Tito Ortiz

Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz (Template:IPAc-en) is a retired American mixed martial artist and Submission Grappler and a former politician. Ortiz is best known for his career with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, having held the title from April 14, 2000, to September 26, 2003.<ref name=UFC>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Along with fighters like Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell, he was one of the sport's early stars. Ortiz ultimately became the biggest pay-per-view draw of 2006 for his fights with Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Ken Shamrock.<ref>"Since Ortiz's returned to the UFC, he has blossomed into 2006's hottest consistent ticket seller and buyrate draw in the pay-per-view business." Template:Cite web</ref> On July 7, 2012, Ortiz became the ninth inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Ortiz is the CEO of Punishment Athletics MMA equipment and clothing line, which is located in his hometown of Huntington Beach, California.

On November 5, 2020, Ortiz was announced as one of the winners of the Huntington Beach City Council election, becoming Mayor pro tempore.<ref name="election" /> Sworn into office on December 7, 2020, he resigned from the city council less than six months later on June 1, 2021.<ref name="resignation">Template:Cite news</ref>

Ortiz made his professional boxing debut on September 11, 2021, in a round one loss to fellow former UFC champion Anderson Silva.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Early life and education

Ortiz is of Mexican descent.Template:Better source needed At the age of nineteen, Ortiz met Paul Herrera, an assistant wrestling coach at Golden West College. Herrera encouraged Ortiz to attend Golden West, where he was a California junior college state champion and All-American for two consecutive years before transferring to California State University, Bakersfield, where he continued wrestling but was never a full-time starter. Ortiz also trained with UFC fighter and fellow collegiate wrestler, Tank Abbott.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ortiz's mixed martial arts debut was at UFC 13 in 1997. Still in college, Ortiz competed as an amateur for no prize money or contracts. He beat Wes Albritton in an alternate bout by referee stoppage at 0:31 of the first round. He was selected to face Guy Mezger in the Light Heavyweight final after Enson Inoue could not continue due to injury. Despite dominating Mezger at first, Ortiz lost the fight at 2:00 in the first round by a guillotine choke submission. After returning with a TKO victory over Jeremy Screeton at West Coast NHB Championships 1, Ortiz fought top ranked fighter and UFC 12 Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion Jerry Bohlander at UFC 18. Ortiz dominated the fight and won via TKO due to cut stoppage. Ortiz then avenged his loss to Mezger at UFC 19 by TKO. Ortiz's post fight antics towards Mezger and the Lion's Den led to his long-running rivalry with the team's leader Ken Shamrock.

Ortiz has credited UFC Heavyweight Champion Bas Rutten for inspiration during his early days. Ortiz said; "I looked up to Bas Rutten. Bas was my idol. People were just so scared of fighting him, he was like the man. I thought that was what I need to do now. If I train as hard as he does then one day I'll be as good as him and two years later look where I am, I'm on top of the world. I've got to say thanks to him, (Bas) for helping me out by making me believe in dreams."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1999, Ortiz fought Frank Shamrock for what is now known as the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 22. Despite controlling Shamrock for the majority of the fight, Ortiz ended up losing via submission due to strikes. Following the victory, Shamrock retired and vacated the championship. The Middleweight division was then officially renamed the Light Heavyweight (205 lb) division and Ortiz was chosen, along with Wanderlei Silva, as a top contender. Ortiz defeated Silva for the vacant Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 25 via unanimous decision. He went on to defend the Light Heavyweight Championship a then-record five times in the following three years, defeating Yuki Kondo, Evan Tanner, Elvis Sinosic, Vladimir Matyushenko and Lion's Den head Ken Shamrock.

At UFC 44, after a near year-long layoff from the sport, Ortiz fought the new Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture, who had defeated Chuck Liddell for the interim title at UFC 43 in September 2003. Couture defeated Ortiz via unanimous decision. The loss ended Ortiz's near three-and-a-half-year title reign, which was the longest Light Heavyweight Championship reign until Jon Jones successfully defended the Light Heavyweight Championship for the sixth time on September 21, 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>UFC Light Heavyweight Championship#Light Heavyweight Championship</ref> Following his loss to Couture, Ortiz faced Chuck Liddell at UFC 47, losing by TKO in the second round. After six months off, Ortiz returned and took a unanimous decision victory over newcomer Patrick Côté at UFC 50 and a split decision over Vitor Belfort at UFC 51.

