Tito Ortiz to attend Affliction press conference Dec. 17
by James Iannotti on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM EST
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Perhaps it is finally time for Tito Ortiz to announce his ground-breaking new contract with Affliction MMA (four months later) or he is once again doing his best to stay relevant while he recovers from serious back surgery.
We’ll find out soon enough when the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" attends an official press conference that the t-shirt company turned mixed martial arts promotion plans to hold tomorrow, December 17.
Ortiz still holds the title as the UFC's most watched fighter ever, but he has managed to remain an unsigned free agent since losing to Lyoto Machida at UFC 84: "Ill Will" back in May. He was released from the UFC following the fight after a long standing feud with company president, Dana White.
Perhaps it's not a matter of whether other promotions want to sign Ortiz -- he still remains among the biggest draws in the sport despite his most recent lackluster performances. He could certainly help any promotions get to the next level.
However, he appears to want just too much money in exchange for his services.
Ortiz was rumored to be signing with Affliction months ago. He even announced that it was a done deal and that it would be "ground breaking." That deal never materialized and we now know it was because his price tag was too high. In fact, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio said the deal just wasn't "feasible."
Shortly thereafter, Ortiz was spotted in Sunrise, Fla., sitting cageside at an Elite XC event. While there he was quoted as saying that it was possible he could sign with the now defunct organization.
Clearly, that never happened, either.
Now that Elite XC is dead and the UFC doesn't want him, there really aren't a whole lot of options left on the table for Ortiz. Besides Affliction, the only other reasonable suitors would be Strikeforce or one of the Japanese organizations.
But realistically neither one of those make sense -- Strikeforce probably wouldn't be able to meet Tito's high asking price and with him starting a new family with girlfriend Jenna Jameson, a move to Japan also seems unlikely.
Therefore, Affliction appears to be the best fit, considering, too, that his old friend Donald Trump is associated with the promotion.
If for some reason this latest news is indeed true there are several high profile match ups for Ortiz in Affliction's 205-pound division, including Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and even a rematch against Vladimir Matyushenko.
However, there are those who have their doubts about whether or not Ortiz is still the same fighter who once held the UFC title for more than three straight years. Perhaps rightfully so, too, considering the fact that he's gone winless in his last three fights and the last man he beat was Ken Shamrock almost two and a half years ago.
Not to mention he's coming off back surgery that has proven to be very difficult to recover from. But Ortiz remains as confident as ever and posted this on his Web site, TitoOrtiz.com, just days after the surgery:
"This is now the beginning of a new era. There will never be a question again about where my heart lies … and that is with my fans. I am focused on a quick recovery, and I will be back in the cage with a renewed outlook on fighting. I am a new Tito Ortiz… one with a bright fight future …one ready to power through the light heavyweight class and get the belt around my waist again. Mark my words … the best is yet to come."
One thing's for sure, fighting for Affliction, he'll definitely get his chance to back those words up. We’ll find out tomorrow … maybe.
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I like Tito (there i said it)
That being said i, like many others think his best days are behind him. He is going to struggle in the ring as opposed to the cage as it is not as easy to work his double legs and G&P not being able to press against the cage.
So where do i see/want to see him fighting? I would like him back in the UFC but Dana is too childish to let him back.
There are a lot of fights for him there. Everyone knows he holds wins over Wand (i know ancient but still unavenged), Forrest and a practical one over Rashad.
He just has to improve his standup tho. Its why Randy continues to be a threat and Matt Hughes doesn’t. Randy worked hard on his striking to give his opponants something to think about other than the takedown, then the takedowns become more easy.
He needs to work on his striking, come cap in hand back to the UFC, take a paycut and start winning fights.
Bader vs Tito? Reality check 2.
by Nick J on Dec 16, 2008 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
i like tito also but he was stupid to leave the ufc!
tito is good for the PPV’s but man, he needs to fight 5 times every 2years!
by mikeybear on Dec 16, 2008 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Randy works with Sean Tompkins hence his improved striking…Tito works with…..? Tito has to join a different camp. I also like Tito and think he’s an outstanding coach at Punishment but he needs to join a camp where he’s challenged. Where would he be welcome I don’t know, maybe wolfslair. He has to change his routine and drop the ego at least while he’s training.
