Tito Ortiz

About Tito Ortiz

Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz (born January 23, 1975) is a Mexican American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter from Huntington Beach, California. As the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion from April 14, 2000 to September 26, 2003, Ortiz emerged as one of the sport's biggest stars, becoming the biggest pay-per-view draw of 2006 and appearing on the covers of various magazines. Ortiz holds notable wins over Wanderlei Silva, Evan Tanner, Guy Mezger, Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin, and Ken Shamrock. Additionally, he is the CEO of the Punishment Athletics clothing and mixed martial arts equipment line.

Tito was born to a Mexican-American father and an American mother, and his mixed heritage is reflected during his ring entrances bearing both Mexican and American flags. Ortiz began his martial arts career as a wrestler in his sophomore year of high school in Huntington Beach, California. Under coach Paul Herrera, Ortiz finished fourth in the state high school championships as a senior. Following high school, Ortiz continued his wrestling career winning a California state junior college title for Golden West College. Following his stint at Golden West, Ortiz wrestled at Cal State Bakersfield. Ortiz trained with future NCAA, World, and Super Bowl champion Stephen Neal.

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 Albittron in an alternate bout by referee stoppage at 0:31 of the first round. He was selected to face Guy Mezger in the Light Weight final when Enson Inoune could not continue due to injury. Ortiz lost the fight at 2:00 in the first round by submisson. After returning with TKO victories over Jeremy Screeton at West Coast NHB Championships 1, and Jerry Bohlander at UFC 18, Tito avenged his loss to Mezger at UFC 19 by TKO in round 1.