Let’s Talk Pressure. Tito Ortiz Knows a Loss To Ryan Bader Probably Means the UFC Cuts Him. So How Is He Holding Up?

This former light-heavyweight champ from Southern California has been MMA’s premiere bad boy since he burst onto the UFC scene almost 15 years ago.

His antics in the ring, at weigh-ins and as a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” have turned some people off while others totally dig it.

But is the show almost over?

Ortiz last won in October of 2006. On July 2, he faces one of the toughest young fighters in the game … Ryan Bader.

In this exclusive interview with the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy,” Ortiz reveals his emotions, discusses pressure and reveals what he’s thinking about his future. Plus, as a bonus, Ortiz opens totally up on his reputation as one of the baddest dudes on the planet. — Editor

ULTIMATE MMA What is your mindset going into your fight against Bader?

TITO ORTIZ Of course, I have to win. I am going for the “W,” and it’s been a while since I had a “W.” I’ve gone through some major surgeries. I am very thankful that I have been able to compete, let alone train. Of course, getting the win is my No. 1 mindset, and I am putting in the training to make that happen.

Have you been frustrated by your recent losses?

Yeah, very frustrated, but I fight the top guys. It’s not like I take any easy fights. There are never any easy fights or guys who are not ranked in the world. Every guy I fight is in the top five in the world. It’s a test for Dana to make me fight the best guys. Is he trying to get me out of there or does he still want to see me compete? I take the challenge in stride and take it no mater what.

Do you feel that this is do or die, a must-win fight, to stay in the UFC?

To stay in the UFC, of course. To compete …

NOTE: The full story is in the August issue of Ultimate MMA.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed