Scarecrow

It's a decent interview. He doesn't really say anything new, but it's a good read nonetheless.

MMA Madness™ - MMA Insight™ News - Tito Ortiz: Life After the UFC

Tito Ortiz: Life After the UFC


"The Huntington Beach
Bad Boy" Ortiz

Ben Zeidler
By Ben Zeidler
Content Manager
MMA Madness: Tito, you do a million interviews - and with good reason, you're one of the most popular fighters of all time. So I have to ask...are you sick of giving interviews?

Tito Ortiz: No, you know, it's just part of the job. It's something that comes with the work and it's also something that I do very well. I'm not tired of them - I actually enjoy them. I always give good interviews and I have good answers for the fans.

MMA Madness: Have your fans stayed loyal with your impending UFC retirement or have you seen some drop off the bandwagon?

Tito Ortiz: Actually, I've seen my fan base increase. They've seen the true colors of Dana and they've seen that I'm not the only one saying something. Many fighters - Randy [Couture], Tim [Sylvia] - are talking about what Dana has been doing. Fans want to support me no matter where I go.

MMA Madness: And on that note, can you tell us what's next for you?

Tito Ortiz: Well, nothing official yet. As soon as this fight is over, I have a 30-day waiting period before I can negotiate.

MMA Madness: Which organizations are you interested in?

Tito Ortiz: Definitely EliteXC. Affliction seems to be building up well. And they just started with DREAM in Japan. Any organization that will respect me and promote me as the champion that I am.

MMA Madness: And of these organizations you're interested in, which have contacted you?

Tito Ortiz: All of them have contacted me, but I can't negotiate yet.

MMA Madness: If you leave the UFC, there are a lot of great names out there. What fighters might you be interested in?

Tito Ortiz: I think Renato "Babalu" Sobral would be a great fight for me and I still think he's at the top of his game. Frank Shamrock is obviously a fight that people would love to see. You know, I would even move up in weight and take on Kimbo Slice or Fedor Emelianenko.

MMA Madness: What's your take on the Kimbo situation? Is he something special or is he over hyped?

Tito Ortiz: I think Kimbo is something special. When I first saw him, I thought he was just a street fighter. But since he's been training with Bas, I think he's become a really well rounded athlete. We haven't seen his wrestling yet, but I'm respecting him because he's putting in the hard work. He's not just some bar fighter like Tank Abbott who goes out and drinks a ton every night. I have no respect for guys like Tank. But Kimbo, I'm starting to like the guy. His praise is completely deserved - he grew up on hard times and now he's making a name for himself.

MMA Madness: Was there a certain point where you realized your relationship with the UFC was not salvageable or did it happen over time?

Tito Ortiz: It was over time, but especially during the last year. Dana White started hindering my image and that's when the bad blood started. First, it was the boxing match � that showed that he had no respect for me. I've been to every single UFC event and they never show me on TV. I need a company that will use me for the star power I have.

MMA Madness: Is it possible that this all started after UFC 66, where you lost to Liddell?

Tito Ortiz: Yeah, I'd say that's about right. After I lost to him, it was one thing after another. But it's in the backwoods now. I'm sick of focusing on all the negative stuff around me. It's old history.

MMA Madness: Had you stayed with the UFC, who would you have liked to fight after Machida?

Tito Ortiz: I would have loved that Rashad [Evans] fight. Who knows when [Chuck] Liddell will be back - man, that's a tough injury - but I'd love to get a win against him. I would even fight the winner of the Wanderlei [Silva]-[Keith] Jardine fight, doesn't matter to me.

MMA Madness: Is the Machida fight one that you wanted?

Tito Ortiz: No, in the very beginning, I wasn't excited because I wanted to fight Rashad [Evans]. Lots of fans wanted that one and I thought it would be great to have it happen. But now, with [Lyoto] Machida, they just want to build a fighter off my name. It won't happen. I've got no injuries. I'm mentally and physically ready. He's getting the best Tito Ortiz.

MMA Madness: What's your game plan for the Machida fight? He's beaten some of the best around, including BJ Penn and Rich Franklin.