In February 2005, Ortiz took time away from the UFC and was offered deals with several promotions, including PRIDE Fighting Championships and the Don King-backed World Fighting Alliance. Ortiz and fellow fighter Fabiano Iha even hired investment banker Stan Medley to take a new league, The Xtreme Fighting Championship, public. But none of these endeavors came to fruition. Ortiz opted to try his hand at professional wrestling, signing with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a guest referee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In November 2005, UFC president Dana White announced Ortiz and Ken Shamrock would coach The Ultimate Fighter 3 reality TV series on Spike TV, which premiered in April 2006. Ortiz's first fight in his return occurred at UFC 59 on April 15, 2006, against previous The Ultimate Fighter 1 winner Forrest Griffin. Ortiz won via split decision (30–27, 28–29, and 29–27). This fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award.<ref name="UFC59">Template:Cite web</ref>

His next fight was against UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock at UFC 61 on July 8, 2006, a match which was to conclude a main rivalry on The Ultimate Fighter 3. Shamrock lost in the first round by TKO due to strikes (elbows) by Ortiz.This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.<ref name="UFC61">Template:Cite web</ref>

On August 25, 2006, at the UFC 62 weigh-ins, Dana White announced a rematch between Ortiz and Shamrock for October 10, 2006, on Spike TV, as the main event of Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter. Ortiz beat Shamrock for the third time in this fight, which was stopped in the first round due to strikes. On December 30, 2006, at UFC 66, Ortiz's rematch with Chuck Liddell (for the UFC Light Heavyweight championship) ended in defeat via referee stoppage in the third round.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This fight earned him a Knockout of the Night award.<ref name="Shamrock3">Template:Cite web</ref>

He then fought against undefeated The Ultimate Fighter 2 winner Rashad Evans on July 7, 2007, at UFC 73. Ortiz took charge of the fight from the outset, taking Evans down and controlling him. In the second round Ortiz once again took control and nearly submitted Evans before the culmination of the round. The fight ended in a draw after Ortiz was penalized for grabbing the fence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz's last fight on his contract with the UFC was a unanimous decision loss to the then undefeated Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 on May 24, 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All three judges scored the fight 30–27 to Machida.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz came close to submitting Machida in the third round with a triangle choke before transitioning to an armbar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Machida managed to escape and survived the round, winning a unanimous judges' decision. The fight concluded Ortiz's stay with the promotion as he chose not to re-sign, citing his frustration with UFC president Dana White as a major factor in the decision.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Outside the UFC

After leaving the UFC, Ortiz was approached by multiple promotions, including the now defunct Elite Xtreme Combat, Affliction and the American Fight League. However, a clause in his old UFC contract forbade him from signing with or fighting for any other organization until approximately April–June 2009. Until his return to the UFC, Ortiz was considered the biggest free agent on the market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On October 6, 2008, Ortiz underwent back surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> According to his website, he had been experiencing back pain since his fight with Randy Couture.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, Affliction Entertainment announced that Ortiz would be part of the broadcast team for the Affliction: Day of Reckoning. Ortiz had said he would fight again in August 2009, but this did not occur.

Return to the UFC

As part of his comeback to the UFC, Ortiz began training with his original Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo instructor Cleber Luciano (a student of Royler Gracie). Ortiz originally briefly trained with Luciano back in 1997, when he was still a student at Golden West College.<ref>Cleber Luciano Jiu-Jitsu. URL accessed on October 23, 2009.</ref>

On July 17, 2009, both Ortiz and Dana White stated that the pair had made amends.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One week later, White announced that he re-signed Tito.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz stated he is returning for a six-fight deal he and White have worked out. White officially announced Ortiz's return in a conference call on July 31, 2009. White mentioned that "everyone wants to see Tito fight" and "Tito will retire in the UFC." Mark Coleman was named as Ortiz's opponent for his return to the octagon at UFC 106.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Coleman pulled out of this bout due to a second-degree tear of his MCL, and was replaced by Forrest Griffin.

Due to an illness to UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, Ortiz's fight with Griffin was promoted to the headliner of UFC 106. Griffin won the fight via split decision, showing superior striking ability.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Whilst Ortiz was able to secure takedowns in the first and second rounds, Griffin showed considerable improvement since their first fight and kept the fight standing throughout the third, leading to the split decision victory.