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Tito and Bisping didn’t exactly have a good relationship on the show. I don’t know if he would be welcome at Wolf’s lair. Maybe since him and bisping are both friends with Rampage they make it happen.
by James S on Dec 16, 2008 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
What do you mean he has to join a different camp he has his own? Team Punishment is his own camp.Tito would be wise to sign with another promotion and have a few fights outside of the UFC and keep his distance from Dana’s punk ass.He could always go back for a final match or two to finish his career.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Tyler, reread my post….I realize he has his own camp, thats the problem. Can you name 2 top ten fighters Tito trains with. No you can’t, because there isn’t any.
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
My point is so what? You think the guys he is training with aren’t training hard.Tito has always been known for his conditioning ever since he lost to Frank Shamrock and his jui-jitsu is way better than when he first started. His training camp is fine.People immediately want a fighter to go join X-treme Couture or that Greg Jackson’s camp if they lose a fight or two just like when Chuck got KO’d by Rashad.People were saying Chuck needs a new training camp.As if these guys never had success with their old training camps or training methods and now need to do things different.It’s all bullshit.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Tito needs work on his stand up that he’s not getting from his camp is all I’m saying. 99% of the people who follow MMA would agree with me. There are always going to be people like yourself who disagree and feel as though Tito is doing just fine with what he’s got. Your wrong.
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
Tyler, McArthur, both of u make solid points, but 1 thing that hasn’t been mentioned, is Tito’s stand up ability is just isn’t as good as other fighters. I mean, his speed, timing, and cordination, it’s not that he isn’t working it hard (I do agree he needs some good standup guys in his camp to whoop his arse) he just doesn’t have the ability to improve in his standup like other fighters. Do u think we’ll ever see Tito jabing and dancing like lyoto? “NO” and I don’t think we’ll ever see other fighters worring about Tito’s standup either, he just doesn’t have speed, KO power, reach advantage or fluid movement. I like Tito as well, because of his TUF performance as coach, but he is a totally knucklehead!
by THORAZINE on Dec 16, 2008 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Come on Nick, he may draw PPVs but he stopped being relevant in 2004. He would become the elvis sinosic for the top 10 – “Brought in to be a punching bag and propel guys they want forward.” He’s also too much of a princess to take a paycut or fight guys like Bader. What choice does Dana have?
by NameNotRequired on Dec 16, 2008 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
He stopped being relevent in 2004?? Thats a bit harsh. I am not saying that he is ever going to be a top 5 L/HW but he would be a decent fight for anyone.
I could even see him beating Forrest again. Forrest wouldn’t be so leg strike happy with Tito looking to shoot at every opportunity. Add that to Tito’s cardio matching forrests and we have got a proper fight on our hands.
Machida was bought in to be the executioner of Tito and it hardly worked out like that, he almost went to sleep in the dying seconds.
The big issue comes down to Dana. Would he swallow his pride and invite Tito back??? They are both as bad as each other but money talks. Get Tito in on a short term contract with an average appearance bonus and a big win bonus to get him training properly and he would sell PPV’s.
by Nick J on Dec 16, 2008 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I like the idea of Tito going to Wolfslair, i can’t see it happening but they have got good strikers there to work with him and a good work ethic.
Its not hollywood enough for him tho.
by Nick J on Dec 16, 2008 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
No, he really did stop being relevant in 2004. He’s right.
by FukStyck on Dec 16, 2008 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Nick, I can’t see Tito beating Forrest again, or even making it a competitive fight. I think their first fight should have been a draw (Round 1 10-8 Tito, Rounds 2 and 3 10-9 Forrest) and Forrest has improved a lot since then while Tito has not. And Dana will not swallow his pride and invite Tito back because he doesn’t need to. If anything it will have to be Tito to swallow his pride and ask to come back at a reduced price. He does have a very large fan base, but he’s definitely not a top 10 LHW fighter anymore, and I don’t see him getting back there.
by GregC on Dec 16, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
good morning guys, Tito is definitely going to affliction, but since they’ll be out of business after their next show, he’ll be in the same spot he’s in now!
by kevin on Dec 16, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think so. Isn’t their next show Arlovski? He was a decent draw in the UFC no reason to think he won’t do the same in Affliction. Plus Todd Beard is in rehab so he can’t mess stuff up
by sp00ner1234 on Dec 16, 2008 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
Todd Beard was primarily involed in the clothing side.
