Tito Ortiz returns to the UFC, may face Mark Coleman in late 2009
by Jesse Holland on Jul 31, 2009 3:38 PM EDT
89 comments
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz was on the July 31 media conference call to officially announce his return to the Octagon. While "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" didn't get into specifics, he did confirm that he will finish his fighting career under the Zuffa umbrella.
The speed of his return took many by surprise, as the bad blood between Ortiz and UFC President Dana White seemed to reach an all-time high after Ortiz was relegated to signing autographs at an off-strip casino when officials banned him from the UFC Fan Expo on July 10 and 11.
Ortiz is coming off major spinal fusion surgery to correct a back problem that plagued him in his most recent bouts. His last appearance was in May 2008 — a unanimous decision loss to now 205-pound champion, Lyoto Machida.
He spent his time on the sidelines "searching for a record contract" while flirting with a variety of promotions, including Elite XC, Strikeforce and Affliction MMA, where he did a guest commentating spot at January's "Day of Reckoning."
While he speaks highly of Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, Ortiz told the media that his decision to return to the UFC was based on the level of competition -- something he didn't feel Renato Sobral or Frank Shamrock offered him in San Jose.
When asked for a timetable on his return, White interjected that he was presently considering Mark Coleman as his first opponent for late 2009. Ortiz then reiterated that he was in no hurry to rush back to competition after having major surgery.
It's been more than a year since Ortiz saw action in a performance that had him in trouble early only to nearly finish it with a triangle-to-armbar transition that "The Dragon" barely escaped.
Ortiz has all 22 of his professional fights (except for one) under the UFC banner in a career that dates back to 1997.
He has three wins, two defeats and one draw since he returned to action in 2006 from a brief hiatus. And those three victories have come at the expense of a past-his-prime, Ken Shamrock (twice), and a controversial split decision over Forrest Griffin.
Whether or not a surgically repaired back will help him return to form and make a serious run at the light heavyweight championship remains to be seen.
And I think Mark Coleman might have something to say about his chances later this year.
0 recs |
89 comments
Email
Print
Comments
I give Coleman a pretty good chance in this one; neither has great striking, it’ll come down to wrestling and Coleman has the better credentials there. It wouldn’t surprise me anyway.
by O damn he got caught on Jul 31, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I came to the same conclusion as well. But conditioning can play a major factor as well. We all know Tito comes in shape for every fight and Coleman doesn’t. And if these guys engage in a wrestling match early I don’t see Coleman having the gas.
by DB on Jul 31, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably true, but Coleman seems to be very physically strong, almost every fight I see him in he looks to be a lot stronger than the other guy, I don’t see Tito out muscling him either, he didn’t look terrible against bonnar, but not great either; he’ll probably lose on cardio but the blanket strategy might pay off.
by O damn he got caught on Jul 31, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But after he gasses will he be able to take Tito down?
by DB on Jul 31, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tito is probably good enough to stay away from getting taken down and beat Mark in the standup he has good knees and elbows and will dominate Mark standing… why he got taken down by Randy was because he clinched up with him!
Tito’s bjj is also pretty good..
by RoBerto on Jul 31, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you know his BJJ is good RoB? When have we seen it, and please don’t mention the triangle attempt on Machida. That is the exception that proves the rule. BJJ in training is a lot different than in a fight.
Still waiting on props for your new screen name…
:-)
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, DB. Even if Coleman’s wrestling credentials are better, Tito’s conditioning will be one factor why he’ll win. I reckon Tito’s intensity will be much more for the 60-year-old as well.
by Kobajack on Jul 31, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you! I came here to say it baby, the hammer UD. All you delusional fan boys will see that no amount of back surgery means nothing. The hammer’s cardio will only keep getting better. Also Jacob is 0-1-1 against better wrestlers than him. Finally as far as i am concerned, the hammer has faced way better comp than Ortiz despite his performances!
by NameNotRequired on Jul 31, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tito is not gonna try to wrestle with Mark he’s gonna try to outstrike him.. Mauricio took Mark down btw so it’s not that hard!
JJ – I’ve seen Tito do BJJ and you can tell that he’s good with his base he’s never been sweeped or even been in danger of getting submitted the last 5 years..
