Issue 117

July 2014

Taking you behind the scenes with ‘The People’s Champion’ as the living legend prepares to make his comeback on Bellator MMA’s PPV debut.

MAY 2014

MONDAY 5TH

After enjoying a weekend with one of his sons, Ortiz doesn’t allow himself to take it easy on the Mexican national holiday of Cinco de Mayo – despite his heritage. He undergoes a tough training session at Kings MMA before enjoying a healthy home-cooked meal.

WEDNESDAY 7TH

After weighing in at a lean 220.6lb the day before, Tito travels to sunny LA to promote the upcoming Bellator 120 pay-per-view event. “PR is the fun part of fighting,” the former UFC champ posts.

THURSDAY 8TH

Appears on Studio 11 LA to discuss his training and upcoming fight with Alexander Shlemenko. “I want to win for my kids, I want to win for my family,” says Ortiz. “I’m in a good place right now. I’m in a happy place.”

SATURDAY 10TH

Tito takes some time away from the rigours of fight training and PR work to enjoy some fishing. He also takes his birthday boys, Jesse and Journey, out on the water for some playtime with their presents. Later that evening he attends another birthday party where he runs into fellow Mexican athletes, pro wrestling superstars Chavo Guerrero and Rey Mysterio.

TUESDAY 13TH

Ortiz arrives in the city of Memphis where he will be facing Bellator middleweight champ Alexander Shlemenko on Saturday. As the serious weight-cutting begins, the former UFC title holder spends his evening training... in an unlikely place. “Irony- being a @BellatorMMA fighter and training in a @ufc gym. Lol This is funny,” he tweets.

THURSDAY 15TH

Tito’s pre-fight schedule is packed with an open workout followed by a slew of media obligations. Later, with his weight on target for the next day’s official weigh-ins, the in-shape 205lb’er enjoys a meal consisting of 16oz of water and 8oz of food before getting some much-needed rest.

SATURDAY 17TH

Entering the Bellator cage at around 220lb, Tito has an undeniable size advantage over his Russian opponent. However, considering the Mexican-American’s long lay-o? , there are many who are picking Ortiz to lose this fight. But, making expert use of his size, strength and experience, Tito is able to take Shlemenko to the ground and choke him unconscious via arm triangle at the midway point of the first round. Later, an elated Ortiz posts online: “Laying in bed feeling victorious! Hard work does pay o? !!!!!!!!!!!#Winning what???? YEAAAH!!!!”