Tito Ortiz, once known for his controversial persona and fiery temperament during his MMA career, now reflects on a long-standing rivalry with UFC CEO Dana White, expressing a desire to mend their strained relationship. The UFC Hall of Famer, who earned the nickname “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” for his outspoken nature, acknowledges that his conduct toward White during his 1997–2012 tenure with the promotion was regrettable.
Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Ortiz revealed he has made efforts to apologize for his past actions. “I’ve tried to reach out a few times. I’ve tried to do interviews and apologize, just saying that I’m sorry for what I did. I was a young kid,” Ortiz told Uncrowned. He reflected on specific instances, including his infamous “Dana is my b****” T-shirt worn at UFC 84 in 2008, which he now regrets. “I was just trying to fight for my future as a fighter,” he explained, emphasizing his desire to secure better compensation for his family.”
Ortiz, 51, now operates his own restaurant, Tito’s Cantina, in Florida, and has largely stepped away from competitive MMA since 2019. Despite his success outside the Octagon, he voices frustration over his treatment by the UFC. At UFC 327 in April, he was denied a complimentary ticket when he requested one, prompting him to purchase a $1,000 ticket instead. “I’m not going to sit here and beg. I’m not begging for anything. That’s the way he feels, OK. It is what it is,” Ortiz stated, acknowledging that White has not extended the same courtesy to other pioneering fighters like Randy Couture and Quinton Jackson.
Tito Ortiz (R) and Dana White (L) have had a long and fraught relationship.
(Al Powers via Getty Images)“I’m a blue-collar guy now. I still gotta get up, and I gotta work,” Ortiz said, reflecting on his post-fighting career. He credits his fans for their continued support, stating, “My fans have never forgotten about who I am, and I’m thankful for it.” While he expresses gratitude for his UFC legacy, including his 2012 Hall of Fame induction, Ortiz laments the lack of recognition for former fighters. “Once again, I don’t want anything from him. I laid my own bed. I made it. I’m OK with it. It is what it is. But like former football players, basketball players, they’re sitting front row. I think they deserve it. MMA fighters, same thing. Randy Couture, myself, ‘Rampage’ Jackson, so many other fighters that have spoken up and have pretty much been erased from UFC. That’s one thing they can’t do, though, because of the fans — the fans will never forget us.”
