Tito Ortiz (full name Jacob Christopher Ortiz) was born on January 23, 1975, in Huntington Beach, California. He had a troubled childhood and had conflicts with the law several times as a child. Later on, Tito began wrestling as a way out for his problems. He says that wrestling brought him the attention that he always wanted from his childhood. Soon enough, he came among the top 10 in the State Finals.
While at college, Tito Ortiz won the 190 pound weight class for two consecutive years in 1995 and 1996.

In 1997, he entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship, more commonly known as the UFC. He reached the finals of the UFC13 but was defeated by Guy Mezger in the lightweight segment. After this, he defeated Jerry Bohlander and Jeremy Screeton. In 1999, Tito defeated Guy Mezger in a ma tch of UFC19.

In 1999, Tito played a memorable match in UFC22 when he lost to Frank Shamrock despite a great performance. Tito was also invited to play in the light heavyweight title against Wanderlei Silva. He played against Silva and defeated him at the UFC25 in 2000. Till 2003, Tito held his crown until he lost to Randy Couture. The next year, in 2004, he lost another fight to Chuck Liddell.

In 2005, he took a leave from UFC and was served as guest referee at TNA. Coming back to UFC in 2006, Tito Ortiz defeated Forrest Griffin and then Ken Shamrock. But it was the last big victory for Tito at the UFC. He has been in argument with Dana White, the UFC President. Tito even said that he will leave the UFC. But he says that he might come back to the wrestling scene under better conditions.
Tito Ortiz has also published an autobiography named This Is Gonna Hurt – The Life of a Mixed Martial Arts Champion.

Why is he famous?

Tito Ortiz is famous as a wrestler for his fighting in the UFC. He has won the light-heavyweight title six times.

Here is one of his famous quotes:

“I talk a lot of smack. I’m a fan of Ali and Hulk Hogan. I try to be colorful.”
- Tito Ortiz

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Tags: 1975, aquarius, wrestler, huntington beach	[edit tags]

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Category: Sport Stars  - ( Sport Stars Archive)

Date Added: 25 March '09

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