Tito Ortiz Doesn't Have To Retire

With that, Tito Ortiz’s career has been resurrected. Over the last few years, Tito’s career has been left for dead. The last time he had beaten a legitimate opponent was April 15, 2006 against Forrest Griffin at UFC 59.

Since then, he beat Frank Ken Shamrock twice (UFC 61 and Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3), suffered a TKO against Chuck Liddell (UFC 66), went to a draw against Rashad Evans (UFC 73), and lost decisions to Lyoto Machida (UFC 84), Griffin (UFC 106) and Matt Hamill (UFC 121). Tito also underwent two back surgeries and was arrested for domestic violence against Jenna Jameson, the mother of his twins. It’s been a rough few years for Tito.

If you really want to jump in the wayback machine, Ortiz last held the light heavyweight championship belt on September 26, 2003 when he lost it to Randy Couture (UFC 44). He last defended it November 22, 2002 against Ken Shamrock (UFC 40).

Wrap your minds around that. It’s basically been nearly a decade since Tito Ortiz was at the top of the sport. Mind you, he’s still a long way from the top right now, but Tito at least again deserves the attention he’s constantly been given.

Against Bader, Tito did what he couldn’t in close fights against Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans – finish the job and ensure victory. Tito will now get another shot in the UFC and another big payday. He’ll get a shot at another top-tier fighter.

While we didn’t get to see the ground and pound that made Tito a dominant and loved/hated champion a decade ago, we saw a victorious Tito Ortiz. It was something that some MMA fans may have never seen live before. It was a weird sight for everyone.

Prompted Dana White to tweet “WOW!!!!!! Titos back.”