Why Tito Ortiz Does and Does Not Need the UFC

It's no question whether you love, hate, or simply don't give a hoot about The Huntington Beach Bad Boy—he is everywhere when it comes to UFC and MMA.

Whether or not he will ever be a UFC Hall of Famer one day, or just MMA's biggest jerk, the guys name is synonymous with MMA, UFC—and controversy.

That being said here are three reasons why Ortiz should and should not leave Americasbiggest and best known MMA organization.

Why Should Tito Stay?

1. Talent

The most obvious reason. Tito will not get the level of competition he gets in the UFC anywhere else right now.

This is a no brainer at the moment. There are still big fights to be had, especially with the likes of Henderson, Wandy, and Shogun now in the UFC.

There is no question Tito sells PPVs for better or worse. Putting him up with other big names, title or no title, will be a huge draw every time.

2. Exposure

It could be argued that Tito will not get as much exposure in another organization like he will with the UFC—even if those other orgs are going to broadcast TV.

UFC has the name and the pull to be involved with everything and Tito loves that.

3. Dana White

Tito needs Dana, but not as much as Dana needs Tito.

Dana and Tito's history will play into every match and every card Tito is on if he stays. That was evident when he faced Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida.

Dana will keep it interesting for himself and the fans by putting Tito in situations and fights that may expose Tito. Dana is no Vince McMahon but with Tito nowadays one couldn’t tell the difference.

Why Should Tito Go?

1. Money

Not every fan's favorite subject when it comes to MMA. No secret that Tito may be entering the twilight of his career, but regardless of who Tito fights, the money will be there more so than it would be if he stayed in the UFC.

He has a name almost no other fighter has outside of the UFC—and any other organization will still pay for that.

2. Draw

On that note, Tito will draw many of his fans, and other fans in general, to wherever he goes. Whether it’s a Saturday night on CBS, or Showtime, or just another PPV, Tito will sell seats and more importantly PPV’s.

Did anyone else notice that Newark’s CBS debut was not a sell out? Lack of names.

Kimbo Slice sales vs. Tito Ortiz sales is like comparing spinach to ice cream for a four-year-old. Ice Cream every time baby.

But not only will he draw fans, he’ll draw fighters to whatever organization he goes to also. Guys will leave the UFC, overseas organizations, and other small organizations in the U.S. to go where Tito goes.

They know Tito sells, and the opportunity to face Tito or be on his card will be almost as big as being in the UFC itself.

3. Fights

At this very moment there are probably six fights Tito can have that would be huge—Frank Shamrock, Vitor Belfort, Babalu, Ricardo Arona, Lil Nog, and Alistair Overeem.

Did I forget Elite XC (soon to be) Champion Jake Shields or Drew Fickett, and Strikeforce Champion Bobby Southworth?

Honestly, does Tito have that many fights in him? By the time they have three of those fights it’ll be a year later.

By that time who is to say more fighters will leave the UFC or come to the organization that Tito is fighting with?

My money is on Affliction, but Tito may eye Elite XC because of CBS or Strikeforce now because of NBC. I don’t like MMA on broadcast TV but that’s another topic altogether.

Bottom line, Tito will draw. Tito will look out for his legacy. Tito will be Tito you all love and hate.

This has got to be the biggest fighter that has the possibility of being a free agent— and at a period where Elite XC is catching up and Affliction is building up.

It couldn’t have come at a better time, well maybe after a WIN instead of a LOSS but that’s something else...