Tito Ortiz Defends Fight Against Chuck Liddell, Says He Was The One Who Was Called Out

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz headlined last Saturday Nights Golden Boy MMA: Liddell vs. Ortiz III event, defeating former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell by first round knockout.

There has been a lot of criticism against Golden Boy MMA for allowing the fight to happen in the first place.

Ortiz has taken to Instagram to address the situation, including saying the fight happened because he was called out by Liddell in the first place.

 

 

 

 

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I’ve had some time to think about this fight verse @chuckliddell How it came to be? This is something that chuck wanted I was ok doing my businesses. He called me out. Yes I agree and helped make it happen with @goldenboyboxing . I took this fight very serious that’s why I put in a 18 week camp. 3x a day 6 days a week. I sacrificed everything. I was willing to put my life on the line. One year ago I had 3 level disk replacement in my neck. Plus 7 other major surgeries since 2009. But was still willing to take a chance against someone who beat me twice before. There is not quit in me. I have made mistakes and I have learned from them. That’s life! I want to fail so I can learn to better myself. I have lived my life with ups and downs but at the end of the day I keep learning. I wish more people would. Having everyone saying why are you fighting chuck again he beat you twice? 1. He called me out 2. I always wanted redemption. 3. I’m here to prove my fans were right and the haters were wrong. 4. An opportunity to start a new organization that will take care of the fighters as they should be. I showed the world what hard work and dedication can get you. I’ve never been so nervous before a fight like this one but I knew I was ready. The mind games that chuck was playing made me work harder. So thank you chuck. I was in a lose lose situation but I was willing to gamble with my health. Chuck said he was ready I knew I was ready, may the best fighter win. In this case it was me. I need to thank all my fans,friends and family that supported me for this fight. I couldn’t have done it without you! I respect chuck for stepping up and following through with the fight. You’re a champion and hall of fame legend that brought the best out of me! Sorry to all your fans I was on a mission. Thank you @moses___murrietta @parilloboxing @herdemkalash @raphaeldavis205 @scottcarrgbcm @jaysilvamma @ufcgymhuntingtonbeach @rvca you all help build me up so I could knock him down! THANK YOU!!!!

A post shared by titoortiz1999 (@titoortiz1999) on Nov 26, 2018 at 5:56pm PST

CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster already commented on the criticism as well, pointing out that Liddell and Ortiz passed all medicals leading up to the bout.

The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion did retire after the fight, while Liddell’s future is uncertain at this time.