Fighters Only

Nov 21, 2019

The career health issues of one of MMA's most injury-plagued athletes, former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz.

Name: Tito Ortiz

Weight: 205lb / 93kg / 14st 6lb

Height: Six-foot-four

Reach: 74in (188cm)

Stance: Orthodox

BMI: 26.3

Years active: 20

Record: 20-12

INJURIES SUFFERED

1: LOWER BACK

In November 2008, Ortiz received two-level fusion surgery on his L4-5 and S-1 in his lower back. “The disc was completely compressed, bulging, pressing on my spinal cord,” explained Tito. “Along with the numbness, tingling sensation down my leg, my whole lower back and legs were aching for five to six years.”

2: NECK

Tito required C5-6 fusion surgery in his neck in 2010, forcing him to withdraw as a coach on season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter and pull out of his fight with opposing coach Chuck Liddell. The surgery was successful and the UFC veteran returned to competition five months later. Footage of the surgery can be seen on YouTube, where you can see Tito's doctor drilling and hammering into the neck of the former champion. It's definitely not for the squeamish.

3: KNEE

Just eight weeks before the final fight of his career against long-time rival Forrest Griffin, Ortiz underwent knee surgery, having 50% of his meniscus removed. He was clearly frustrated, stating: “It sucks when I can’t f**kin' do cardio. I didn’t run this whole camp.” Despite the physical setback, Tito fought hard for three rounds, losing an incredibly close decision with many fans feeling he should have been awarded the ‘W.’

4: RECURRING SURGERY

Tito is scheduled to go back under the knife later this year, this time for neck and knee surgery. The neck surgery is on the disc two spaces above his previous surgery, and the knee surgery is to repair an ACL tear suffered in his last fight against Forrest Griffin. In an exclusive interview with Fighters Only Tito explained: “I had no choice... Once that nerve damage kicks in, man, it's pain."

TITO'S CAREER FACTS

Tito has collected 4 Fight of the Night awards during his illustrious career

In UFC History he has the second most: