“Dana White called last Monday night while I was in bed, drinking a cold beverage, watching a movie.
Dana got right to it and said: “Phil Davis is out of the Rashad Evans fight. Do you want the fight against Rashad?”
The fight is at UFC 133 on Aug. 6 in Philadelphia. I would have less than three weeks of camp to fight to No. 1 contender of the light heavyweight division.
I told Dana that I had a ton of business stuff to take care of with Punishment Athletics and my new Punishment Training Center and, after the Bader fight, really wanted to spend some family time.
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.
The fight was still on my mind when I went to sleep and I had a dream about it. I woke up at 8 a.m. the next day, had some business to take care of, and as soon as I took care of that all I could think about was what I’d turned down the night before…
I spoke to my partner and we talked about what it meant for us as a family and for my business. Being a fighter means being selfish sometimes. When I am training, it has to be about ‘me, me, me.’ I hate being selfish when I have a family but the reality of fighting and of being a champion is that you have to put yourself first when you prepare for battle — because no one can do you a favor or help you once the Octagon door shuts. During the time preparing for a fight, training has to be top priority or you will suffer for it.
But I’ve got a great support system around me. They all supported me; so I called Dana back. He was a little surprised to hear from me. 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.”
My thought processes were pretty much ‘Dana and Lorenzo are the reason I’ve got my brand in the first place. Now they are asking me for a favor but, really, it isn’t a favor it is an opportunity they are offering me.’
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. I’m really grateful to Dana, Lorenzo and also Rashad – because Rashad took this fight at just as short a notice as me and I appreciate him agreeing to the fight.”
In a recent interview released by ESPN, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” explains his decision to take on Rashad Evans on just a little over two week’s notice.
In really, what is a win-win situation for Ortiz, after first declining to take the UFC 133 main event against former champ, Rashad Evans, he details his thought process on why he had a change of heart. With a clear mind and coming off one of the biggest, most needed wins of his career, Ortiz has an “opportunity” to erase the last 5-years and get his career back on the right course.
Anyone giving him a shot against Rashad? I know I am pulling for a Cinderella story finish for the former champ and Huntington Beach California resident..
- By Pedro Carrasco of BJPENN.COM
Hell yeah P-Money, I’m giving Ortiz more than a shot at Evans, I see the saga continuing, 5 years of nonsense being erased, and the HBB will be back……..PENN NATION!!!!!!
I’m pulling for Tito as well. i always love the underdog.
Tito Ortiz FTW!!
that dump he took at 8 in the morning allowed him to think much more clearly about taking the fight. And I think he made the right decision.
funny!!!
I don’t buy that story personally.
Dont know about tha personal details about what Tito was doing @ tha time but Dana confirmed how tha phone calls went down and I think it was posted on this site also
Lets go Tito and this new b.j Penn layout sucks.. I almost left along with tons of other fans when they changed it last time.. This time its in the air right now.. This loads slow and I am guessing no profile??
Boooooooooooo
fuck tito
Go Tito, GO! Nice to see the fire back in his eyes.
I have never realy been a fan of Tito’s, but after he coached on The Ultimate Fighter I thought he was a good coach, and I gained Respect for him…………Then he pussed out of the Chuck liddel fight, and I couldnt believe it! I was a fan of Rashaad, until he coached, he was a good coach but I dont like him on a personal level now. Becouse he needs his arrogant face punched, . I hope Tito kicks his ass… but I dont think Id bet on it. YOU gotta RESPECT Tito for taking the Bader fight, and even more for stepping up for this fight.
I hope Rashaad doesnt do alot of running in this fight. it could be a war if he doesnt!
Get it all out now trolls! In a few days you’ll be gone!
k sorry
i will literally crap my pants if tito ko’s rashad. either way im rooting for tito to win by any means
How insane would it be if somehow Tito could win the 205 title once more?
Tito has matured a lot im votin for him
Tito,gets his thing off on Rashad ,quick!!
Tito gott it
Tito will get his shit rocked
WAR TITO!! This is his “Rocky” moment.
I don’t care if it’s a decision win for Tito, he needs to do the graveyard after. Been waaaaay too long since I’ve seen it last.
Tito’s reason = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Nuff said.