Last night at Bellator 170 mixed martial arts icon Tito Ortiz stepped into the cage for the final time. Ortiz capped off his career with a first-round submission victory over Chael Sonnen, walking out on top.
The UFC Hall of Famer is the reason many fighters today got into the sport, so there was no shortage of love for “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” on his big night.
Even some of his most bitter rivals took to social media to give love and respect to Tito, a man that paved the way for so many, and elevated the sport at a time that needed it.
Congratulations @titoortiz. You're a champion. What a great way to round out your career. Continued success. God bless @DesWoodruff
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) January 22, 2017
Congratulations on the victory and legendary career @titoortiz. Thank you for all the memories #Bellator170 @BellatorMMA
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) January 22, 2017
Congrats @titoortiz & thank you for pathing the way!! 👊🏻 #TitoOrtiz #Bellator170
— Bec Rodriguez (@RowdyBec) January 22, 2017
@titoortiz Congratulations, postfight interview was pure class! Happy Birthday!
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) January 22, 2017
Congrats @titoortiz ,great victory,I still want to see u beat his ass real bad brother only love4U. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 22, 2017
Hell yeah TITO! Now thats how you retire!! #HuntingtonBeachBadBoy
— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) January 22, 2017
I expected more heart from a self proclaimed warrior! @ChaelSonnen as for @titoortiz I'm proud to call you a friend and I'm super happy 4 u!
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) January 22, 2017
Congratulations to @titoortiz on an amazing career! #peopleschamp #huntingtonbeachbadboy
— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) January 22, 2017
Just saw the highlights of @BellatorMMA congrats to mma legend @titoortiz on an amazing career. A hero of mine from the start. 🙏🏼
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) January 22, 2017
Thank you @titoortiz for everything you've done for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts #Legend #Bellator170 pic.twitter.com/6ArjJVkaqN
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) January 22, 2017