Tito Ortiz updates on possible comeback fight

Back in January, former UFC light heavyweight champ and recent Bellator MMA star Tito Ortiz stepped into the cage with Chael Sonnen in a bout that was supposed to be the last of his career. After winning this fight with a first-round choke, the MMA legend seemed perfectly prepared to ride off into the sunset.

Then, the comeback talk started. After undergoing a successful surgery, Ortiz took to Instagram, suggesting he was after another fight with Sonnen, who has had plenty to say about him since their January fight.

“I’m alive, I’m fixed, now it’s time to get ready, cause Chael, I’m kicking your ass,” a neck brace wearing Ortiz said in his post. 

More recently, however, Ortiz has given that door a more decisive close, telling MMAJunkie that his fighting career is indeed over.

“As a fighter, it’s time to say it’s over after 20 years of competition,” Ortiz said. “I’m 42 years old. I’ve been through eight surgeries, and I still have my head on my shoulders, which I’m very, very lucky. Fortunate for the things that I’ve had through mixed martial arts, so I’m just trying to use the best of it to build the name of Tito Ortiz.”

“I’m doing well, man,” Ortiz added. ” Just working hard and chasing this American dream, and I’m living it.”

“I’ve learned a lot through my life – mixed martial arts, as a business man, as an entreprenuer, and as a fighter and a father. It’s just time to shut that door and open up other doors.”

Do you think this is the right choice for Tito Ortiz?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/15/2017.