On December 5, it was announced Ortiz would coach the 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter, with the opposing coach being Chuck Liddell. He was scheduled to fight Liddell again for the third time at the end of the season and later pulled out of the bout.<ref>Template:Cite web FightersOnlyMagazine.com</ref> On April 7, 2010, UFC president Dana White said Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 was scheduled to be the main event for UFC 115.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, on April 12, 2010, the UFC confirmed the main event for the card was Liddell vs. Rich Franklin.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Ortiz fought Matt Hamill on October 23, 2010, at UFC 121.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hamill was Ortiz's first overall pick during Season 3 of the Ultimate Fighter. Ortiz lost the fight via unanimous decision.

UFC President Dana White hinted at Tito Ortiz's possible release from the UFC in a post-fight interview after UFC 121<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> stating that 'We all know what happens when guys lose four fights in the UFC'. There had been no official statement to confirm this, however. On November 7, in a response to a fan via his Twitter, Ortiz stated that he would again fight in the UFC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz was expected to face Antônio Rogério Nogueira on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> UFC president Dana White said that he had expected to cut Ortiz loose from the UFC after his loss to Hamill, but decided to give him one last chance against Nogueira.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz received a cut above his eye and a concussion while training for his fight with Nogueira and was forced to withdraw. He was replaced by Phil Davis.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz took on Ryan Bader on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Coming in as a heavy underdog, with his UFC career on the line (despite stating that in his previous 5 fights, he'd been plagued by injury), Ortiz dropped Bader with strikes and submitted him using a guillotine choke at 1:56 of the first round, thus securing his first victory since 2006 and saving his UFC career. The victory earned him a $75,000 "Submission of the Night" bonus award.<ref name="UFC132">Template:Cite web</ref>

File:TitoOrtiz2.png

Ortiz in June 2008

In a rematch against Rashad Evans on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133, in which he replaced an injured Phil Davis on two weeks' notice, Ortiz lost in the second round by TKO via strikes, despite nearly finishing Evans in round one with a guillotine. Despite the loss, this fight earned him a $70,000 Fight of the Night award.<ref name="UFC133">Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz faced Antônio Rogério Nogueira on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. He would state after the fight that he had suffered a neck injury before the fight, but decided to fight anyway in the hope of bringing the fans a victory.

Ortiz then stated he would retire after his next fight, the last of his contract, against Forrest Griffin at UFC 148.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz faced Forrest Griffin for a third time on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame prior to his final bout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost in a $75,000 Fight of the Night winning performance (despite landing 2 knockdowns and 2 takedowns to Griffin's zero).<ref name="UFC148">Template:Cite web</ref>

Brief retirement

Following his loss to Griffin, Ortiz retired from MMA and started up a management company, Primetime 360 Entertainment & Sports Management Inc. The management team would pick up Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino as its first high-profile client.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He came out of retirement to fight in Bellator MMA.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On February 14, 2014, Tito Ortiz stepped down as manager for Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Bellator MMA

On July 31, 2013, it was announced that Ortiz would come out of retirement to face former training partner and fellow former UFC Light heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson on November 2, 2013, at Bellator 106.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, on October 25, it was announced that Ortiz suffered a neck injury and had to pull out of his fight with Jackson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Despite having to deal with another injury, Ortiz said that he would still focus on a return to the cage<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and then Bellator President Bjorn Rebney said that they still wanted to see Ortiz compete in their organization.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz faced Bellator Middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko, in a match up at Light Heavyweight, in his Bellator debut on May 17, 2014, at Bellator 120.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He won via first round arm-triangle choke submission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In his victory speech, he was dismissive of the UFC for the company's attempts to remove him from their history, calling it "bullshit" and stated that he will "live in the MMA memory forever".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ortiz faced fellow UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar on November 15, 2014, at Bellator 131.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He won via split decision.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On June 19, 2015, it was announced that Ortiz would face Liam McGeary for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The match eventually took place on September 19, 2015, at Bellator 142: Dynamite 1. Ortiz lost the fight via inverted triangle choke in the first round.

In his fourth fight for the promotion, Ortiz faced fellow UFC veteran Chael Sonnen on January 21, 2017, in the main event at Bellator 170.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Before the fight Ortiz announced this would be his last mixed martial arts fight. He won via rear-naked choke in first round.

