http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ac-7035336
Fan perspective: Tito Ortiz’s end of the road
After his loss to Matt Hamill at UFC 121, Tito Ortiz had no excuses. There were no post fight claims that he fought with a broken skull or bad back, just the realization that he had been bested by his former pupil in the sport he helped grow.
Though he balked at the idea of retirement, it is clear that Tito can no longer be competitive among his UFC peers. This fight was significant in that it could have potentially put Tito right back in the mix at 205 pounds, and could have generated the momentum needed for another title run.
With the loss to Hamill, however, Tito has failed to win a fight since October of 2006. And though 4 of his past 5 opponents were at one time the UFC light heavyweight champion, Hamill is far from a contender, and disposed of Tito easily.
After undergoing a grueling back surgery that was supposed to alleviate the immense pain he claimed to experience on a daily basis, it's time for Tito to hang up the gloves and be happy that he wont have to live with searing back pain for the rest of his life.
It would be foolhardy for him to continue fighting, given his propensity to become injured and his history of back problems. For a man who loves to fight, this must be a difficult crossroads for Tito to face, but for his own health and well being, it's time for him to hang up the gloves.
Tito Ortiz is not Randy Couture, just as Chuck Liddell is not Randy Couture. There comes a time in every fighter's professional career when they must look at their present situation with a degree of objectivity, and realize that their final bell has rung.
Tito has contributed so much to the sport of mixed martial arts that it would be a shame for him to end such an illustrious career fighting just to be taken seriously. He had an amazing run, but needs to stop fighting before he gets injured beyond repair, and adversely affects his quality of living.
It will be sad to see Tito leave mixed martial arts, having accomplished so much, and having put so much of his blood, sweat, and tears into the sport.
The only thing sadder would be watching him fight to stay relevant in the sport he helped pioneer.
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