Tito’s been in against better comp and beaten better comp then Coleman has
by RoBerto on Jul 31, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how can you talk about wrestling credentials when it was 20 years ago Mark wrestled… college/high school wrestling or whatever means nothing, just look at Rashad he’s not that good at all..
by RoBerto on Jul 31, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark has a serious chin, he’s gotten bombed on by the some of the best ever including fedor, cro cop, igor vovchanchyn. Jacob won’t do $hit to him with his pitter patter shots that he calls strikes. As far as wrestling, shogun took him down coz he was so fn gassed. Look at at the bonner fight to see where he stands with his cardio. I called the bonner UD, it’s gonna be the same here except Jacob will make excuses unlike the psycho!
As far as competition tito lost anytime he went against anyone real – chuck, handy, chida, lil shammy. Same can be said of Coleman but it was to way, way better guys ie Fedor, Nog, Cro Cop, Shogun, etc… (I just realized he’s the only man to have faced the trinity of Pride!)
by NameNotRequired on Aug 1, 2009 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as far as his BJJ goes, Tito did really well at the Abu Dhabi submission wrestling tournament, heel hooking good grapplers. he’s got legit submissions.
by Jonathan Zungre on Aug 1, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. His ground game is pretty underrated. But his BJJ can’t overcome Coleman’s physical stength….Goin’ with one of my old school favorites, Tito[not Coleman, he’s too old-school]via decision!
by Syd on Aug 1, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just can’t wait to hear the trash talk between these two if the fight really happens! ha its gonna be like tito and ken.
and i’m not trying to get on tito’s nuts or anything just wanted to point something out… did anyone notice that 4 of tito’s 5 opponents since his comeback were the last 4 LHW champs of the ufc? … GRIFFIN, shamrock, LIDDELL, EVANS, MACHIDA. just something i noticed for everyone who says he doesnt fight good competition.
by AzCombat on Jul 31, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing. when tito fought Evans he was just a guy who fought on TUF and Machida was just some up and comer, and he fought both of those guys to decisions, something other people can’t do.
by Jonathan Zungre on Aug 1, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tito doesn’t like fighting dudes that can hurt him badly with punches. He likes earning paychecks. He’ll fight Coleman first. To be fair he has had a long layoff. And he probably could lie in Cane’s guard for 15 minutes and secure a victory.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoy watching Tito even though I’m not a big fan. But in all fairness JJ you’re right, he has been off for quite a while and had surgery. This fight should get him on the right track.
by UFC Champ on Jul 31, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
when has tito ever lay in someones guard.in his prime his gnp was up there with the best theres ever been!
by scott on Jul 31, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha! Tito is a pitiable whipping boy, UFC better signs ken so he has someone to beat…
by MMAmonkey on Jul 31, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL @ ‘when has he ever lay in someone’s guard’. Are you serious? Have you ever seen Tito even ATTEMPT to secure a full mount or side control? How ‘bout a submission from the top position? Didn’t think so. Yes, his GnP is nasty, but it’s the same unambitious elbows from guard every time.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so gsp bores you lately then aswell.ive got to admit tito is the most one dimensional fighter ever but he was good at it.
by scott on Jul 31, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As a follow-up to JJ’s point about Tito laying in guard, how the hell long ago was Tito’s prime?
by PW on Jul 31, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Time to pull out some GSP tapes, Scott. GSP has one of the most active top games in MMA. He is CONSTANTLY attempting to improve his position and make his opponent work. GSP transitions to more different top positions in one round than Tito has in his entire career.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
gsps transitions are off the chart,ill give you that but why does tito need to move position when he can cause the damage he does.so randys half guard is ineffective aswell.why give the chance for a sub when you can do damage in the one position.gsp is awesome but he bored me to death against alves,same against kos.
by scott on Jul 31, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The sport has evolved since Tito’s GnP was really effective (Ken Shamrock excluded, of course). Guys are more savvy on their backs now. He hasn’t learned any new tricks since the old days, and that’s why he’ll never hold a title again.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tito doesn’t need to pass guard, he’ll f every dude up from the guard with elbows and punches! I’d rather see someone trying to hurt his opponent than messing around with positions and doing nothing..
by RoBerto on Jul 31, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well Tito did come dangerously close to locking in that triangle on my man Machida from his back…
damn that was kinda scary
by Jerrolds on Jul 31, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that surprised everybody. Including Tito I think!
