UFC 133 Fight Card: Tito Ortiz Explains His Decision on Fighting Rashad Evans

In just two weeks, Tito Ortiz will step in on short notice to face Rashad Evans in the main event at UFC 133. The two competitors will square off in a rematch from UFC 73 in 2007, where the bout ended in a draw much to the dismay of both fans and fighters.

However, Ortiz will get his opportunity to redeem himself against Evans, but it didn't come easily. 

In a recent blog on ESPN.com, Ortiz said he initially turned down the chance at first because he wanted to spend time with his family and focus on other priorities in his life.

But the thought of headlining the card against a top contender, nonetheless a former opponent in Evans, Ortiz said he made a mistake.

"Dana said he and the UFC really needed me to step up, but that he understood. We hung up and I went back to the movie and my beverage. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the opportunity Dana had just offered me," Ortiz said.

"The fight was still on my mind when I went to sleep, and I had a dream about it."

With his recent win over Ryan Bader at UFC 132, Ortiz was basking in his own glory. It was his first win in more than five years and had he lost to Bader, he would of been of released from the company.

Even in typical fashion, "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" did his infamous grave digger celebration and reminded everyone that he is back and has a few more goals to accomplish. 

And one of those goals is to exact revenge in a bout that he feels he did everything right and fought competitively. Ortiz responded back to UFC President Dana White, and this time his answer was much more enthusiastic. 

"He was a little surprised to hear from me," he said.

"I asked if he’d managed to get another [replacement] for Rashad. He said no, and I said, 'I know you need me, and I’m in. I am stepping up to fight Rashad—I’m going to beat him'."

So in less than three weeks Ortiz will prepare for one of the biggest fights in his career. As thankful as he is to his opponent, Evans, for stepping on short notice to face him, Ortiz said he is grateful he received the opportunity from the UFC.

"For the last six years I’ve had problems with the UFC, and now it is time for me to stop being the bad boy and help out when they need me," he said.