Tito Ortiz gives his take on why the UFC is worth $4 billion

Former UFC light heavyweight champion and current Bellator fighter Tito Ortiz has had a very interesting relationship with UFC President Dana White.

Ortiz and White had many disputes over the years and once almost settled their differences regarding contract issues in a boxing match but that never ended up actually happening.

While Ortiz has his reasons for butting heads with White, he says that the UFC’s success, which the company is believed to be at a valuation of around $4 billion is because White has been running the show and says it would not be the same without him.

“I think the promotion would completely fail,” Ortiz said on the SiriusXM Rush Fight Club (transcribed by MMA Fighting). “I think it would crash and burn, that’s my opinion. I think Dana does a great job with the promotion. Sometimes we don’t agree on the same things but that’s just between me and him. Like I say, it’s a girlfriend-boyfriend type of relationship, him being the girlfriend of course.”

ESPN reported earlier this month that the UFC was moving closer towards a sale but White said after the report came out that it was not the case.

“Dana does a great job with what he does and that’s why the company is worth four billion dollars. Lorenzo [Fertitta] has stepped in and is doing an amazing job – from stepping down from Station Casinos – for what he does now. And giving the opportunity to Cris, I’m very thankful for that. But at the end of the day this is a business to them and if they’re able to sell it off for four billion, do what’s needed. I gave my heart and soul, blood, sweat, and tears to the company. I’ve gone on with my business and that’s the way it is.

“I think if the Chinese company didn’t bring Dana in it would crash and burn. It would be a lost cause but I guess it’s up to Dana to make those decisions.”

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