Third bout against Chuck Liddell

In August 2018, it was announced by Golden Boy Promotions that Ortiz would be coming out of retirement to face his rival Chuck Liddell in a third fight. The fight took place on November 24, 2018, at The Forum in Inglewood, California.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Ortiz won the fight by knockout in the first round.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Combate Americas

In April 2019, it was announced the Ortiz had signed a multi-fight agreement with the Combate Americas promotion. Later, Ortiz revealed that the contract covers three fights and two years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The time of his promotional debut was set for the fall of 2019.<ref name=titocombate>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 9, 2019, it was announced that Ortiz's debut opponent would be former WWE Champion and Combate Americas President Alberto El Patrón in a 210-pound Catchweight bout at Combate Americas event in Hidalgo, Texas on December 7, 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 26, 2020, it was announced that the result had been temporarily overturned to a no decision by the Texas State Athletic Commission for reasons that have not yet been disclosed.<ref name=titonc>Template:Cite web</ref> However, on February 28, it was announced that Ortiz consumed muscle relaxers, so the issue had been resolved and the result was turned back to a win for Ortiz.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Professional wrestling

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Sporadic appearances (2005)

In May 2005, Ortiz made an appearance for the professional wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). On May 15, 2005, at Hard Justice Ortiz served as special guest referee in the NWA World Heavyweight Championship title match between champion Jeff Jarrett and challenger A.J. Styles at the behest of Director of Authority Dusty Rhodes. The conclusion of the match saw Ortiz knock out Jarrett with a right hook after Jarrett shoved him, which allowed Styles to hit his "Spiral Tap" for the pinfall victory and claim the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz returned to TNA on the edition of October 1 of TNA Impact! and the following week he was revealed as the special guest referee for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match between Jeff Jarrett and Kevin Nash at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view, in a segment, where he grabbed the number one contender Nash in a rear naked choke in order to prevent him from brawling with Jarrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 23 at Bound for Glory Ortiz refereed the match for the title between Jarrett and Rhino, a last minute replacement for Nash. The matched ended with Ortiz knocking out America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm), two of Jarrett's associates who attempted to interfere in the match, and then counted the pinfall for Rhino to crown him the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Return and Aces & Eights (2013)

Ortiz returned to TNA on August 1, 2013, revealing himself as the man behind the cryptic #August1Warning tweets and YouTube videos and staring down the Aces & Eights and The Main Event Mafia, which included his Bellator 106 opponent Quinton Jackson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Ortiz returned to explain his reason for being in TNA, but he was interrupted by Kurt Angle who declared his respect for Ortiz, and later Bully Ray who declared his disrespect for both men.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 15 at Impact Wrestling: Hardcore Justice, Ortiz was picked by Jackson to sub for Angle in the Main Event Mafia to take on Aces & Eights, which Ortiz left up in the air before he was again interrupted and insulted by Bully Ray. During the main event of the evening, Ortiz turned on Jackson by hitting him with a hammer and allowed Ray to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Chris Sabin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Ortiz officially joined Aces & Eights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, on Impact Wrestling: No Surrender, it was announced that Bellator MMA had pulled Ortiz from TNA programming due to his upcoming PPV fight with Rampage Jackson, thus removing him from Aces & Eights. Ortiz has since parted ways with TNA.

Boxing

Ortiz made his professional boxing debut against former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva on September 11, 2021. He lost via knockout in the first round.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Acting

Ortiz made a cameo in the 2008 comedy Zombie Strippers as the bouncer of the Rhino. In addition, he has a cameo in Jet Li's Cradle 2 the Grave, as well as co-starring in The Crow: Wicked Prayer. Ortiz was a playable character in the 2000 video game Razor Freestyle Scooter. Tito also played a minor role in Turkish film Valley of the Wolves: Iraq, and briefly appeared in Korn's music video "Got the Life", as well as portraying American symbol Uncle Sam in the band Seether's music video for the song "Truth." He portrayed Det. Pierce in Trauma Center.

He also appeared on Hell's Kitchen where he sat at the chef's table. He also appeared on MADtv. Tito played an MMA fighter named Derek Petrov on an episode of CSI: NY titled "Clean Sweep", which aired on January 6, 2012, on CBS. In 2017, Ortiz co-starred in the film Boo 2! A Madea Halloween.

