Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

by Michael Rome on Jan 21, 2008 8:23 PM EST in MMA News

Tito Ortiz confirmed on the radio today that he will be fighting Lyoto Machida.

However, the bigger part of the story is that he has had another complete falling out with Zuffa, making him yet another major draw who is done with the company:

"I was expecting a bigger fight. I think the fans were expecting a bigger fight," said Ortiz. "I got pressed into it, and all of a sudden, it's all over the Internet that Tito Ortiz won't fight Machida. I'm just looking to get my final fight over with the UFC."

"They said I wasn't worth the money," said Ortiz. "I was worth no more than what I'm getting paid now, and I'm not a commodity to them anymore. I'm not as viable to them anymore. That was a sign of disrespect."

"UFC is caring so much about the brand itself," said Ortiz. "They could care less about the fighters. Fighters are a dime a dozen. They'll keep coming. Dana is really out for himself and the company. He doesn't give a s--t about the fighters."

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Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

I'm somewhat sad to see Ortiz go because I think he's a solid gatekeeper in the LHW division, but at least the Machida fight it happening.

by Richard Wade on Jan 21, 2008 8:26 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

A) Machida is a contender...moreso than Tito at this point. So the fight is "big" in regards to Tito becoming a title contender again.

B) I don't really think Tito is worth more than he makes now. Sure, he is still a draw...but is he MORE of a draw now then he was when he signed his current deal? Don't think so.

I like Tito and have no problem with him. I just can see why the UFC wouldn't want to give him a bigger deal. And I also like that the UFC stuck to their guns in making the fight that they thought was right.

by Brent Brookhouse on Jan 21, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

Tito sells more PPVs in one fight than Machida's sold his entire career. The Apprentice is going to make him an even bigger star than before. It would be a huge mistake not to resign him.

by Nate414 on Jan 21, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

Tito seems to understand business more than Dana. No casual fans care about Machida because he's boring and doesn't speak english. If he eeks out a decision against Ortiz, it won't do anything for him in terms of legitimacy with the fanbase. Ortiz/Rampage is a probable 700,000 buy fight built correctly. Machida/Rampage won't break 450k. That buy and profit difference alone is worth way more than the increase Tito is asking for.

It's not that Tito is worth "more" now than when he resigned, it's that he was way underpaid for what he contributed. If the UFC does decline in 2008, it'll be because Dana deciding to exchange Tito, Ken, Randy, and Arlovski for guys that don't draw anything. It's odd that Dana is the one acting like a Sherdog mark, not understanding what'll do business and what won't.

by Michael Rome on Jan 21, 2008 9:15 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

That last comment is right on the money.

It's clear that Dana's ego has got the better of him and he is not thinking big picture. Not to mention...what if Tito wins? Then Dana is losing a top draw AND Tito has left after beating an undefeated top contender...what would he be worth then?

No matter what road this goes down...it's bad for Dana and the UFC.

by Fenway44 on Jan 21, 2008 10:04 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

Yup agree with two posts above.

Tito Ortiz = Household name.

They invested in building his name for years, that kind of thing is hard to replace.

For them to do a 360 on such a large business investment all because of personal conflict is not a good idea from a business viewpoint.

Tito will get signed anywhere else that he wants to go, and if he goes to M1 he will bring them a lot of exposure.

by DirtyML on Jan 21, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions

Re: Tito-Machida Confirmed: Tito's Last Fight

Tito will be re-signed by the UFC. Look at the reasons listed by the first poster for why. This is Tito making comments in the media that will cause controversy, get his name going more, and ultimately help him when it really comes down to figuring out his new deal. Similar to the Arlovski situation, if Tito wants things to go his way he needs to win this fight. I honestly think this will one of the toughest fights of Tito's career.

by dropkick101 on Jan 22, 2008 1:04 AM EST reply actions