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Tito Ortiz on NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice" |
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Professional wrestler, Tito Ortiz, is one of the most popular – and most controversial – martial arts competitors in the world. Tito Ortiz is currently preparing for a major fight scheduled for December 30th at the MGM Grand Las Vegas against UFC World Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell in UFC 66.
In 1997, still in college and an amateur, Tito Ortiz competed for no money in his first mixed martial arts bout, subduing his opponent in the first round with a barrage of punches. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, Tito Ortiz quickly established a reputation as a scrappy and impudent competitor who grinds his opponents into total submission. Tito Ortiz quickly adopted a policy of donning T-shirts after each victory with insolent legends that insulted his opponents. Following a bruising fight against legendary UFC competitor Guy Metzger, Tito Ortiz donned a shirt that read "Gay Mezger Is My Bitch," then raised an insulting finger gesture at a cluster of his opponent's fans. These colorful deeds were to become his trademark, adding to his popularity but also engendering loathing by the fans of his opponents.
In 1999 Tito Ortiz battled the super-aggressive Wanderlei ("The Axe Murderer") Silva for the Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight title and went on to defend the belt five times in the following three years, defeating all contenders, including his arch-rival, Ken ("Lion's Den") Shamrock, before he went on a hiatus from the UFC.
In the ensuing years Tito Ortiz became a part of the professional wrestling scene when he signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a guest referee and helped promote several celebrated championship matches.
Tito Ortiz returned victoriously to UFC competition in April 2006 at age 31 and is currently preparing for a major fight scheduled for December 30th at the MGM Grand Las Vegas against UFC World Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell in UFC 66.
In addition to his mixed martial arts career Tito Ortiz has had roles in several feature films, most notably "Cradle 2 the Grave" and the controversial Turkish film "Valley of the Wolves: Iraq." Tito Ortiz also has developed a clothing line he calls Team Punishment.
Tito Ortiz has also attracted public attention recently for his romantic relationship with adult crossover star Jenna Jameson. The Boston Herald called them "the new power couple." Jenna has helped him by modeling for the Team Punishment clothing line, appearing in print ads with Tito Ortiz and, looking very sexy in nothing but camouflage.
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