Huntington Beach City Council (2020–2021)

Election

In 2020, Ortiz ran for a city council seat in his hometown of Huntington Beach, with the intention of eventually becoming the mayor. (Huntington Beach does not elect mayors directly, but the mayor is chosen from among city councilmembers.) On November 5, 2020, Ortiz was elected as one of the winners of the open seats.<ref name="election">Template:Cite web</ref> On December 7, 2020, Ortiz was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tempore of Huntington Beach.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tenure

On November 30, 2020, Ortiz led a "curfew breaker" protest against COVID-19 regulations on the Huntington Beach pier.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In May 2021, it surfaced that Ortiz had filed for unemployment in February 2021 despite not being unemployed or underemployed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Ortiz resigned from the city council on June 1, 2021 after less than six months in office.<ref name="resignation" />

Political positions

Ortiz is a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump. As a tribute to Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", Ortiz chose "Make Huntington Beach Safe Again" as his campaign slogan for the 2020 election.<ref name="election2">Template:Cite web</ref> Ortiz has stated his skepticism to COVID-19, calling it "the flu," and a form of "population control."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has also declared his support for law enforcement, legal immigration and the second amendment.<ref name="election2" />

In January 2021, Ortiz was refused service at a TK Burgers restaurant for not wearing a mask, and posted his experience on Instagram. Ortiz has since apologized, saying "We understand that this is a small business and we don't want to ruin our business."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Personal life

File:Tito Ortiz - November 2014.jpg

Ortiz with girlfriend Amber Nichole Miller and two of his sons in November 2014

Relationships and children

Ortiz was married to his first wife, Kristin, for five years, and they divorced in 2005.<ref name="miller" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They have a son.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2006, he began dating former adult film star Jenna Jameson.<ref name=TampaTribune>"UFC's Ortiz Still Man of People", by Anwar S. Richardson, The Tampa Tribune, reprinted on Ring Sport K1. Retrieved February 13, 2007.</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Ortiz announced in August 2008 that he and Jameson were expecting twins in April 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 16, 2009, Jameson gave birth to twin boys.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=twins>Template:Cite web</ref> Jameson and Ortiz split up in March 2013. Ortiz was granted full custody of the twins.<ref name=union>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2014, Ortiz began dating model Amber Nichole Miller. The two had worked together in the UFC as a fighter and Octagon Girl respectively.<ref name="miller">Template:Cite web</ref>

Legal issues

Ortiz was arrested on DUI charges in Los Angeles on January 6, 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Washington Post</ref> He was sentenced to three years probation, an undisclosed fine, and an obligation to enroll in an alcohol education program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Poker

While Ortiz describes his poker playing as a hobby, and in March 2017, he placed 22nd in the $5,300 No Limit Hold'em PokerStars Championship Main Event in Panama.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, he has appeared on Shark Cage, Live at the Bike, and a number of private tournaments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Hall of Fame (Pioneer Wing, Class of 2012)
  • UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
    • Five successful title defenses
    • Second most championship fights in the Light Heavyweight division (9)
    • Second most championship rounds fought in the Light Heavyweight division (28)
    • Second most successful Light Heavyweight title defenses in UFC history (5)
    • Second most consecutive successful Light Heavyweight title defenses in UFC history (5)
    • Second most wins in UFC Light Heavyweight division championship fights (6)
  • UFC 13 Light Heavyweight Tournament Runner-Up
  • Fight of the Night (Four times) vs. Forrest Griffin 1, Chuck Liddell 2, Rashad Evans 2 and Forrest Griffin 3<ref name="UFC59"/><ref name="UFC61"/><ref name="UFC133"/><ref name="UFC148"/>
  • Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Ken Shamrock 3<ref name="Shamrock3"/>
  • Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Ryan Bader<ref name="UFC132"/>
  • UFC Encyclopedia Awards
    • Fight of the Night (Eight times) Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
      • Tied (Randy Couture) for most Encyclopedia Fight of the Night Awards (8)
      • Most combined Encyclopedia/Official Fight of the Night Awards in UFC history (12)
    • Knockout of the Night (Two times) Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
      • Tied (Chuck Liddell) for most Encyclopedia Post-Fight Awards (10)
  • Tied (Ryan Bader) for third most wins in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (15) (including pre-modern era)
  • Most control time in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (1:22:51)<ref name="ufclhw">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Second most top control time in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (1:05:02)<ref name="ufclhw"/>
  • Fifth most significant strikes landed in UFC Light Heavyweight division history (1241)<ref name="ufclhw"/>
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2005: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
    • 2006: Ranked #5 Fight of the Year Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
    • 2011: Upset of the Year Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> & Ranked #8 Submission of the Year Template:Small<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 1999 Fight of the Year vs. Frank Shamrock on September 24
• Sherdog
  • Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Fighting Spirit Magazine
  • 2006 Fight of the Year vs. Forrest Griffin on April 15
• fightmatrix.com
  • 2014 Comeback Fighter Of The Year

