• UFC 132

Bader can 'go f*** himself' if he think's he'll win - Ortiz

ESPN staff
June 28, 2011
Tito Ortiz v Ryan Bader

Tito Ortiz has told Ryan Bader to "go f*** himself" if he thinks he is going to use the Huntington Beach Bad Boy's name to leap up the UFC light-heavyweight rankings.

Ortiz is undoubtedly fighting for his career at UFC 132, recently admitting he had to "beg" president Dana White for his job. Defeat to Bader would mean six fights without a win for a man who used to be the 205lb king.

However, Ortiz's record looks much worse than it is in reality. He drew with Rashad Evans when a point was docked for holding the fence, he almost submitted Lyoto Machida with a last-ditch submission, and in the eyes of some experts he should have been handed the decision against Forrest Griffin at UFC 106.

Bader himself has to show character after suffering the first defeat of his career to Jon Jones, and he is convinced he can get back to a rematch with the champ, starting with a win over Ortiz.

"I'm training hard, I know he's a dangerous opponent, I'm not taking him lightly at all," said Bader. "This is my job, and my job is to go out there and win. That's exactly what I'm gonna do.

"I want to get to the top, and it starts with this fight right here. I can't wait until July 2 when I can go out there and beat a legend."

Ortiz, who made five consecutive defences of the light-heavyweight title between 2000 and 2003, insists Bader is living a pipe dream.

"He can go f*** himself if he thinks that's the way it's going to be," Ortiz snapped. "If Bader thinks he's in for as easy fight, he's in for a long trip.

"I want that belt again, but I've got to do it one match at a time. Physically I feel like I've never felt before. I'm fighting for my legacy, I'm fighting for my life, fighting for my family, for my fans."

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