Tito Ortiz: ‘I’m at the bottom and I’ve got to make my way back up to the top’

Non: So how are you feeling physically these days?

Ortiz: I feel like a new man after going through two major surgeries.

Two years ago, I got Two Level fusion (for the) L4-5 and S-1 in my lower back. I’d been having lower back problems for six years, seven years. The disc was completely compressed, bulging, pressing on my spinal cord. Along with the numbness, tingling sensation down my leg, my whole lower back and legs were aching for five to six years.

I just kind of did what I could do to get through from fight to fight, then I couldn’t handle the pain any more, so I got surgery done.

Non: As you say, you put on an act before the Griffin fight so people would think you were 100%. How do we know that you’re healthy this time?

Ortiz: I told myself I would never take a fight like I did last year ever again. I promised myself I’d never do that, because I never want to give a guy an opportunity to beat me again.

I feel great, man. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. It’s been a good six, seven years since I felt the way I do now. The last time I felt like this was when I had my world title.

Non: You’re usually the main event or co-main event on a card. How much does it bother you, if at all, that you’re being overshadowed this time?

Ortiz: You know, Dana White makes the decision, and I support and agree (with) every decision that he makes. Whatever the card goes, co-main event, main event, it’s in the UFC’s hands. I can only do my part of the PR as much as I possibly can, and just make my way back up to the top. I’m at the bottom and I’ve got to make my way back up to the top.

Non: Some observers have suggested that the game has evolved past you. How would you answer that insinuation?

Ortiz: I think those people have nothing to talk about.

Look at my last four fights. Yes, I’m 0-3-1. Ok, all the guys I’ve lost to or drew with are former light-heavyweight world champions.

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