As he prepares to fight Lyoto Machida for what could be the last fight of his career at UFC 84, Tito Ortiz said this week that he would consider returning to UFC if its president, Dana White, would apologize to him and show him respect.
On a conference call to promote UFC 84 today, White made clear that that's not going to happen.
"Tito is a f---ing idiot," White said. "He's one of the dumbest human beings I've ever met. Everything that comes out of his mouth makes no sense."
White added that he doesn't think UFC needs Ortiz because he doesn't think Ortiz can beat any of UFC's top fighters.
"I put up with his s--- when he was a good fighter," White said. "He's not anymore."
White said he hasn't been impressed with any of Ortiz's last five fights, which include two wins over an aging Ken Shamrock, a split decision over a relatively inexperienced Forrest Griffin, a loss to Chuck Liddell and a draw with Rashad Evans.
"He's not in anybody's Top 10," White said. "I have no interest whatsoever in being in the Tito Ortiz business. ... I've never wanted to see anyone get their ass kicked worse than I want to see Tito get his kicked next Saturday night."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-15-2008 @ 9:09PM
monster_ace78 said...
i like tito. he puts on a good show. people watch him because they never know what he is goin to say or do. with all do respect for dana i think they both need to be a man and get over their litlle problem.
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5-15-2008 @ 10:40PM
vess said...
Tell us how you really feel Dana.
I am expecting Tito to take a swing at Dana during the weigh-ins, so don't be surprised.
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5-16-2008 @ 9:02AM
Schemes said...
Dana's behavior is ridiculous...this would be like David Stern saying he wants the Spurs to kick the shit out of the Hornets...it just doesn't happen in bigtime sports.
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5-16-2008 @ 9:58AM
reagan said...
Dana is right..Tito loved Dana when he let him duck Liddell for 2 years and fight 185 pounders....Tito isnt a top 10..and has always been overrated in my opinion.
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5-16-2008 @ 10:09AM
David said...
Tito has not progressed in the sport of MMA. He has good ground and pound but has not evolved into a well rounded fighter. You see very little leg kicks from Tito, and applies very little jiujitsu in his strategy. His next fight is against a very well rounded fighter...we will see what happens.
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5-16-2008 @ 10:48AM
jon said...
Dana should show a little more class and integrity for a person in his position. If he doesn't like Tito hey thats fine, but grow up and speak like an adult not a child! I have No respect for Dana
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5-17-2008 @ 7:44AM
PB&J said...
It would seem that Dana White isn't pulling any punches. (sorry could't resist the pun) Tito is not exactly in the position to be demanding the head of the UFC to apologize. Maybe that request would have been more persuasive if he had not gotten his ass beaten by Liddel. Less talk more walk would do Tito a lot of good business wise. I feel like this is just a realistic look at the situation, it is not about whether I like or dislike Tito or Dana, thats kind of irrelevant as far as looking at this objectively.
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5-17-2008 @ 11:38AM
jon said...
PB&J I agree with you,However, Dana comments - "Tito is a f---ing idiot," "He's one of the dumbest human beings I've ever met. Everything that comes out of his mouth makes no sense."
Thats just ignorant!
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5-25-2008 @ 11:29PM
L said...
Dana White's role/function should be executed behind the scene and not in front of the television camera as other professionals do in other sports. Why does he constantly compete for air-time? May be he should be in the “entertainment” industry, such as WWE with Vince McMahon. Seems like he's simply trying to compensate for his lack-lustre boxing career and wants a taste of the limelight...Reminds me of Don King...What a LOSER!!!
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