Tito Ortiz Goes Out on Top With a First-Round Victory Over Chael Sonnen
The light heavyweight retires in style.
It looks like Chael Sonnen went too far with his smack talk prior to Bellator 170. Tito Ortiz ended his own MMA career Saturday in what must have been a really satisfying win over Sonnen, beating him handily in the first round.
The legend @titoortiz bids farewell. #Bellator170 (@allelbows) pic.twitter.com/DahceHGj3Z
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 22, 2017
After his win Ortiz’s son Jacob dropped his father’s gloves to the mat, signifying the end of the one-time light heavyweight champion’s time in the ring.
While Sonnen looked like he was coming back after an early take down by placing Ortiz in a choke hold, the older fighter worked his way free and eventually got Sonnen where he wanted him. Tito Ortiz took control with a powerful choke hold from behind and Sonnen was done.
https://twitter.com/FancyCombat/status/823032681596329984
Looking unruffled in a suit, Tito Ortiz expressed thanks to fans in a brief video posted on Bellator’s Twitter account.
.@titoortiz thanks the fans who've supported through his 20 year career. #Bellator170 pic.twitter.com/XqOqRWWZND
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 22, 2017
As MMA Fighting noted, Sonnen lost four out of five of his previous matches and this was his first fight since 2013.
Sonnen may have gotten in a good shot against his opponent with cracks about his ex, adult star Jenna Jameson, but Ortiz definitely had the last word, without saying a thing.
h/t MMA Fighting