• UFC 148

Ortiz: My body has had enough

ESPN staff
July 2, 2012
Tito Ortiz is aiming to go out on a high © Getty Images
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Tito Ortiz says he has achieved everything he wanted to in his 15-year career, admitting he is bringing the curtain down on his illustrious time in UFC because his body can no longer cope with the rigours of the sport.

Ortiz, who has racked up more successful light-heavyweight title defences than any fighter in UFC history, faces Forrest Griffin at UFC 148 in his final Octagon appearance on July 7.

And the former light-heavyweight king, who will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on the day of the fight, says he feels some relief that his career is coming to an end.

"Now that I don't have to be in training camp three months at time, three times a year, it's a blessing in disguise. I'm very thankful of what I was able to compete in the UFC," he said when speaking to MMAWeekly Radio.

"Training's not as fun as it used to be. The training is tough. Tough on my body, tough on my mind and I've been doing it for 15 years. I've been doing this over and over and over again and I miss a normal life.

"Where I put my time in, 15 years, almost two decades and I put my time in. I did everything I wanted to do in the UFC and mixed martial arts, and I think I made a difference."

Ortiz has won just one of his last eight UFC bouts, losing to Griffin in November 2009 along that sequence. However, he did beat the same opponent in April 2006.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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