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree he will never be champion but i think he can still compete.the top lhw fighters are still predominantly strikers and wrestlers.griffin/jardine/page/evans etc.but are these guys wizards on their backs.when was the last time you saw any of these guys win a submission from bottom position.if he can get his takedowns up to scratch and his cardio up to speed theres no reason why he cant make waves.
by scott on Jul 31, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn I’d be so happy right now if Tito had pulled that one off. ;)
by O damn he got caught on Jul 31, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have too… Only because i had 50 bucks on Tito. I hate Tito. He’s a good fighter but i hated seeing him lay on top of Vitor like a f*cking blanket.
by belfort_fan on Jul 31, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RoBerto, are you saying that GSP changes position and does ‘nothing’? Did Sherk, Fitch, BJ and Alves’ faces look like ‘nothing’ had been done to them?
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no im not, but i see alot of other fighters doing that and then they lose position, i wanna see someone beat the other guy up and that’s what Tito does…
by RoBerto on Jul 31, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. I thought you were referring to GSP.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually miss Tito’s trash talking, ego and confidence. And hes not a bad person. I like the guy. And I think there are still some great fights he can have.
Welcome back Tito.
by UK_Chris on Jul 31, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let the PUNISHMENT begin in the UFC once again
by TaPouT on Jul 31, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.. Punishment on himself haha.
by belfort_fan on Jul 31, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully they give him a upper tier guy after Coleman.
by Amos on Jul 31, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But the Coleman fight makes sense though. UFC legend, proved he can still hang with the win over Bonner. And Tito should batter him, as the ‘holding you down and beating’ won’t work against Tito. Basically a “gimme” fight that still has prestige. Perfect to shake off the ring rust and sell PPVs.
by UK_Chris on Jul 31, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its gonna be Wanderli vs Tito, later on this year. Wandy wants time off and Tito needs time to recover and train. But I think that will be his first match up
by See What Had Happend Was !!!! on Jul 31, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Coleman isn’t a smart fight for Tito…If he loses it puts Tito low on the totem pole so to speak, if he wins who knows if he is really “back”
by King Yaco on Jul 31, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I dont know man, Im of the opinion that this is a great fight for Tito’s comeback. See what I wrote above.
by UK_Chris on Jul 31, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tito vs jon jones, no that would be nice to see
by bobby o'shea on Jul 31, 2009 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tito vs almost anyone in lhw I think would be sick, id like to see a rashad rematch
by phenomenal angel on Jul 31, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tito Coleman is fine…tito has always struggled with wrestlers that have good stand up…not with people trying to do the same thing that he does…ground and pound…Tito will get take downs and possibly t.k.o. 2nd round. Then…Bring on Rashad after he loses to Rampage
by Luke on Jul 31, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im expecting Tito to come out blazing. I have Tito by TKO in the 1st.
by UK_Chris on Jul 31, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i put my money on coleman tito all about excuses never was 100% go figure lol
by hollaback on Jul 31, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s fair to point out that 2 of his 3 recent victories were against an over the hill Shamrock, but it should also be noted that his 2 losses were to Liddell and Machida and the draw was against Evans.
by Me on Jul 31, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Beating yet another over-the-hill cripple (see K. Shamrock) does nothing for Tito’s rep as a fighter. However, this is pro sports, where making $ trumps other considerations.
Tito vs. Rich Franklin would be a great heel vs face match.
by Drake_Labatt on Jul 31, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Coleman/Tito winner vs Belfort/Franklin winner? If Belfort stays at 205 of course.
by UK_Chris on Jul 31, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow… already the “old man” shit starts lol. The guy had a fucking spinal fusion performed…do you know what that is? Same thing Quarry had done, only Tito’s was worse. Where was your bitching when Quarry came back and fought Pete Sell?
by introvert on Jul 31, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see your point intro, but terrible comparison. Quarry was a C-level fighter to begin with and wasn’t fighting big names with the exception of Rich. With Tito we’ve come to expect high-profile fights. That said, of course I’d give him a warm-up fight if he wants it.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quarry also didn’t leave for his surgery shit-talking everyone in sight, then return from surgery shit-talking everyone in sight.
by PW on Jul 31, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven’t heard a peep out of Tito as far as shit talking goes since the Machida pre-hype, scripted shit.
Maybe Tito and Quarry aren’t on the same level in fighting or profile…but, they are both lucky to be able to tie their own shoes let alone fight…so Tito gets a pass on the quality of his opponent for this fight IMO.
