Ortiz (photo via Twitter / @UFC)

By Joshua Molina

Bellator needs to sign Tito Ortiz.

The Mexican-American fighter suggested that he might sign with Bellator in a series of tweets that he deleted afterward.

The signing of Ortiz would help Bellator increase its profile in the public eye, and draw MMA fans who grew up on the UFC to the sport’s No. 2 promotion.

What about Ortiz vs. Frank Shamrock in a legends match? That fight would blow the roof off the skydome, in what would be a classic rematch of legends. Even an Ortiz vs. King Mo match would do lights out TV ratings.

If Bellator is going to convince the public that it is a top MMA company it needs to sign more legends to its roster. A guy like Ortiz would bring fans and force the UFC to pay attention.

UFC President Dana White is already talking trash.

He blasted Ortiz on Twitter, accusing him of being a shot fighter who needs money.

If White didn’t think Ortiz mattered, he wouldn’t have inducted him into the UFC Hall of Fame last year.

Ortiz is an MMA icon and would boost Bellator’s ratings.