UFC Hall Of Famer Tito Ortiz Teases Return To MMA

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz is considering returning to MMA, almost exactly a year after he announced his retirement.

The 38-year-old fought his last match against Forrest Griffin at UFC 148 on July 7, 2012, losing the fight by unanimous decision. The bout earned “Fight of the Night,” and Ortiz was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. However, the “Huntington Beach Bad Bay” said his decision to retire was mostly based on the number of injuries he’s suffered over the last few years.

Ortiz made his MMA and UFC debut at UFC 13, beating Wes Albritton by TKO at 0:31 in the first round. Ortiz ended his 15-year career with a record of 16-11-1. The draw came during UFC 73 against Rashad Evans in 2007; Ortiz was penalized 1 point for holding on to the fence.

Ortiz won the vacant light heavyweight championship at UFC 25 on April 14, 2000, defeating Wanderlei Silva by unanimous decision. He defended his title five times before losing the championship to Randy Couture by unanimous decision at UFC 44 in September 2003. Ortiz also ended his career with the most fights in UFC history (27), the most championship fights in the light heavyweight division (9), the most championship rounds in the light heavyweight division (28). He also has the dubious honor of the most losses in UFC history (11).

But now, after a year away from the Octagon, Tito Ortiz‘s injuries have finally healed, and the former champion has hinted that he may want to fight in MMA again.

Come backs are always the best test! Live life to the fullest. #Positive http://t.co/X8YZ6catYk

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) July 7, 2013

He also mentioned Viacom, the owner of Bellator, in a previous tweet, in which he said “Fighting is starting to sound fun again.

What do you think of Tito Ortiz’s possible return to MMA? Do you think he should sign with Bellator?