“Fighting is my livelihood, and jeopardizing my body without a full understanding of conditions doesn't make any sense. No professional fighter will go into a risky match without a contract.”

American former mixed martial artist, politician, and professional boxer

Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz is an American former mixed martial artist, politician, and professional boxer of Mexican descent. Born in 1975, he is best known for his long career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he became UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and one of the sport's early stars. Ortiz held the light heavyweight title from April 2000 to September 2003. He later became a major pay-per-view draw in 2006 through fights with Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Ken Shamrock. In 2012, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.