Tito Ortiz retires on a bit of a sour note. I, like many, thought his two knockdowns and grappling control won him rounds one and three, but the judges decided that scoring an MMA fight in a boxing manner is the correct way to score and gave Forrest Griffin the nod. Griffin then poured salt on the wound and stole Rogan's job. Despite Tito's plentiful faults, his career has spanned the 'ho-hold's barred' and 'regulated' eras of MMA bridging the gap for both early and present UFC fans. Ortiz's run as light heavyweight champion and his superb fight promotion carried the UFC through the dark times just as much as Zuffa. While it may be disheartening that so many of the faces of MMA are retiring, it's good to see fighters realize their time in the cage has come to an end and they should pursue other endeavors...will we one day see Tito in a referee uniform?

Mike Brown decided against the current retirement trend and did so emphatically by signing a five fight extension. The 36 year old is currently riding a 2-fight win streak over Nam Phan and Daniel Pineda. It's a good decision too, he can pocket some more green and continue to add depth to the featherweight division as it slowly evolves in the UFC.

Tom Watson and Jimi Manuwa are a couple of Brits that US promotions have had their eyes on for some time and the UFC finally stepped in with the right offers. Watson was rumored to be in talks with Strikeforce several times but they never made it stick. Yet another doomsday sign for Strikeforce? Hopefully "Kong" only brings his KO power to the Octagon and not that schticky gorilla mask.

Please check out past issues

MMA Transaction Wire: June 20 - 28

MMA Transaction Wire: June 14-19

MMA Transactions Wire: June 5 - 13

MMA Transaction Wire: May 31- June 4

MMA Transaction Wire: The May Round-Up