonuses. I mean which card would sell more, Hendo vs. Machida, Hendo vs. Jardine or Hendo vs. Ortiz? IMO, only a fight with Liddell (if Liddell gets by Silva) would generate more buys.

I assume that if Dan wouldn't take a Tito fight because it's a step down from Rampage, he definitely wouldn't bother with Machida or Jardine either. Maybe he'd fight Forrest, since he's coming off a big win and is a definite contender (well, I guess that describes Jardine too).

Alika · 10-27-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sitnspin
I assume that if Dan wouldn't take a Tito fight because it's a step down from Rampage, he definitely wouldn't bother with Machida or Jardine either. Maybe he'd fight Forrest, since he's coming off a big win and is a definite contender (well, I guess that describes Jardine too).

hmm ye i can see why he wouldnt want to fight tito it seems Hendo is more interested at getting that title than the payoff fight with Ortiz, maybe fighting griffin is the logical one since he is the number one contender in many peoples eyes, i personally think Hendo needs to move to 185 but thats a whole different story.

jxl301 · 10-27-2007, 05:27 PM

Yeah I used to see Randy at Pride events alot, too.

Tito/Hendo would be cool to see. I'll be the lone wolf and say Tito would eek out a decision.

sitnspin · 10-27-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alika

hmm ye i can see why he wouldnt want to fight tito it seems Hendo is more interested at getting that title than the payoff fight with Ortiz, maybe fighting griffin is the logical one since he is the number one contender in many peoples eyes, i personally think Hendo needs to move to 185 but thats a whole different story.

It's funny that so many people (myself included, if I don't put much thought into it) would rank Forrest above Keith Jardine, when Jardine's already knocked him out AND beaten Chuck.

The Bodybag · 10-27-2007, 06:31 PM

Not to knock Elite Xc, but the UFC is where you get famous and the most fans. I dont see Tito going to a place where he will be seen by fewer people and talked about less. Tito was supposed to fight in Ohio and the New Jersey but he wanted to be in Vegas because its close to home and he feels its bigger shows.

dj_rizz · 10-27-2007, 06:46 PM

I agree man, he should get out the of the UFC before he gets destroyed

The Bodybag · 10-27-2007, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_rizz

I agree man, he should get out the of the UFC before he gets destroyed

Tito is forever in his own happy place. He has been destroyed by some guys and he still feels he is the best in the world. I dont think he would leave fearing a loss becaue I dont think he has a ounce of self-doubt.

fullonshred · 10-27-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bodybag

Tito is forever in his own happy place. He has been destroyed by some guys and he still feels he is the best in the world. I dont think he would leave fearing a loss becaue I dont think he has a ounce of self-doubt.

Self-doubt was all over his face in Liddell/Ortiz ll. He had a few very brief flashes of the Old Tito confidence when he would land a shot, but when Liddell kept the pressure on, Tito caved.

Crazy · 10-27-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sitnspin

It's funny that so many people (myself included, if I don't put much thought into it) would rank Forrest above Keith Jardine, when Jardine's already knocked him out AND beaten Chuck.

I have been saying all the time that Jardin should be higher ranked then Forest.

The Bodybag · 10-27-2007, 07:06 PM

I am not saying he doesnt make mistakes, Im saying that in his mind he isnt considering them mistakes or major losses. He had a draw in his last fight and lost the one before and he is wondering when he recently said he is the best there is. He had blood on his face in that fight, and maybe a little fear. But doubts like he wont win, he doesnt belong, or needs to reconsider things, have never crossed his mind.

subgenius · 10-27-2007, 08:17 PM

Don't forget that just because Tito Ortiz is under contract it does not mean that he is exclusive to the UFC. The championship exclusivity clause is only for the five champions (and maybe the winners of TUF, I am not sure). Tito Ortiz is not a champion. He could fight anywhere that he wants so long as he also meets his UFC contract obligations.

sitnspin · 10-27-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subgenius

Don't forget that just because Tito Ortiz is under contract it does not mean that he is exclusive to the UFC. The championship exclusivity clause is only for the five champions (and maybe the winners of TUF, I am not sure). Tito Ortiz is not a champion. He could fight anywhere that he wants so long as he also meets his UFC contract obligations.

You keep saying that, but I'm not so sure it's true. You really think there's no clause in Tito's contract that would prevent him from fighting in an EliteXC main event, with all the high profile promotion that would go along with it?