"Tito" Ortiz is a retired American mixed martial artist known for his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He held the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion title from 2000 to 2003. Ortiz was a pivotal figure in the early popularity of the UFC, alongside fighters like Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell. His fights, particularly against Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Ken Shamrock, made him a significant pay-per-view draw in 2006.
January 23, 1975: Birth of Tito Ortiz
On January 23, 1975, Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz was born. He would go on to become a renowned figure in mixed martial arts.
1997: Tito Ortiz's Mixed Martial Arts Debut
While still a college student, Tito Ortiz made his entry into the world of mixed martial arts at UFC 13 in 1997.
1997: Tito Ortiz Resumes Training with Cleber Luciano
In preparation for his return to the UFC, Tito Ortiz resumed training under his original Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo instructor, Cleber Luciano, a student of Royler Gracie. Their paths had first crossed back in 1997 during Ortiz's time as a student at Golden West College.
1999: Tito Ortiz Fights Frank Shamrock for UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
In 1999, Tito Ortiz fought Frank Shamrock for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 22. Despite a strong performance, Ortiz was defeated by submission.
April 14, 2000: Tito Ortiz Becomes UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Tito Ortiz achieved a significant career milestone on April 14, 2000, by becoming the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
2000: Ortiz in Razor Freestyle Scooter
In 2000, Tito Ortiz was a playable character in the video game Razor Freestyle Scooter.
September 2003: Randy Couture Defeats Tito Ortiz for Interim Light Heavyweight Championship
Randy Couture emerged victorious over Tito Ortiz in September 2003 at UFC 43, claiming the interim Light Heavyweight Championship title.
September 26, 2003: End of Tito Ortiz's Reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Tito Ortiz's reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion ended on September 26, 2003.
February 2005: Tito Ortiz Explores Opportunities Outside UFC
Taking a break from the UFC in February 2005, Tito Ortiz entertained offers from various promotions, including PRIDE Fighting Championships and the World Fighting Alliance. He also ventured into professional wrestling as a guest referee for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
May 2005: Ortiz Makes an Appearance for TNA
In May 2005, Ortiz made an appearance for the professional wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
May 15, 2005: Ortiz Serves as Special Guest Referee
On May 15, 2005, Ortiz served as a special guest referee for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship title match between champion Jeff Jarrett and challenger A.J. Styles. Ortiz ended up knocking out Jarrett, allowing Styles to secure the victory.
November 2005: Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock to Coach The Ultimate Fighter 3
In November 2005, it was revealed that Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock would be the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 3, a reality TV series on Spike TV, which premiered in April 2006.
2005: Ortiz's divorce
In 2005, Tito Ortiz divorced his first wife Kristin after five years of marriage. They have a son together.
April 15, 2006: Tito Ortiz Returns to the UFC with a Victory over Forrest Griffin
On April 15, 2006, Tito Ortiz marked his return to the UFC with a split decision win against Forrest Griffin, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 1, at UFC 59.
April 2006: Premiere of The Ultimate Fighter 3
The Ultimate Fighter 3, a reality TV series featuring Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock as coaches, premiered on Spike TV in April 2006.
July 8, 2006: Tito Ortiz Defeats Ken Shamrock at UFC 61
Tito Ortiz faced off against UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock at UFC 61 on July 8, 2006, and emerged victorious with a TKO in the first round.
August 25, 2006: Rematch Announced: Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock 3
During the UFC 62 weigh-ins on August 25, 2006, Dana White, the president of the UFC, made an announcement for a rematch between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock.
October 10, 2006: Tito Ortiz Triumphs Over Ken Shamrock in Their Final Encounter
On October 10, 2006, Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock clashed for the third and final time at Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter, with Ortiz securing victory in the first round due to strikes.
December 30, 2006: Tito Ortiz Faces Defeat Against Chuck Liddell in UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Rematch
Tito Ortiz's rematch against Chuck Liddell for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 66 on December 30, 2006, ended in a loss for Ortiz via referee stoppage in the third round.
2006: Tito Ortiz's Biggest Pay-Per-View Year
Tito Ortiz became a major pay-per-view draw in 2006 due to his high-profile fights with Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Ken Shamrock.
2006: Ortiz starts relationship with Jenna Jameson
In 2006, Tito Ortiz began dating former adult film star Jenna Jameson.
July 7, 2007: Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans Fight to a Draw at UFC 73
Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans, the undefeated winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2, battled to a draw at UFC 73 on July 7, 2007. Ortiz's performance was strong, but a penalty for grabbing the fence resulted in a draw.
May 24, 2008: Tito Ortiz Loses to Lyoto Machida at UFC 84
Tito Ortiz suffered a unanimous decision loss to the then-undefeated Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 on May 24, 2008. This fight marked the end of Ortiz's contract with the UFC, and he chose not to re-sign.
