Tito Ortiz Says He’s Comfortably Retired Now

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Tito Ortiz said he’s “comfortably retired now” and has no plans on returning to MMA as a fighter. Here are highlights:

On being retired: “As a fighter, it’s time to say it’s over after 20 years of competition. I’m 42 years old. I’ve been through eight surgeries, and I still have my head on my shoulders, which I’m very, very lucky. Fortunate for the things that I’ve had through mixed martial arts, so I’m just trying to use the best of it to build the name of Tito Ortiz. I’m doing well, man. Just working hard and chasing this American dream, and I’m living it.”

On if a rematch with Sonnen could convince him to come back: “You know what? I may kick Chael’s ass just one time, just because, maybe for free. Because I hate the guy. I really don’t want to, but I really dislike that guy a lot. But I’m not looking forward to it, man. I’m not looking forward to training again. I’m not looking forward to being on the grind. But that guy just can’t shut his mouth about me.”

On closing the door on fighting: “I’ve learned a lot through my life – mixed martial arts, as a business man, as an entreprenuer, and as a fighter and a father. It’s just time to shut that door and open up other doors.”