A victorious "Cyborg" (photo credt: Esther Lin Invicta FC)

By FCF Staff

In an apparent effort to improve Cris “Cyborg” Justino’s chances of signing with the UFC, Tito Ortiz has stepped down as her manager.

The promotion’s former light-heavyweight champ announced the news via AXS TV’s “Inside MMA” Friday:

“I can live with Dana not liking me but what I can’t live with is Dana using me to hurt someone else. I’ve taken abuse and maybe I deserved some of it but Cris is a beautiful person and great athlete and doesn’t deserve to be insulted like this.

I don’t understand how Dana lets his hatred towards me hurt the UFC and the fans by not making this fight.

He accuses her of still using banned substances and say that she isn’t worthy of fighting Ronda yet a year ago he personally called me to make the fight happen.

I never said she would die if she made 135- we just repeated what the Dr said that Cris shouldn’t make a career at 135- we offered a 3 fight deal they said no 7 fights or no deal.

Regardless – I won’t stand in the way from the fans getting a fight they want and I won’t hold Cris Back. So I’m stepping down as Cris’ manager

Now he can’t hold that against her-

I’m also tired of Dana accusing Cris of using banned substances. I challenge you to put up or shut up- Test her or stop lying about her- Cris is a beautiful woman inside and out- don’t insult her on her looks- she may be tough as nails but she still has feelings.

I know people are going to say there goes Tito making this about him again- but it’s not -it’s about Cris Cyborg- the baddest woman on the earth – soon to be multi-sport world champion.”

-Tito Ortiz

Justino’s next fight will take place March 28th for the kickboxing promotion Lion Fight, when she challenges Jorina Baars for the promotion’s vacant welterweight title.