August 2008: Ortiz announces expecting twins
In August 2008, Tito Ortiz announced that he and Jenna Jameson were expecting twins in April 2009.
December 17, 2008: Tito Ortiz Joins Affliction Entertainment as Broadcast Team Member
On December 17, 2008, Affliction Entertainment revealed that Tito Ortiz would be joining their broadcast team for Affliction: Day of Reckoning.
2008: Ortiz's cameo in Zombie Strippers
In 2008, Tito Ortiz made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Zombie Strippers as the bouncer of the Rhino.
March 16, 2009: Birth of Ortiz's twin boys
On March 16, 2009, Jenna Jameson gave birth to Tito Ortiz's twin boys.
April 2009: Expected birth of Ortiz's twins
Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson were expecting twins to be born in April 2009.
June 2009: Tito Ortiz Becomes a Free Agent
Following his departure from the UFC, Tito Ortiz became a sought-after free agent in the world of mixed martial arts, but a clause in his previous UFC contract prevented him from immediately signing with other organizations.
July 17, 2009: Tito Ortiz and Dana White Reconcile
On July 17, 2009, Tito Ortiz and Dana White publicly announced their reconciliation, putting their differences aside.
August 2009: Tito Ortiz's Planned Return to Fighting Postponed
Tito Ortiz had planned to make a comeback to fighting in August 2009, but the fight did not materialize.
April 7, 2010: Proposed Third Fight Against Chuck Liddell
On April 7, 2010, a third fight against Chuck Liddell was proposed by UFC president Dana White as the main event for UFC 115.
April 12, 2010: Third Chuck Liddell Fight Cancelled
On April 12, 2010, the UFC announced that the proposed third fight against Chuck Liddell at UFC 115 was cancelled. The main event instead became Liddell vs. Rich Franklin.
October 23, 2010: UFC 121 - Ortiz vs. Hamill
On October 23, 2010, at UFC 121, Ortiz fought Matt Hamill, his first overall pick from season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter, and lost by unanimous decision.
March 26, 2011: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 24
On March 26, 2011, Ortiz was scheduled to face Antônio Rogério Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 24 but was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a cut above his eye and a concussion suffered while training.
July 2, 2011: UFC 132 - Ortiz vs. Bader
On July 2, 2011, at UFC 132, Ortiz fought Ryan Bader and won by guillotine choke in the first round, ending a losing streak that had plagued him since 2006. Ortiz was awarded "Submission of the Night" honors.
August 6, 2011: UFC 133 - Ortiz vs Evans
On August 6, 2011, at UFC 133, Ortiz fought Rashad Evans as a last minute replacement for an injured Phil Davis and lost by TKO in the second round.
December 10, 2011: UFC 140 - Ortiz vs. Nogueira
On December 10, 2011, at UFC 140, Ortiz fought Antônio Rogério Nogueira and lost via TKO in the first round. Ortiz stated that he entered the fight with a neck injury.
January 6, 2012: Ortiz on CSI: NY
On January 6, 2012, Tito Ortiz appeared on an episode of CSI: NY titled 'Clean Sweep,' where he played an MMA fighter named Derek Petrov.
July 7, 2012: Tito Ortiz Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
In recognition of his contributions and impact on the sport, Tito Ortiz was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on July 7, 2012.
March 2013: Ortiz and Jameson split up
In March 2013, Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson split up. Ortiz was granted full custody of their twin boys.
July 31, 2013: Return to Fighting Announced
On July 31, 2013, Ortiz announced that he would be coming out of retirement to fight former training partner and fellow former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson at Bellator 106 on November 2, 2013.
August 1, 2013: Ortiz returns to TNA
On August 1, 2013, Tito Ortiz returned to TNA, revealing himself as the man behind the cryptic #August1Warning tweets and YouTube videos. He confronted the Aces & Eights and The Main Event Mafia, setting the stage for future confrontations.
September 21, 2013: Jon Jones Breaks Tito Ortiz's Light Heavyweight Championship Reign Record
Jon Jones surpassed Tito Ortiz's record for the longest Light Heavyweight Championship reign on September 21, 2013, when he successfully defended his title for the sixth time.
November 2, 2013: Withdrawal from Bellator 106
On November 2, 2013, Ortiz was scheduled to fight Quinton Jackson at Bellator 106 but had to withdraw due to a neck injury.
January 6, 2014: Ortiz arrested on DUI charges
On January 6, 2014, Tito Ortiz was arrested on DUI charges in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to three years probation, a fine, and required to enroll in an alcohol education program.
February 14, 2014: Ortiz and "Cyborg" Part Ways
On February 14, 2014, Tito Ortiz and Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino ended their professional relationship, with Ortiz stepping down as Justino's manager.
