Tito Ortiz: His Perfect Next Opponent?

Many fight fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the man, the legend, Tito Ortiz. While Ortiz is currently unable to fight—back problems and contract issues—MMA fans will be treated to Tito the color analyst. He will make his debut as a commentator on Affliction: Day of Reckoning, January 24.

In a recent interview, Ortiz showed his usual bravado:

“I’m 100% into getting back healthy. I think so many fans that have supported me deserve to have a Tito Ortiz at 100%. It’s been five years.

It’ll be a scary thing when I’m 100%. I feel sorry for all the light heavyweights around because I’m going to try to walk through each and every one of them.”

When asked about a possible fight with Fedor Emelianenko:

“I think Fedor has to get past Arlovski before he starts thinking about Tito Ortiz, but Fedor is 220 lbs which is the same weight as me.

"That would be an awesome fight. It certainly is in the realm of possibility. I’m always looking for the best fights possible. I like Fedor a lot. I think he’s dangerous fighter, but to give him another loss on his record?

If I was a promoter, I wouldn’t want to do that, but you never know. Everyone wants to see the best fight possible, and maybe Affliction will give it to them.”

Tito Ortiz: you are delusional.

That being said, he is very skilled at staying in the news. The chances of these two actually fighting are likely slim to none. But for Ortiz—the free agent—it is in his best interests to dangle as many lines as possible. Eventually he will get a bite.

Brian Oswald is a staff writer for Inside Fights. Be sure to check out the newly launched 2.0 version of our site.