ROSEMEAD, Calif. (AP) — Tito Ortiz hasn’t won a mixed martial arts fight in four years, and hasn’t been a UFC champion for seven years. He’s much more famous for his tumultuous personal life and public feuds than his abilities in an octagon.
Tell that to the fans who gathered outside the UFC’s gym in suburban Los Angeles on Thursday for a glimpse of the fighter who still captures their imagination many years after he apparently peaked.
Finally healthy after his latest neck surgery, Ortiz is thrilled to be just a humble undercard fighter on Saturday night when he meets former student Matt Hamill at UFC 121 in his native Orange County.
Ortiz still harbors dreams of reclaiming the light heavyweight title, but must start with his first victory since 2006.
