MMA Odds

UFC 118
B.J. Penn		-350	-325	N/A	-317	-325
Frankie Edgar		+250	+250	N/A	+257	+250
Randy Couture		-700	-600	N/A	-665	-600
James Toney		+400	+450	N/A	+465	+400
Kenny Florian		-145	-145	N/A	-140	-145
Gray Maynard		+115	+115	N/A	+110	+145

Report: Ortiz Says Strikeforce Deal Nearly Done

Tito Ortiz apparently confirmed at an event in Pittsburgh this past weekend that the former UFC champion is on the verge of signing a 4 fight deal with Strikeforce. According to a report today by Fightline, while addressing the UCFC crowd from the ring, Ortiz stated that not only is he close to signing with the growing Strikeforce promotion, but that further, the 4 fight deal could see him take on Fedor Emelianenko in a catch-weight bout. (We’ll give you a moment to wipe the coffee off your computer screen… or a second to restrain your laughter)

Ortiz also reportedly stated that he will face Renato “Babalu” Sobral in his Strikeforce debut, which will take place in October.

Now, for people that have followed “As the Tito World Turns’ over the last few months, or for that matter years, they are overly familiar with the fact that Ortiz is a master at self promotion. So in other words, much could transpire between now and when a deal (if a deal) gets finalized. (Who knows, perhaps Ortiz will announced that he’s fighting Fedor and his brother Aleks in a three-way cage match)

Although the days when Ortiz ruled the UFC light-heavyweight division are long gone, (his last UFC opponent, Lyoto Machida, probably incurred more damage while shaving that morning) “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” likely has several more years of quality fighting ahead of him, and if healthy, he could be a solid contender for Strikeforce.

In addition, it’s not too long ago that fighters like Ortiz and former ‘nemesis’ Chuck Liddell were really helping put MMA on the mainstream map, not to mention Tito’s participation on ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ so the charismatic fighter should still be a big draw for Strikeforce. (It also doesn’t hurt that by dating Jenna Jameson, Tito’s name remains tied to thousands and thousands of daily Google searches….)

So, run out and grab your old school Punishment Clothing flame covered shirts and beanies from the garage sale folks, they may come in handy yet. (Especially if you still have your Stone Cold Steve Austin 3:16 denim shorts)

Tags: Fedor Emelianenko | Strikeforce | Titor Ortiz

Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Fedor Emelianenko, MMA, Strikeforce, Tito Ortiz | Comments Off

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