Tito Ortiz: I Could’ve Fought Kimbo Slice Instead Of Liam McGeary

Fernando Gonzalez of Menifee, who is ranked No. 5 in Bellator MMA’s welterweight division, will take a bit of a diversion for his next bout, reconnecting with kickboxing as part of Bellator: Dynamite 1 at the SAP Center in San Jose on Saturday. “I’m not particularly excited about this fight”, he admitted. That said, it’s not like Ortiz looked terrible or out-classed in his losses.

McGeary says the opportunity is “massive” and when asked if he jumped at the chance to fight Ortiz, he replies, “Sign me right up on the dotted line”. No, it wasn’t like he was ever going to contend for a UFC belt again, but he could fight and not embarrass himself. He calls training partner Jerry Rinaldi his “best-kept secret”. That guy was pretty well-equipped to beat an opponent like Liam McGeary. He’s also shown both striking and submission acumen, finishing 9 of his 10 fights en route to an undefeated record.

Most think that McGeary, at least on paper, is the far superior athlete – hence why Ortiz is an nearly 4-to-1 underdog. He’s not the strongest fighter in his division, but he’s utilized his length and skill level effectively to become the man to beat at the moment.

This will be the third fight for Ortiz with Bellator. While it wouldn’t be surprising if he submits Ortiz off his back, expect him to keep the challenge busy enough defending submission attempts that he’s able to control the fight and win rounds. I don’t see any benefit for him to start slow and “feel out” McGeary. McGeary by unanimous decision. I won’t go away.

Tito Ortiz looked healthy in 2014 – relatively speaking. I would have liked to have been able to fight Nieky Holzken because he’s the [Glory] champion. But let’s be clear: Ortiz is 40 years old.

It’s an admirable quality – the need, or want, to fight the best in the world – but Ortiz is 3-7-1 since losing to UFC light heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell at UFC 66 in December . 2006.

If Tito wins the title then Chuck Liddel’s career is going to roll over in its grave. But as he sees it, his one-time return to kickboxing has the potential to directly enhance his Bellator title prospects.

With former UFC fighter and MMA regular Paul Daley perhaps the most recognizable name on the Glory portion of the card, it is yet another pair of light heavyweights who will receive top billing, as Brazilian Saulo Cavalari and Zack Mwekassa, who hails from the Congo, vie for the vacant title.

First, of course, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” has to win the belt.

Bellator better hope and pray that McGeary wins. They know their dad is dedicated to being champion again. Yes, Ortiz is a former UFC Champion, formerly the longest reigning champion. “I think over the years, people have kind of forgotten what MMA is really all about and I think with Scott Coker doing this, he’s really bringing MMA back to the glory days”. 12 years! That means most kids in high school don’t remember when he was champion! “I’ve been a little exhausted and I would have loved to have needed that little extra mental edge to prepare for someone like Nieky”, he added.