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Wednesday, Jul 31, 2013

Bellator: “Rampage” Jackson-Tito Ortiz to Headline PPV Event

By FCF Staff

Bellator has announced during it’s latest event tonight in New Mexico, that former UFC light-heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz is coming out of retirement, and will fight “Rampage” Jackson on November 2nd. The news comes as a pretty big surprise, considering reports recently that the promotion was considering booking a boxing match between Jackson and Roy Jones Jr.

The light-heavyweight scrap will take place on Bellator’s first pay-per-view event, which will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve been re-born.,” the 35 year-old Jackson said. “My excitement, energy and aggression, it’s all back and bigger than ever. I feel like a kid again. The Rampage you’ll see Nov. 2nd will be better than any Rampage you’ve ever seen.  Everybody knows Tito and I have a very long history. He’s a former teammate and friend, and it’s one of the reasons I stayed away from the UFC as long as I did.  But, I want to be very clear; any sort of friendship we once had doesn’t exist when that cage door shuts. I’ve got a ton to prove on November 2nd, and unfortunately for Tito he’s the guy I have to make an example of. He’s in my house now and Saturday, November 2nd on PPV, it’s going to be a horrible night for Tito Ortiz.”

Ortiz will be returning to the cage for the first time since last July, when he lost by unanimous decision to Forrest Griffin in his final UFC bout. The 38 year-old vet retired after the fight, which was his third consecutive loss.

“I’m back,” Ortiz stated. “Over the last few years, my passion for MMA was completely killed, dealing with UFC politics and with Dana. I didn’t have that drive to compete, my heart wasn’t in it. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m free. Bjorn and Bellator put together an opportunity that made me part of the promotion, part of the family.  I feel like I can breathe again and my old friend is going to be on the receiving end of all that happiness turned into an old school Tito Ortiz ground and pound beating. I’ve fought and beaten the very best in MMA history and on Nov. 2nd, Rampage will be the next huge win on my record. This is a new era for the People’s Champion.”

No other bouts were announced for the card.

posted by FCF Staff @ 9:43 pm
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