by James S on Dec 16, 2008 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think the draw will be their issue. They are paying any a/b level fighter like Rothwell 100,000k plus per fight. Pretty easy to go in the red when you are WAY over paying the fighters.
by halljam2 on Dec 16, 2008 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
The only thing keeping Tito from being a top 5/10 LHW is …. Tito! He is way to arrogent and cocky to admit he needs help from another camp. I know at one point he asked Couture to help him train against Chuck and Randy said “No”. Maybe that has him scared to ask another camp…
by Kirk on Dec 16, 2008 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Tito looks more like a foolish gorilla in a suit. He used to be my fave fighter though. But I admit that his game ain’t evolving and that he needs to join forces with another camp since he already has team punishment.
by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Dec 16, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
OFF TOPIC!
just thought of it..
Greg Jackson vs Xtreme Couture
both of these camps seem to be on top of UFC right now. 2009 will be something else!
by masters on Dec 16, 2008 9:24 AM EST reply actions
name me a champion to come out of jackson’s camp –
GSP don’t count!
by mikeybear on Dec 16, 2008 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
I agree 100%, affliction will be where elite is by feb., and tito will go either to the UFC or to some indian reservation to fight a a midget!
by kevin on Dec 16, 2008 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Or become a reality “star” and not bother with fighting.
by MoonUK on Dec 16, 2008 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the Mickeys malt liquor deal isnt paying the bills.
by the_mexicutioner on Dec 16, 2008 9:29 AM EST reply actions
what you don’t like asking Tito’s gigantic head questions??
by O damn he got caught on Dec 16, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Tito Vs Kimbo – Battle of the Hasbeen vs the Neverwas
by Arnold on Dec 16, 2008 9:29 AM EST reply actions
can’t wait for his next fight if it ever happens
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 9:30 AM EST reply actions
Ufc should sign him. Make sure Ortiz and Lesnar are on opposite ppvs and the company has itself a major money year. Also on an unrelated note, why are Fight nights so far apart. So many UFC fighters that they could afford to do 2 a month.
Greedy Ufc.
by elstiko on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM EST reply actions
I dont care about this dude anymore. In face I forgot he was ever a fighter. None of his fights were good and the shamcock ones were just funny only because I wanted to see Ken get smashed. Both are losers though.
by What? on Dec 16, 2008 9:48 AM EST reply actions
Ufc should sign him. Put Ortiz and Brock on seperate ppvs and they have themselves a major money year.That way could stop being stingy by having fight nights months apart. So many fighters that they could do at least 1 a month. Also I do not fault Ortiz for losing to Machida. He is terrible for the UFC.
I have a fantasy fight. MACHIDA vs STARNES.
by elstiko on Dec 16, 2008 9:52 AM EST reply actions
Didnt realize my first post went through so ignore one of the 2.Apparently I smoked too much crack this morning.
by elstiko on Dec 16, 2008 9:54 AM EST reply actions
Tito’s done. He’s been done. He’s a shameless self promoter and the only person really interested in him right no is himself. Babalu would destroy him. BUT a lot of people would pay to see it happen.
by Crayze on Dec 16, 2008 10:11 AM EST reply actions
I’m a huge Babalu fan, but he would not “destroy” Tito. I think that fight would be a toss-up. Babalu has the subs, but Tito has never been subbed (to my recollection)…it would be a close fight.
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
By who?
I think Frank’s win was by tapout due to strikes, and Mezger put him to sleep with a choke of some sort, but that was what 10 years ago?
Babalu would have a hard time catching Tito in a sub, IMO.
I’d like to see the fight either way…I’d have a hard time picking the winner in this one.