May 17, 2014: Bellator Debut
On May 17, 2014, Ortiz made his Bellator debut at Bellator 120, facing Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander Shlemenko. He won the fight with a first round arm-triangle choke submission.
November 15, 2014: Bellator 131 - Ortiz vs. Bonnar
On November 15, 2014, Ortiz fought fellow UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar at Bellator 131 and won by split decision.
2014: Ortiz starts dating Amber Nichole Miller
In 2014, Tito Ortiz began dating model Amber Nichole Miller. The two had previously worked together in the UFC.
June 19, 2015: Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight Announced
On June 19, 2015, it was announced that Ortiz would be fighting Liam McGeary for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship.
September 19, 2015: Bellator 142 - Ortiz vs. McGeary
On September 19, 2015, Ortiz fought Liam McGeary for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship at Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 and lost via inverted triangle choke in the first round.
January 21, 2017: Retirement Fight
On January 21, 2017, Ortiz fought Chael Sonnen at Bellator 170. Ortiz announced that this would be his last fight. He won the fight by rear-naked choke in the first round.
March 2017: Ortiz places 22nd in PokerStars Championship
In March 2017, Tito Ortiz placed 22nd in the $5,300 No Limit Hold'em PokerStars Championship Main Event in Panama. He has also participated in various poker shows and private tournaments.
2017: Ortiz in Boo 2! A Madea Halloween
In 2017, Tito Ortiz co-starred in the film Boo 2! A Madea Halloween.
August 2018: Return to Fighting Announced
In August 2018, Golden Boy Promotions announced that Ortiz would be returning to fighting to face Chuck Liddell in a third fight.
November 24, 2018: Third Chuck Liddell Fight
On November 24, 2018, Ortiz fought Chuck Liddell for the third time at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Ortiz won the fight by knockout in the first round.
April 2019: Signs Multi-Fight Agreement with Combate Americas
In April 2019, Ortiz signed a multi-fight agreement, set to last two years and cover three fights, with Combate Americas.
July 9, 2019: Combate Americas Debut Opponent and Date Announced
On July 9, 2019, Combate Americas announced that Ortiz would be making his promotional debut on December 7, 2019, against former WWE Champion and Combate Americas President Alberto El Patrón in a 210-pound Catchweight bout at a Combate Americas event in Hidalgo, Texas.
July 31, 2019: Tito Ortiz Re-signs with the UFC
On July 31, 2009, Dana White officially announced that Tito Ortiz had re-signed with the UFC for a six-fight deal. It was also stated that Ortiz planned to retire from the UFC after this contract.
December 7, 2019: Combate Americas Debut
On December 7, 2019, Ortiz made his Combate Americas debut against Alberto El Patrón. Ortiz won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
February 26, 2020: Combate Americas Debut Win Overturned
On February 26, 2020, the Texas State Athletic Commission temporarily overturned Ortiz's win against Alberto El Patrón, changing the result to a no decision.
November 5, 2020: Tito Ortiz Elected to Huntington Beach City Council
Tito Ortiz entered the realm of politics when he was elected to the Huntington Beach City Council on November 5, 2020.
November 30, 2020: Ortiz leads protest against COVID-19 regulations
On November 30, 2020, Tito Ortiz led a 'curfew breaker' protest against COVID-19 regulations at the Huntington Beach pier.
December 7, 2020: Tito Ortiz Sworn in as Huntington Beach City Council Member
Tito Ortiz was officially sworn into office as a member of the Huntington Beach City Council on December 7, 2020.
2020: Ortiz supports Trump and runs for election
In 2020, Tito Ortiz, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, used the slogan 'Make Huntington Beach Safe Again' for his election campaign. He expressed skepticism about COVID-19, calling it 'the flu' and a form of 'population control.'
January 2021: Ortiz refused service for not wearing mask
In January 2021, Tito Ortiz was refused service at a TK Burgers restaurant for not wearing a mask. He posted about the incident on Instagram and later apologized, acknowledging the impact on the small business.
February 2021: Ortiz files for unemployment
In February 2021, Tito Ortiz filed for unemployment despite not being unemployed or underemployed.
May 2021: Ortiz's unemployment filing surfaces
In May 2021, it surfaced that Tito Ortiz had filed for unemployment in February 2021 despite not being unemployed or underemployed.
June 1, 2021: Tito Ortiz Resigns from Huntington Beach City Council
Tito Ortiz's tenure on the Huntington Beach City Council was short-lived, as he resigned from his position on June 1, 2021, less than six months after taking office.
September 11, 2021: Tito Ortiz's Professional Boxing Debut
Tito Ortiz stepped into the professional boxing ring for the first time on September 11, 2021, facing fellow former UFC champion Anderson Silva. Unfortunately, he lost the match in the first round.