Professional wrestling

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Worst Gimmick (2013) Aces & Eights<ref name="WON13">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Submission grappling

• Abu Dhabi Combat Club
  • 2000 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships −99 kg bronze medalist

Amateur wrestling

• California Community College Athletic Association
  • CCCAA State Champion (1995, 1996)
  • CCCAA All-American (1995, 1996)
  • CCCAA All-State Selection (1995, 1996)
• California Interscholastic Federation
  • CIF All-State Selection (1993)

Mixed martial arts record

Template:MMArecordbox Template:MMA record start |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 21–12–1 | Alberto El Patrón | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Combate Americas 51: Tito vs. Alberto | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 3:10 | McAllen, Texas, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 20–12–1 | Chuck Liddell | KO (punches) | Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 4:24 | Inglewood, California, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 19–12–1 | Chael Sonnen | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 170 | Template:Dts | align=center|1 | align=center|2:03 | Inglewood, California, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 18–12–1 | Liam McGeary | Submission (inverted triangle choke) | Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 4:41 | San Jose, California, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 18–11–1 | Stephan Bonnar | Decision (split) | Bellator 131 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 17–11–1 | Alexander Shlemenko | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 120 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:27 | Southaven, Mississippi, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 16–11–1 | Forrest Griffin | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 148 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| Template:Nowrap | Antônio Rogério Nogueira | TKO (punches and elbows to the body) | UFC 140 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 3:15 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 16–9–1 | Rashad Evans | TKO (knee to the body and punches) | UFC 133 | Template:Dts | align=center| 2 | align=center| 4:48 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 16–8–1 | Ryan Bader | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 132 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:56 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 15–8–1 | Matt Hamill | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 121 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 15–7–1 | Forrest Griffin | Decision (split) | UFC 106 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 15–6–1 | Lyoto Machida | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 84 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | |- | Template:DrawDraw | align=center| Template:Nowrap | Rashad Evans | Draw (unanimous) | UFC 73 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Sacramento, California, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 15–5 | Chuck Liddell | TKO (punches) | UFC 66 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 3:59 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 15–4 | Ken Shamrock | TKO (punches) | Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:23 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 14–4 | Ken Shamrock | TKO (elbows) | UFC 61 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:18 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 13–4 | Forrest Griffin | Decision (split) | UFC 59 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 12–4 | Vitor Belfort | Decision (split) | UFC 51 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 11–4 | Patrick Côté | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 50 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 10–4 | Chuck Liddell | KO (punches) | UFC 47 | Template:Dts | align=center| 2 | align=center| 0:38 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 10–3 | Randy Couture | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 44 | Template:Dts | align=center| 5 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 10–2 | Ken Shamrock | TKO (corner stoppage) | UFC 40 | Template:Dts | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 9–2 | Vladimir Matyushenko | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 33 | Template:Dts | align=center| 5 | align=center| 5:00 | Paradise, Nevada, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 8–2 | Elvis Sinosic | TKO (punches and elbows) | UFC 32 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 3:32 | East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 7–2 | Evan Tanner | KO (slam) | UFC 30 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 0:30 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 6–2 | Yuki Kondo | Submission (neck crank) | UFC 29 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:51 | Tokyo, Japan | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 5–2 | Wanderlei Silva | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 25 | Template:Dts | align=center| 5 | align=center| 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | Template:Small |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 4–2 | Frank Shamrock | TKO (submission to punches) | UFC 22 | Template:Dts | align=center| 4 | align=center| 4:42 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 4–1 | Guy Mezger | TKO (punches) | UFC 19 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 9:56 | Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 3–1 | Jerry Bohlander | TKO (cut) | UFC 18 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 14:31 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 2–1 | Jeremy Screeton | TKO (submission to knees) | West Coast NHB Championships 1 | Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 0:16 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |- | Template:No2Loss | align=center| 1–1 | Guy Mezger | Submission (guillotine choke) | rowspan=2|UFC 13 | rowspan=2|Template:Dts | align=center| 1 | align=center| 3:00 | rowspan=2|Augusta, Georgia, United States | Template:Small |- | Template:Yes2Win | align=center| 1–0 | Wes Albritton | TKO (punches) | align=center| 1 | align=center| 0:31 | Template:Small Template:End <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Pay-per-view bouts