Props to him.
by introvert on Jul 31, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want to see Mark beat the shit out of Tito. Im not sure his conditioning will be up for parr though.
by belfort_fan on Jul 31, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coleman would be a good warm up fight for Tito.
by DL92 on Jul 31, 2009 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I dont understand how he can say Babalu is not competition?? I am not saying Tito can’t win, but Bablu is a good fighter and has an impressive resume, minus two knockouts from chuck liddell…..oh that’s right Tito also has been knocked out twice by Chuck Liddell. I would actually like to see Babalu vs Tito than Coleman vs Tito. But glad to see Tito back in the UFC.
by doubled on Jul 31, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ok Babalu is good competition , but after that fight, who does he fight?? There are two legit 205ers that Strikeforce has…Babalu is one, and Gegard is the other …
by robbyc on Jul 31, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point, I understand that The UFC has way better competition and more money than Strikeforce. And Tito made the right move signing back with the UFC. But I personally think Babalu can beat Tito. Just my opinion.
by doubled on Jul 31, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tito v. Rashad would be an awesome rematch…Rashad is a lot better than the last time they fought and Tito is almost 100% healthy
by robbyc on Jul 31, 2009 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad play for the UFC and tito to chose Coleman. I like Coleman and all, but it’s time to give up on fighting. This way after Tito beats him, the UFC can finally pull the plug on Coleman. A year ago we’d all laugh at Tito fighting Mark, but after a spinal fusion…I think we can let it slide…only for the first fight though.
Not that you won’t have 20,000 people on here saying “wow…he beat another old man…big fuckin’ deal”. To them I already say, after major back surgery…it is a big deal.
by introvert on Jul 31, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
tito vs coleman….then tito vs jon jones, that way we know where jones is, otherwise we may get excuses from tito
by irishlilpete on Jul 31, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So good for that interview Tito gave about how he has too much pride to ever fight in the UFC again. He is full of shit….
by Pat on Jul 31, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course he is. But Dana said he will never fight in the UFC again either, so the shit flows both ways.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They both talk sh$t everyone knows that but dana know’s like Tito or not he will draw fans and most likely be the Strikeforce champion bringing even more fans, as well as all the negative BS tito would say about the UFC Dana sucked it up and gave Tito enough money to be a UFC fighter and promoter.
by Puck Head on Jul 31, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting fight. Looking forward to that. If Tito gets his cardio back to where it was before he hurt his back then he takes this..
by stompgrASS on Jul 31, 2009 4:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mark “Rusty Old Can” Coleman?
If tittos can’t beat this guy, he should quit and do porn with his “big head”.
by Gassy on Jul 31, 2009 4:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the UFC should feed Tito to Chuck Liddelle again. Think about it … We wouldn’t have to listen to Tito’s smack talk after the fight AND Chuck could retire with a win!
Just my .02
-Zed (Certified Tater)
by Zed on Jul 31, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“SEE WHAT HAPPEND WAS” is right.. when Tito gets passed coleman, a fight will be set up between tito vs wandei.. it just sounds like wat the UFC would do… everyone is fightin everyone it seems lately… rampage forrest rashad jardine vanderlei even liddell all fought each other.. and u can now throw tito in that mix
by Phat 1 on Jul 31, 2009 5:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if tito beats coleman(which he should) wanderlei vs tito new year’s ufc
by johnnyg on Jul 31, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I say after Coleman Tito against the winner of Jardine & T.Silva.
by Puck Head on Jul 31, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is a very reasonable proposal. Jardine would be a good test for Tito to see if he can still hang. Both of those guys will mess Tito up on their feet, but on the other hand, Tito can probably take both of them down. I like it.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya I’m w/ ya puckhead very good fight choice. I’m actually jealous I never though of it. Lol I think u picked his 2nd fight just there. Great job. Hope he stomps Coleman then jardine ko’s him. I want big things from jardine. Cool guy.
by Daniel worby on Jul 31, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wand is at MW but you know that he would take any fight that Dana offered him.
by belfort_fan on Jul 31, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fantastic post. Well thought out, concise and to the point. 10/10.
by Jeremyjackson on Jul 31, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i really do think tito will fight coleman first probably nov in vegas or jan 2nd card
by bryant on Jul 31, 2009 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
how about a bout with the other hammer? They use Tito as his coach as a sell for the fight. You know like student vs teacher type of shit.
by Little Focker on Jul 31, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on MMA Mania
Related FanShots on MMA Mania
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