Tito Ortiz: It's gonna be all Tito. BJ Penn is 180 [pounds] walking around, Rich [Franklin] might be 210. I'm gonna be in great shape, and I'll be up at around 218. I'll be strong and aggressive, just like always. I'm looking for a ground battle, but my stand up is great too. It's going to be an exciting fight, I promise you that.

MMA Madness: Obviously, Dana set this fight up to send you off with a loss. How important is it to you to stick that in his face and beat Machida?

Tito Ortiz: The biggest concern is to get a win. But win or lose, it doesn't matter, I'll continue on. I know I'm not going to lose though. When I beat Machida, it's going to show that I'm still at the top of 205 [pounds].

I'm one of the greatest of all time. I had big battles with Randy [Couture] and Chuck [Liddell , I thought I beat Rashad [Evans], and I beat Forrest [Griffin] who is now a top contender.

MMA Madness: Okay, let's switch gears to some of your other endeavors. How is Punishment Athletics doing? Are there any new product developments?

Tito Ortiz: My company, Punishment Athletics, is doing very well. We just expanded the line to include girls stuff - lots of new, cute designs for summer. We have some great jerseys and everything is very high quality. It's made to last forever. The fight shorts are triple stitched. Nothing tears or shreds. It's got my 100% guarantee on it.

MMA Madness: Anything else you want to say?

Tito Ortiz: Yeah, actually, my book just came out. It's called "This Is Gonna Hurt" It's an autobiography and it talks about how I got where I am today.

It's my whole history, unfolding on pages. I didn't hold anything back and that's where the title came from. It hurt a lot to let it all go. I've been through a lot of struggles and challenges, so hopefully reading that book will be an inspiration to someone.

MTKrav911

Decent interview. Loved that he gave Kimbo his props, because I feel exactly the same way about Kimbo n ow.

__________________


"I may not break your spirit, but I sure as hell can break your back! Last Stop MeatbalL!" - Thunderlips (Rocky III)

theEmpiric

"The Champion that I am"

Umm Tito I love you, but you ARE NOT A CHAMPION right now. I hate how all these fighters talk like they have already achieved something when in reality they are still 2-3 fights away.

__________________


GSP - A. Silva - BJ Penn - Huerta - Guida

Scarecrow

Yea, I laughed at that one too. I don't think that Tito is completely washed up as some say, but he hasn't done anything impressive (imo) in a few years.

And as for Kimbo, I just really want to see this guy get as many fights as possible. It's the only way to test the hype. Give him some talent, and hopefully he can put some of the talk to rest.

MTKrav911

I agree. I mean Tito seems to be a good gate-keeper. Why not throw Tito at Kimbo in 6-8 months.

I'm still not buying that The UFC is gonna throw Tito away after Machida esp IF he totally pounds Machida.

I just don't see it happening.

__________________


"I may not break your spirit, but I sure as hell can break your back! Last Stop MeatbalL!" - Thunderlips (Rocky III)

Scarecrow

No, but do you think that Dana would actually concede any pay Tito what he will demand? What did he make during his last few fights? 300k...400k? I don't really remember, but if he defeats Machida, who is 12-0, and also somebody that the UFC is hoping to be able to put on a pedistal, it's going to really up Tito's bargaining power.

I can almost see Tito and Dana having so much pride that even if Tito wins, the UFC will let him go. Just so that Dana doesn't have to actually say that he was wrong.

Roy D Chopper

When as Tito ever been popular ?

FightingIrish

That's what I'm thinking, if he pounds out Machida than he'll open up everyone's eyes and be a top contender again, but for that to happen we'll need to see the best Tito ever.

If this isn't sarcasm, you must be a newer fan.

RIPPEN

He may have been popular once but I don't see how people still follow and suport him like they do.. He runs his mouth with no speed limit and then is barely able to back any of it..

IMO there is no way Tito will stay in the UFC..
First of all, they BOTH hate each other and will never swallow their pride..
Second, what kinda tool would Tito look like he he signed on again after saying how Dana and the UFC is the anti christ for the last few months..
Third, the UFC will never give "the champ" what he wants..

Calls himself a champ.. Wow... Yeah, and Jenna's a virgin..


