Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz announced his retirement from the sport after submitting Chael Sonnen at Bellator 170.
Despite a few rumors of a potential return to action, the former light heavyweight champion is stating that he isn’t going to be coming back.
“As a fighter, it’s time to say it’s over after 20 years of competition,” Ortiz said to MMA Junkie. “I’m 42 years old. I’ve been through eight surgeries, and I still have my head on my shoulders, which I’m very, very lucky. Fortunate for the things that I’ve had through mixed martial arts, so I’m just trying to use the best of it to build the name of Tito Ortiz. I’m doing well, man. Just working hard and chasing this American dream, and I’m living it.”
Ortiz had come out of retirement once before to fight four times in Bellator MMA, which included a shot at then light heavyweight champion Liam McGeary at Bellator MMA Dynamite.
One major reason the former champion is staying retired is that he wants to explore some other opportunities in his life.
“I’ve learned a lot through my life – mixed martial arts, as a business man, as an entrepreneur, and as a fighter and a father,” Ortiz said. “It’s just time to shut that door and open up other doors.”
The now retired fighter won the UFC Light Heavyweight Title at UFC 25 in April 2000, defeating Wanderlei Silva by decision to win that gold.
