Tito Ortiz To Be Inducted Into California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
By Evan Stoumbelis
The Huntington Beach Bad Boy Tito Ortiz will be inducted into the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on May 20th for his “numerous contributions to the sport throughout the years.”
Tito’s next fight will take place at UFC 148 for his rubber match against Forrest Griffin. For Ortiz, this will be the last time he steps into the Octagon. “I just turned 37 years old,” he said in March “I’ve been in the game for 15 years and competing only with the UFC. I know it’s time for me to kind of hang ‘em up.”
Tito, a former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, is considered to be one of the most recognizable faces in the MMA community. With memorable bouts against Ken Shamrock, Wanderlai Silva, and as I mentioned before, Forrest Griffin, fans can almost guarantee Tito’s UFC Hall of Fame induction in the future.
Tito was also a California Community College Athletic Association State Champion and All-American in 1995-96. In 2000, Tito competed in the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling tournament where he placed third, winning 4-5 fights, including a victory over UFC legend Matt Hughes.
On May 20th Tito will be out of the country, and his 9-year old son Jacob will be receiving the award on his fathers behalf.
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bjpenn.com staff writer Follow me on twitter: @MMAEvan
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First of all- Lame that his 9 year old son is picking up the award. Tito get your ass there and pick that shit up.
Cool for the kid though.
Bummed I can’t I hear you talk about how many times you went out there to fight with brain spiling out of your ear.
For real though, congrats I’m glad your getting recognized. Good for you.
pretty cool.
Surprised that he wrestled Matt Hughes in a BJJ tourney.
I remember back in the day when Tito was the ONLY reason we payed to watch a PPV. Yeah Tito!