Ortiz Re-Signs with UFC, Eyes Late 2009 Return

Former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz has re-signed with the UFC, ending months of speculation regarding his future. UFC President Dana White, with whom Ortiz has enjoyed a well-publicized love-hate relationship, announced the deal on Friday during a teleconference. Terms were not disclosed.

“Tito Ortiz is still a guy fans want to see fight,” White said. “He’s ready to compete at 205 pounds. A lot of people love him, and a lot of people love to hate him. He’s back. Tito and I set all our differences aside. Tito Ortiz will retire in the UFC.”

Ortiz, who originally anticipated a September comeback, has targeted a return in November or December. White indicated Ortiz could possibly square off with UFC hall of famer Mark Coleman.

“Coleman comes to fight,” White said.

Ortiz (15-6-1), who underwent back surgery in 10 months ago, has not competed since he lost a unanimous decision to reigning light heavyweight king Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 in May 2008. Though he was dominated for much of the fight, Ortiz nearly submitted the unbeaten Brazilian with a third-round triangle choke, reminding his detractors that he remains a viable threat at 205 pounds.

Ortiz believes he has buried the hatchet with White.

“Time really cures everything,” Ortiz said. “Dana came to me and was a man of his word. Me and Dana made up.”

Once the face of the UFC, the 34-year-old Californian has not won a fight since he stopped UFC hall of famer Ken Shamrock on strikes nearly three years ago. Still, he counts victories against Brazilian legend Wanderlei Silva, one-time International Fight League champion Vladimir Matyushenko and former UFC titleholders Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin and Evan Tanner among his 15 career wins. Five of Ortiz’s six career defeats have come to current or former UFC champions.

The lure of the UFC’s deep light heavyweight division proved too great for Ortiz to turn down. Ortiz had reportedly drawn significant interest from Strikeforce.

“For me, personally, it’s about the competition,” Ortiz said. “Financially and everything, I’m OK. Competition was the biggest factor. If I fight for Strikeforce, who am I going to fight? The best fighters are in the UFC. I’m happy. You’ll never hear anything about money out of my mouth ever again.”

Ortiz declared himself fit for competition.

“I’m healthy,” he said. “There’s no more pain, no more numbness going down my legs. Everybody in the light heavyweight division better watch out.”