No.	Event	Fight	Date	Attendance	PPV Buys
1.	UFC 33	Victory in Vegas	September 28, 2001	9,500	75,000
2.	UFC 40	Vendetta	November 22, 2002	13,265	100,000
3.	UFC 44	Undisputed	September 26, 2003	10,400	94,000
4.	UFC 47	It's On	April 2, 2004	11,437	106,000<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
5.	UFC 50	The War of '04	October 22, 2004	9,000	40,000
6.	UFC 51	Super Saturday	February 5, 2005	11,072	105,000
7.	UFC 66	Liddell vs. Ortiz	December 30, 2006	13,761	929,000
8.	UFC 106	Ortiz vs. Griffin 2	November 21, 2009	10,529	375,000
9.	UFC 133	Evans vs. Ortiz	August 6, 2011	11,583	310,000
10.	Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3	Liddell vs. Ortiz 3	November 24, 2018	7,839	40,000<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Total PPV Buys:					2,174,000

Submission grappling record

7 Matches, 5 Wins (3 Submission), 2 Loss
Result	Rec.	Opponent	Method	Event	Division	Date	Location
Template:No2Lose	5–2	Template:Flagicon Sean Alvarez	Points (2x0)	ADCC 2000	Absolute	2000	Template:Flagicon Abu Dhabi
Template:Yes2Win	5–1	Template:Flagicon Rodrigo Medeiros	Points (2x0)
Template:Yes2Win	4–1	Template:Flagicon Rumina Sato	Submission (North–south choke)
Template:Yes2Win	3–1	Template:Flagicon Matt Hughes*	Points (2x0)	ADCC 2000	–99 kg	2000	Template:Flagicon Abu Dhabi
Template:No2Lose	2–1	Template:Flagicon Ricardo Arona	Points (2x0)
Template:Yes2Win	2–0	Template:Flagicon Mike Van Arsdale	Submission (Heel hook)
Template:Yes2Win	1–0	Template:Flagicon Rostylav Borysenko	Submission (Arm triangle choke)

• For the bronze medal (3rd place).

Professional boxing record

Template:Abbr	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Age	Location	Note
1	Template:No2Loss	0–1	Anderson Silva	Template:Abbr	1 (8), Template:Small	Sep 11, 2021		Template:Small

Bibliography

• (2008) This is Gonna Hurt: The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2003	Cradle 2 the Grave	Cage Fighter	Cameo appearance
2005	The Crow: Wicked Prayer	Famine	Co-Starring
2006	Valley of the Wolves: Iraq	Major U.S. Official	Minor role
2008	Zombie Strippers	Bouncer of the Rhino	Cameo appearance
2017	Boo 2! A Madea Halloween	Victor	Co-Starring
2019	Above the Shadows	Attila
	Trauma Center	Det. Pierce
2023	Operation Black Ops	Noah	Starring

Music videos

Year	Title	Role	Artist
1999	Got the Life		Korn
2005	Truth	Uncle Sam	Seether

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2007	MADtv	Himself	1 episode
2008	The Celebrity Apprentice	Contestant	Eliminated as Empresario project manager in ninth episode<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2012	Hell's Kitchen	Himself / Restaurant Patron & Former MMA Champion	Episode: "12 Chefs Compete" <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2012	CSI: NY	Derek Petrov	Episode: "Clean Sweep"

Video games

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2000	Razor Freestyle Scooter	Himself	Playable character
	Ultimate Fighting Championship		Playable character, cover athlete
2002	UFC: Tapout
	UFC: Throwdown
2003	UFC: Tapout 2
2004	UFC: Sudden Impact		Playable character
2009	UFC 2009 Undisputed
2010	UFC 2010 Undisputed
2012	UFC Undisputed 3
2018	EA Sports UFC 3
2020	EA Sports UFC 4
2023	EA Sports UFC 5

See also

• List of Bellator MMA alumni

External links

• Template:Official website
• Template:Sherdog
• Template:UFC
• Template:ESPN MMA