Tito “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Ortiz has -- and will always be -- one of the most recognized fighters to ever be associated with the rise of the UFC. Ortiz will be making his long-awaited return to the Octagon to fight fan favorite and UFC alum Forrest Griffin. In this rematch, the former champions will clash to get one step closer to a shot at the title.

At UFC 106 on November 21, Tito Ortiz will be fighting a desperate Forrest Griffin with nothing to lose, and both fighters will give everything they have to get back to their winning ways and make a successful run at the title.

UFC and opponents


What made you want to get into MMA?
Back when the UFC first started, I wanted to see what MMA was all about; at the time I was training with Tank Abbott and so I went to see him fight. While at the fight, I saw this guy fighting that I just crushed in high school wrestling and I thought: "hey, I’m a street fighter and I have a wrestling background," so I gave it a shot. I had my first fight at UFC 13 and it was just one of those things that become second nature to me.

First fight back in the UFC since UFC 84 -- you’ve been through a lot since your return with your health and what not, so how important is it for you to win this fight?
It’s very important to me, but every fight is important -- especially coming off two losses and a draw. I was injured back then and I’m new and improved now, so I’m excited to get back in the ring and put on a great fight and get that win.

What are your thoughts on Forrest Griffin?
Forrest is going to come in knowing he’s got nothing to lose, and I’m excited being the underdog in this fight. I think he’s going to come out hard and we’ll see if he can take the punches, and if he can take the same damage he took in our first fight. I know that my health is going to be in his mind and I just hope he comes ready, in shape and ready to take a beating.

Is there anything you will be doing differently this time around to get that second win against Griffin?
I think being in great shape and getting my wrestling on key is what it will come down to. A great wrestler in great shape will beat Forrest 10 times out of 10. My heart is bigger than it’s ever been, my mentality is very strong and my weight is where I want it to be. Forrest cutting a lot of weight for the fight will also work to my advantage as it will take a bit of a toll on his body.

Do you still want to get that fight with Mark Coleman?
I really wanted to fight Coleman; he said some personal things about me and my family and I took it to heart. I took the high road and didn’t say anything anymore, but hopefully I’ll get the fight in the future so I can get the chance to shut him and his people up. He made it personal by attacking my family and I would love to fight him, but I think he’s just afraid to fight.

Career

Is there one fight in your career that will always stick out in your head?
The first time I fought Ken Shamrock, when I defended my world title, there was a lot of hype and he talked the most trash, which was weird because I’ve never had anyone talk more than me. Another one is Chuck Liddell, the second time we fought: I know I lost against him but it was still one my biggest fights and a third fight may happen. I would love to fight Chuck again; I think that would be a great fight, and I would be crazy to say no to that if it came up.

Being a former champion, how bad do you want that belt back?
I’ve been training pretty hard -- six days a week, eight hours a day -- and my body is at 100% with no more back problems. It just makes me that more hungry to get that belt back. I worked hard to get to where I am today and I will continue to work hard to get that title back.

What did you think about the Lyoto Machida Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua fight -- and do you believe something should be done about the way the fights are scored?
Yes, because I watched that fight and I think Shogun caused more damage than Machida did and he got robbed. Machida is a boring fighter and all he did was run around the ring the whole time; that’s what he did against me when I fought him also.
Training

How long do you normally train in a day?
Anywhere between four to six hours a day, six days a week, lift weights every single day, wrestle, and spar.

How long a break would you take between fights before getting back to your training?
In the past it would be anywhere from a month to three months because of my back problems. Now that I’ve had my back surgery hopefully I won’t have to take any time off; I just feel rejuvenated.

Do you have any tips for our readers on how to maximize their training?
Train right, eat right, no sodas, no greasy foods, no fried foods, stay away from ice cream, candy and chocolates. I’m a big juicer, and I believe in juicing most vegetables and fruit, which I do twice a day. Eat clean and when it comes to training time just push yourself. Also, always remember for motivation that there’s someone probably working harder than you.

What advice would you have for someone that wants to get into competitive MMA?
The biggest thing would be to get educated before anything, school wise. Get a degree and something to fall back on before you pursue MMA. Getting a wrestling base would also be good advice; most champions in UFC history were wrestlers: Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell and Brock Lesnar. Wrestling encompasses hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and determination -- there’s just nothing like it in any sport.

Is there anything that you would like to say in closing?
I just want to thank all of the fans that supported me, they followed me wherever I went, and now I’m back in the UFC and it’s good to be back. Of course, check out my clothing company Punishment Athletics at PunishmentAthletics.com. I’m just excited to get back in the cage and compete again and ready to give the fans a great fight.
By Johnny Testa