UFC Blocked Bellator From Hosting Event In California

The UFC and Bellator went head to head for the first time earlier this month during UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi, and Bellator 123, which took place the same night, in the same town.

Now it appears that the UFC and Bellator will once again go head to head on the same night, but this time not in the same state. UFC 180 will take place from Mexico, whereas Bellator 131 will take place in San Diego. That didn’t stop the UFC from blocking Bellator from using one of their favorite venues in Anaheim.

Tito Ortiz spoke on The MMA Hour:

“The UFC said no. They tried to get to the Pond, and the UFC didn’t let it happen. They wanted to do it at the Pond and the UFC said no.”

Instead Bellator was forced to use a venue in San Diego, which was fine with Ortiz.

“We’re in San Diego, I have thousands of fans down there, they get to watch me live in their own backyard,”

“I think it’s kinda cool actually to tell you the truth, see how much weight my name can hold. i think the big difference in all of it is, all the fans get to watch free fights instead of having to pay for fight. They get to watch free on Spike, and I think diehard fight fans will be watching no matter what, Tito Ortiz fans will be there no matter what, and Stephanie Bonnar fans will be there no matter what.”

The UFC has yet to respond or comment on Ortiz’ allegations.

By Evan Stoumbelis