I also find it interesting how he keeps bringing up Tim and Randy and how the three are "speaking out"... If that were the case wouldn't there be a $hit ton of interviews outta them as well.?. Or has there been, and Iam the only one in the dark?

opsy

I had that quote ready to paste. This guy longs for his glory days big time. It must kill him that he is mentioned 6th in the promo for 84. Now will he want more money or promotion? I wish he and Handy would get their stories straight.
Tito is comparing himself to when he fought Vitor. That says all you need to know about his skill level.

Scarecrow

Well, Tim jumped into a match with Fedor extremely fast after leaving the UFC, so that had to be in the works for some time before it was ever rumored. I'll bet that Tim wanted to keep everything low key, to allow him to get a few fights in organizations, and then some day return to the UFC with more worldwide credibility.

As for Randy, he most likely wanted to keep quiet due to the remote possibility of Dana being able to organize a match with Fedor that would financially accommodate both fighters.

Just an idea.

Roy D Chopper

I'm not a newer fan, it's just I've never seen Tito as popular as he seems to have been. The only thing he ever did that made him stand out was act like a fool after his fights by giving people the finger.

Jasp

Tito was the poster boy for the UFC a long time and he is one of the most popular fighters they have ever had. So he has been as big as he claims. That being said that was a while back and his star has fallen alot since that.

__________________
--------------------------------------------

RIPPEN

Why would Tim want to fight in the UFC down the road when (according to Tito) Tim is so unhappy with the way he has been treated?

After all thats happened, you actually believe that Randy may still think Dana could set up this Fedor mega fight-LOL.. IF that fight ever does happen, and thats a BIG A$$ IF.. I would be willing to bet it wouldn't be "under" Dana..

Look, I understand the guys being mentioned arn't very happy with the UFC.. However, I just don't think they are as up in arms about everything as Tito is making it out to be.. He makes it out to be like these guys are all so abused and beatin down..
Tito needs to stop talking about everyone elses buisness in HIS interviews...

MTKrav911

Interestingly enough, Bas Rutten yesterday on this week's Inside M MA, went off on a fighter about all this complaining about Money.

Bas actually defended not j ust The UFC, but other organizations and told this guy that it's a glass half full argument, and that if they keep bitching about $$$$ they're getting, nobody will want them and they won't fight anywhere ever and their career is over.

Bas went on to make the accurate point that many great fighters who lost out when Pride merged are nowhere right now.

Basically Bas said all fighters should be thankful regardless of where they are and happy they're at least fighting. Many fighters arent. And watching their careers pass them by .

__________________


"I may not break your spirit, but I sure as hell can break your back! Last Stop MeatbalL!" - Thunderlips (Rocky III)

RIPPEN

VERY interesting Krav! Thanks for shareing that man and I think I like Bas even more...

See, the reason I started to really follow MMA was becuase they didn't whine and cry and strike like most other pro sports... Kills me to see people like Tito trying to take it to that level..

Tinker Bell

Regardless of whether or not Tito is past his prime, he is still able to draw. This is one of the reasons why Dana White brought him back to the UFC. It's all about the money, and having Tito on TUF up against Ken was good for the UFC. It also set up the rematch with Liddell at UFC 66, which had the highest Live Gate and Pay-Per-View sales to date I believe. Tito is still a very marketable fighter, and if Elite XC were to pick him up it could be huge for them. Like someone mentioned earlier, they could possibly have him fight Kimbo which would do well in sales I would think.

__________________

RIPPEN

That would be sweet to see Kimbo take his head off!!!

RobOne

thank god he is out of the UFC. Cant wait to see him lose in other organizations, and start the same complaints when they wanna cut him loose.

__________________
http://warehousestories.wordpress.com/
check out my work blog, true stories from my job.

Scarecrow

I don't think Tim is unhappy with how he has been treated. The UFC treated him just fine. It is the UFC fans that don't like him, which in return will affect his paycheck due to ticket/ppv draws. He probably feels that if he is able to get out and fight in other organizations to rack up some good wins, that he would be a more marketable fighter if he were to come back. Keep in mind that nothing that Tim has said lately about the UFC has been as overly negative as what Tito has been saying.

And as for Randy, it's clear that his motivation at this point is money. He is a fighter nearing the end of his career, and he's looking for a big money ticket for his departure. I doubt he gives a damn if fighting Fedor happens in the UFC, Affliction, Dream or any other organization, as long as his paycheck is 7 figures.