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Thursday, Jul 05, 2012

UFC 148 Presser: Tito Ortiz Confirms “I’m Done” After Rubber Match With Forrest Griffin

Ortiz and Griffin (right)

Cote Believes “Anderson Silva’s Pretty Mad Now” Heading Into Rematch With Sonnen

By FCF Staff

While Saturday’s UFC 148 main event between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen is being billed as one of the sport’s biggest fights in recent memory, the card will also feature the last bout of former light-heavyweight champ Tito Ortiz.

The decorated fighter and soon to be UFC Hall of Fame member will face Forrest Griffin for the third time on July 7th, as each man has recorded split decision wins over the other in their previous meeting.

In addition, the UFC 148 main card will also feature a compelling middleweight bout between highlight reel striker Cung Le and the powerful slugger Patrick Cote.

All four men were on hand today at a pre-UFC 148 presser; here were some of the highlights.

Ortiz said “I did what I needed to do” to prepare for his rubber match with Griffin, when asked to discuss his training camp in Big Bear, California.

When asked what his single greatest accomplishment in the UFC was, Ortiz relayed “becoming champion”, before recalling his life growing up amidst poverty, crime and gangs.

Griffin relayed that “I don’t think a lot’s changed” in terms of each man’s styles, since he and Ortiz fought in 2009 and 2006.

When Griffin was asked if he was serious that he’ll consider retiring provided he loses to Ortiz, the former champion said he stands by his earlier comments.

Ortiz said “it’s never really been personal” in terms of his fights with Griffin, and added that he respects the TUF veteran.

Ortiz relayed that beating Ryan Bader as an underdog is one of his career highlights, and re-confirmed that he’s retiring no matter what Saturday–“I’m done.”

The former champion also added that he “wants to be there for his boys”, as another reason why Saturday’s fight will be Ortiz’s last.

Ortiz conceded that the first eight year of training were fun, but that since then, he has enjoyed training less and less.

Ortiz refused to answer a question from reporter and commentator Ariel Helwani, stating “I don’t like you,” before confirming to another media member that his son recently recovered from a bout with meningitis.

Griffin stated that he has a “ton of crap” for a third book and that he plans on beginning the project “Monday.”

Griffin also said that he continues to enjoy training and that his frustration stems from not performing well in fights.

Cote credited Le for his agility, power and striking, and relayed that he has “done my homework for this fight.”

When asked if he’s prepared to take a punch to give one, Cote acknowledged that you “can’t train your chin.”

A humble Le shot down the idea that he’s a “master” of the striking martial arts and added that his UFC career ranks at the top of his priorities.

Le also thanked Cote for taking the bout on short notice and relayed that he believes it’s “an exciting match-up for all the fans.”

When asked to comment on the fact that the odds have Cote as a 2-1 favorite, Le said he welcomes being the underdog.

Cote shrugged off being the favorite and added that once you get in the Octagon the odds are “50-50.”

When asked to predict a winner in Saturday’s main event, Cote relayed that “Anderson’s pretty mad now” and that he believes Silva will probably win in the third round.

 

 

 

 

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 3:03 pm
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