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
He is difficult to submit, but he did tap to Guy Mezger. He didn’t get choked out, he tapped after getting caught with a guillotine while shooting for a takedown. And you’re right, his loss to Frank Shamrock was a tapout due to strikes. I think it would be close, but Babalu would win if the two fought.
by GregC on Dec 16, 2008 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Why is everyone so high on Babalu? Remember him getting pounded out by Jason Lambert in the not so distant past? I know it is MMA and anything can happen but I think Babalu is overrated to say the least.
by halljam2 on Dec 16, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Tito fans are coming increasingly brave to admitt they are fans but they are out there no doubt, and there are a lot of them, myself included
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
yea its wierd, tito fan sitings are like UFO sitings, it’s hard to believe..
by O damn he got caught on Dec 16, 2008 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
used to not be able to get them to shut up. Remember Chuck vs. Tito II? Everyday one of them was poppin off at the mouth
by sp00ner1234 on Dec 16, 2008 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
What do you mean Tito fans are brave for admitting it? The guy was UFC champion for 5 and a half years and the biggest draw in the history of the sport.If anyone’s fans should be ashamed to admit it it’s people who are fans of Dana White. How lame is it to say you’re a fan of a Company President.It’s like saying you’re a fan of the President of the New York Yankees or some shit and not a fan of any of the players.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Tyler….I heard the bell ring, recess is over, back to school
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
Tyler has a point, McArthur.
I’m a huge MLB fan (go Cubbies), but I have never logged in to the MLB forum and insulted other members because they don’t like Bud Selig. Wonder why that is?…probably because Bud Selig doesn’t give two shits about me as long as his pockets are lined……just like Dana doesn’t give two shits about you. But, for whatever reason, he has this legion of fans that would follow him into the bathroom after a mexican lunch just to get the chance to wipe his ass for him.
It’s the strangest business owner/fan relationship I’ve ever witnessed.
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
No offence introvert but what does that have ANYTHING to do with what I posted…if you or anyone wants to argue one of my posts, feel free but make sure you know of 2 things
1. What your talking about
2. What I’m talking about
P.S I totally agree with your post and haven’t posted anything to the contrary
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
RiverHorror’s attempt at humor = Total Failure.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
I should have stated champion for three and a half years not five and a half my mistake.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Tito is the man, i just hope he trains and spars with some great guys too get in form again.. I liked his standup better back in the day when he fought Shamrock and you could see it against Couture, but after that fight he never looked the same.. oh and his clinch is really good he needs to stay there and not try too hard to take guys down all the time, no wonder his back is hurting
by RoB on Dec 16, 2008 11:37 AM EST reply actions
I agree that he needs a new camp. If he joined a camp and started learning and getting better, he’d be fine. He needs to improve his stand up, keep working Jits, get in the clinch, and most of all…a new GAMEPLAN! look at the guys now, they dont rely on just one strategy, like getting the takedown, they can strike, take you down, and once you’re down they can submit you. thats what he needs to work more on. his gameplan is out dated and will never work again IMO.
by masters on Dec 16, 2008 11:58 AM EST reply actions
Tito’s a bitch. He might bring excitment through comments but he is a coward, and all he is good for is running his mouth and ducking guys that he knows he cant beat. I hope affliction does not sign him. He wants a stupid contract that will make him the highest paid fighter in the promotion but it will have to state that he gets to pick who he fights and when cause he would not want to fight someone that might beat him up or dirty up his pretty face. Thats why he wanted to fight Shamrock 3 times, he new he could beast him like he stole something. Shamrock Ortiz was a bloody sideshow nothing more, 2 washed up fighters making asses out of themselves.
by Spyder on Dec 16, 2008 11:59 AM EST reply actions
Huh?
Shamrock/Ortiz 1 wasn’t a sideshow until Tito dominated Shamrock and he threw in the towel. Shamrock was a legit opponent for Tito in the first one.
The second one was a little sketchy, but it was a huge money maker for the UFC, so they threw it together. And, obviously the TUF deal.
The 3rd one, Tito didn’t even want to do it, but people were pissed about the “early stoppage” in #2, the UFC seemed to feel responsible for people wasting PPV money, so they made it free on Spike…so what’s the big beef?
I’ve never heard Tito say he wanted that 3rd fight…did you? Lay the blame on the UFC…they make the fights…not the fighters.
Should we also hate on Anderson Silva for fighting Travis Lutter?…or Franklin twice?….same thing. You really think Anderson wanted anything to do with those “sideshow” fights?
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
How is rich franklin a sideshow fight the guy has beaten everyone there is at middleweight besides silva, and pretty easily i might add, look at his record its better than almost any other fighter you can name.
by LG on Dec 16, 2008 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly my point.
Read it again…you’ll figure it out.
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Franklin/Silva a sideshow fight? Are you kidding
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
“Spyder” you couldn’t be more of an obvious Tito hater if you tried and you couldn’t sound more like an Ass if you tried!
