Tito Ortiz Will Be Inducted Into UFC Hall of Fame Prior to UFC 148

[No More Sorrow]

Tito Ortiz will call it a career at UFC 148, but before he faces Forrest Griffin in the cage he will be honored as the ninth person inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.


UFC President Dana White confirmed the news to MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday.


Following the UFC 150 press conference in Denver, White spoke to MMAWeekly.com about Ortiz’s contributions to the sport, and how he was really the face of the UFC in the darkest days when finding fans to watch was still a tough proposition.


“He pound for pound was doing some of the most damage at a time when we were hurting,†said White. “But it’s part of our history the way the storylines played out between me, Chuck and Tito. He’s definitely a part of the history of the sport.â€


The plan is for Ortiz to officially be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at the UFC Fan Expo the weekend of UFC 148.


During his career with the UFC, Ortiz won and defended the UFC light heavyweight title a record five times, while also amassing 26 total fights inside the Octagon.


Often controversial, but always a fighter fans paid to see fight, Ortiz decided after his last bout against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira to compete in the UFC one last time and then call it a career.


As far as Ortiz’s colorful past with UFC President Dana White, it’s no secret that they have seen the best of times and the worst of times, but as he heads into his final bout with the promotion, there is no more bad blood.


“Yeah (we’re good),†said White. “I have no beef with Tito.â€


Ortiz becomes the ninth person inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and the first since former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes was inducted back in 2010.

Even though I'm not a fan of the guy, he still deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame.

 

[Slim]

His track record at Light Heavyweight, 5 title defenses, he did a lot of good back then... his feud with Shamrock, he was a good coach in TUF, I mean he did quite a bit. Kudos to Tito for being inducted... him and that big ole head of is

 

[No More Sorrow]

Yeah he totally belongs, some people might not like him but he did help with the growth of the sport. Would've been unfair to not have him in the Hall of Fame.

 

[Deezy]

Long deserved, he carried that company when they were nobodies.

He also gave them the PPV buys when they seriously needed it. Him and Shamrock and Liddell really kept them afloat with their respective rivalries.

Now I need to see Saku, and Don Frye in the HOF.

 

[The Cork]

Should of called it quits a long time ago, but a legendary figure nontheless.

Tito as a commentator would be the goods.

 

[Troy]

Good choice for UFC HOF. Certainly deserves it after being the top guy for so many years, especially during the tough times. Was one of the fighters that helped put UFC on the map and was very successful in his prime. Yes he should have retired a few years ago but at least we know that this will be it from him.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Good choice for UFC HOF. Certainly deserves it after being the top guy for so many years, especially during the tough times. Was one of the fighters that helped put UFC on the map and was very successful in his prime. Yes he should have retired a few years ago but at least we know that this will be it from him.

That's what he says atleast, hard to believe the guy but we'll see. Reagrdless if he does fight again it wont be in the UFC as the last fight on his contract is at UFC 148.

Be nice to see him doing commentary like Cork said, probably be offered a UFC front office job as well. Although who's to say he and Dana white will be able to coexist under the same roof every day :

 

[The Cork]

Really think he'll be a Fedor victim, even though they both say they are retiring.

 

[Slim]

What would be the chances of someone like Wanderlei being inducted after he retires?

 

[Deezy]

What would be the chances of someone like Wanderlei being inducted after he retires?

Pretty much a foregone conclusion unless her has some kind of massive fallout with Zuffa.

 

[Slim]

Shoot it'd be nice for them to just compile an epic highlight reel of his fights from Pride.

Where is the War Wandy dvd at?