Michael David Smith documents Ortiz's most recent remarks regarding his future in MMA:

When last we saw Ortiz, he was at the October 4 EliteXC show announcing that he was going to sign a contract with the organization soon. EliteXC is now finished, but Ortiz isn't finished saying he's close to signing a deal.

In an appearance at last weekend's Rumble in the Park in Fresno (broadcast today on HDNet's Inside MMA), Ortiz said, "It's either going to be with the UFC or it's going to be with Affliction, but guaranteed, you guys will see me fight -- no matter what -- by July."

Ortiz also mentioned that he had back surgery last month, which he deemed successful. He also said it was the same surgery that Nate Quarry had, and Quarry was out of action for 15 months after his back surgery. So Ortiz is very optimistic if he thinks he can guarantee that he'll return just seven months after the surgery.

We've got to be nearing Kurt Angle territory when talking about Tito Ortiz and a contract to fight.  Knowing that Ortiz loves to keep his name in the media and that he just underwent back surgery, it makes one skeptical about whether or not Dana White's arch nemesis is any closer to a deal than before.  As Fightlinker pointed out, it's also curious that Ortiz hasn't mentioned a possible foray in Japan.  Since major MMA promotions aren't as numerous as they once were, a return to the UFC seems much more likely.  

What if Zuffa were able to sign Ortiz and purchase Frank Shamrock's contract at the ProElite auction?  We could get the rematch that both men have been teasing under the direction of Dana White - the man that Ortiz and Shamrock lambast at every opportunity.