Tito Ortiz Answers His Critics
By Michael DiSanto

In light of the recent comment made by Dana White, the President of Zuffa, LLC, about Tito Ortiz being unable to fight Chuck Liddell at UFC 45 due to a hand injury, the Internet once again began to overflow with comments of Tito ducking a fight with Chuck Liddell. People questioned the legitimacy of the injury, although anyone whos seen Tito in the past 3 months knew that he had a very large, painful lump on his left wrist. Therefore, after a week of rumors and innuendo, we decided to call the UFC light heavyweight star and get his side of the story. Here is Tito Ortiz in his own words:

InsideFighting: In our interview with Dana White, he said that a fight between you and Chuck was all set for UFC 46, but you had to pull out due to a hand injury. Is that true?
Tito Ortiz: Yes. Well, it wasnt a hand injury. It was something that was on my hand. I actually just had surgery to have it removed two days ago [Tuesday].

IF: Was that the same big lump on your left wrist that I saw when I was in Big Bear in August?
Tito: Yeah, but it got bigger. It got like three times bigger. Its called a ganglion cyst. The cyst was actually wrapped around the main artery in my hand, so I had numbness in my hand.

[Note: According to the Indiana Hand Center, a ganglion cyst is a lump or mass that forms under the skin. These form when tissues surrounding certain joints become inflamed and swell up with lubricating fluid i.e., a fluid-filled sac arising from the tendon sheath or joint capsule. Most commonly, ganglions are seen on the wrist (usually the back side) and fingers, but they can also develop on the shoulder, elbow, and knee. They can be associated with tenderness and pain that can restrict movement. One of the causes is overuse of the joint.]

IF: Whats the timetable to recover from this surgery?
Tito: The doctor said 4-6 weeks. But in my mind its like 3 weeks until I can train.

IF: So that precludes you from fighting at UFC 46, which is January 31?
IF: Yes. The doctor said no training for 4-6 weeks. This is whatits November 5th. Lets seefour to six weeks takes us to mid-December, so thats a month to train. Nope, that wont work.

IF: Yes, I can see your point.
Tito: The doctor told me 4-6 weeks, you know. Its not up to me. Its got to heal.

IF: Ok, Tito just a couple other quick things. Its my understanding that you had a rematch clause in your fight contract with Randy, is that the case?
Tito: No. There wasnt a rematch clause in my contract. If there was, I would execute it right away because in my mind I want to make that fight happen right now. But the ball was in Randys court so he had the choice of what he wanted to do, not me.

IF: What are your thoughts on Vitor Belfort getting the first title shot against Randy?
Tito: Cool. Whatever. I just want to kick Chuck [Liddell]s ass!

<b>IF: Speaking of that, have you had a chance to train with Rampage to get him ready for Liddell and the rest of the Grand Prix?
Tito: Yes, I did. He felt really, really psyched. His standup is really, really good. His takedown offense and defense are great. I imagine that hell beat Chuck. Actually, I dont think it will be any problem for Rampage.

IF: So who do you like to win the entire tournament?
Tito: Rampage, of course man! Thats one tough black man. That motherf****r is tough. Man, he trains hard.

IF: Assuming your wrist heals up and youre able to get back into the Octagon soon, you want
Tito: [Interrupting] I want to fight Chuck, I want Chuck!

IF: Is that because of the public
Tito: [Interrupting] Its because of everybody. I just want to shut a bunch of people up. You know, Chucks been running his mouth. I guess were no longer friends now, so f**k it lets do it!

IF: Anything else you want to get off your chest with all the b.s. floating around the Internet?
Tito: No, Im cool man. People dont realize that having hand surgery is scary let alone just dealing with it. This is just another speed bump that I have to go over. Ill be healed 100% and Ill be back 100%. But this one injury is one that I had to attend to. When its done and over with, Ill be back and youll see the best of me for sure.

IF: I hear you. Ive had knee surgery, so I know the nervous feeling you get beforehand.
Tito: For sure, man. In April thats what [Zuffa is] thinking about me against Chuck in April. So sure, lets do it!

IF: Ok, rest up and get healthy, Tito. Thank you for your time.
Tito: Thank you, my friend.

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