It’s been known for quite some time that when Tito Ortiz walks out of the cage at UFC 148, regardless of the outcome, it will be “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’s” last professional bout. It was announced today, however, that prior to the bout, the controversial former champion will now join some of his greatest adversaries in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Ortiz joins former foes Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Ken Shamrock as well as some of the other promotions all-time elite as the ninth entry into the Hall of Fame.
“The People’s Champion” currently holds two promotional records. The first being that the man to have the most fights inside the octagon with an impressive 26 career bouts, amassing an all-time record of 15-10-1. Secondly, and most importantly, the former champion remains the only man in history to defend the Light Heavyweight crown at least five times.
The UFC has made the wrestler’s tenuous relationship with UFC President Dana White very public, cementing his place as one of the most controversial figures in the sport. While White insists he and Tito have “no beef”, Tito remains his go-to example of the promotion’s ability to do business with anyone.
Regardless of their personal issues, it is refreshing to see Tito honored for his UFC tenure as he has rightfully earned his place as one of the most popular fighters in the sport’s young history.
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Hate him or love him, Tito Ortiz played a pivatel role in bringing the UFC to mainstream success. Even the most casual fan knows the name Tito Ortiz.
I personally was never the biggest Tito fan, but am quite happy to see his name up there with the greats.
Deserved!
Well deserved. One of the icons of the sport. Go out with the win
Lots of new fans like to look at stats and down play fighters based on their later record, with no knowledge of the meaningful fights early in careers. I’m not a fan of tito but he was the man back in the day. Good thing he’s going in the hall before the fight cuz after its gonna be just another sad loss imo.
tito was the man and still is the man hes a true legend we will never see another guy like tito he brought this sport to where it is 2day and for that i thank tito hope he gets the win to cap off a great career
I would describe myself as a Tito hater. That having been said the man has definitely earned his place among the immortals of the sport. Both for his 5 fight title defenses and what he’s done to promote the sport. Oh and I hear he got a bronze at Abu Dhabi.
Not to go all Facebook on you but if there was a like button I would have clicked it on all your comments thus far. I went from not liking Tito to i cant wait to see Tito fight. Been a fan of his for a while now and this retirement is a must. As a fan I can say I hate watching Tito fight now , knowing its going to be a loss for him. Hope he can go out on a win but really can’t see it happening.