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know it didn’t seem like he was trying at all
by sp00ner1234 on Dec 16, 2008 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I’m being completely objectionable about the whole situation.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Tyler, 1st of all, its not objectionable, its objective, and you not it. Try not to be so defensive about your favorite fighter and you won’t get ragged on so much.
by McArthur on Dec 16, 2008 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the correction.Now that I look at that comment I see how dumb it looks.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Tito hasn’t improved his game in almost a decade.
I don’t know anyone that would actually pay to watch him ‘fight’, unless it’s that blonde leatherbag he carries with him.
by KS on Dec 16, 2008 12:14 PM EST reply actions
You’re right, except for the fact that he is the all time UFC/MMA PPV king.
But, other than that “FACT”…you’re right.
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
His heart shouldn’t be witht the fans it should be in fighting. He only does this sport so people can tell him how great he is. This guy sucks and always will suck. End of story.
by DB on Dec 16, 2008 1:36 PM EST reply actions
So, I guess Forrest, Wand, Rashad (face it, Tito beat him) all suck?
by introvert on Dec 16, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Tito used to be good, but sucks now and will suck. And he kind of beat Rashad before he improved his stand up.
by DB on Dec 16, 2008 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Big Tito fan here, I hope he stops talking and gets it done. Anyone saying he isn’t relevant is fooling themselves. Biggest PPV draw and sure he hasn’t beat anyone but shamrock lately … uh except that Rashad fight where he should have got the win. Oh ya and the current LHW champ (don’t bitch, he won that fight). He was the closest to beating Machida and like it or not Machida was trying not to lose at the end of that fight more than he was trying to win it.
The losses on his record in the past 8 years are … Chuck (who was unbeatable during that stretch) twice, Randy, and Machida … wow he’s really not relevant. haha
by Reether on Dec 16, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions
Yes Machida had him in a possible fight stopping sub just to try to not lose to tito? Tito didn’t land 1 punch or takedown and was made to look like a novice by Machida (although there’s no shame in that)
by MoonUK on Dec 16, 2008 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Tito is not the great fighter that was 3 years ago, the new fighters are well rounded and know how to stop his ground and pound, he’s 1 dimentional, his stricking and submissions are not that good, Griffin and Evans were able to figure out his style and strategy in the 2nd round. I like him as a coach, he can do ather things now, not fighting he’ll never get those PPV ratings again.
by Diego on Dec 16, 2008 2:08 PM EST reply actions
So what if he gets to fight babalu, chuck knocked both out. why pay to see that
by Eljefe on Dec 16, 2008 2:10 PM EST reply actions
Yeah and Chuck was laid out in the knockout of the year by Rashad does that mean nobody should care about Chuck fighting again? Your argument is totally without out any thought at all.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Chuck is still a good fighter and has a better shot at beating anyone than tito does and has ppv drawing power so no one cares if you dont wanna see chuck again, give it up tito sucks and is done in the ufc.
by LG on Dec 16, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Who cares if Tito is done in the UFC? I can still watch him compete elsewhere doesn’t bother me at all.As far as Chuck having a better shot at beating good fighters I recall Tito fighting Rashad Evans to a Draw and Chuck Liddell being laid out in the knockout of the year in absolutely embarrassing fashion.
by tyler on Dec 16, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
Oh and do you remember what chuck did too tito both times,made tito look like a little girl, people get caught in the ufc, chuck was winning the fight till then and he just beat the hell out of wanderlei silva which people tend to forget. Don’t even try comparing tito to chuck you just like an idiot when you do it.
by LG on Dec 17, 2008 1:20 AM EST up reply actions
I know this is popular knowledge and probably has been beaten into the ground, but really, his head is unbelievably large.
by Speedy on Dec 16, 2008 5:04 PM EST reply actions
The worse thing that can happen is that he gets some commentating job or something.
Imagine Tito with a mic full time?
Or, he’ll be the Tim Silvia/punching bag for some fighters in supposed “Superfights”
What the hell is Affliction thinking?
by DubNub on Dec 17, 2008 7:55 AM EST reply actions
tito should just stop fighting, make/coach a team properly and try it that way.
by MMA040 on Dec 17, 2008 8:14 AM EST reply actions
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