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[mattc25]

Exclusive: Neck injury forces Tito Ortiz out of TUF 11 and bout with Chuck Liddell | Five Ounces of Pain

Exclusive: Neck injury forces Tito Ortiz out of TUF 11 and bout with Chuck Liddell

Posted by Cory Brady on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 3:54 pm· 1 Comment

A storm of speculation has surrounded the reasoning behind Tito Ortiz‘ recent removal from his expected bout with Chuck Liddell along with a recent coaching gig on the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter, and it now appears as though we may have our answer.

Sources close to the situation have recently indicated to FiveOuncesofPain.com that multiple herniations in the neck of Ortiz prompted his removal from both the taping of The Ultimate Fighter Season 11, and his anticipated clash with fellow coach Liddell at the conclusion of the most recent season.

Ortiz has had well documented problems with his back in the past but this is the first report that anything was wrong with the future UFC hall of famer’s neck.

The taping of the eleventh season of The Ultimate Fighter recently wrapped up and the premier has been slated for March 31 on Spike TV.

[kingrobert]

Tito is one of my favorite fighters and this is really bad news. Given his age and probably a long recovery time maybe he should retire. Fighting isnt worth not being able to walk later in life.

[jlruthven84]

I keep hearing about these "sources." Honestly, all of this makes perfect sense to me, but I won't believe it 100% until the UFC releases information regarding it, or until we see something on the show.

I wouldn't wish harm on anyone, and I hope Tito makes a nice recovery, but this is the best thing that could have happened to that show. There's been absolutely no intrigue surrounding the coaches and their impending fight, and most of us were just writing the season off. Now at least we get to possibly see a fight (Liddell/Franklin) that presents some interesting stylistic probabilities.

[mattc25]

....yesterday Frank Mir said it was a shoulder injury on RawVegas.....so it is some type of injury.

[bottlerocks]

Tito has degenerative disc disease so this is very feasible. Say what you want about him but anyone who's had their spine fused and still fights MMA is a tough guy. Hope this doesn't end up plaguing him like his lower discs did.

[JKIceman]

I have 3 herniated discs in my neck and have to have minor surgery every 6 months to kill the pain. it depends how bad the discs are. Mine comes from years of playing rugby and the only option is major surgery (Spinal fusion) or heat lesions (long needles in to the nerve endings attached to the spine to stun the nerve) every 6 months.

If he was on the same road as I it is a simple procedure but it will stop him from full contact training for at least a month. I was back doing cardio work within 48 hours and doing weights within a week.

He could fight again this year....

[Xanatos]

i don't think we'll see him fight ever again. Not that he can't make a return, but this might just be the last straw to break the camels back. ( no pun intended.) he's up there in age, has some kids, he just lost his next child, maybe it's time he became the family man and just opened up a gym. Make Team Punishment something big. he'llbe in the UFC Hall of Fame someday and rightfully so. This is the end of Tito Ortiz. it's a shame.

[TBEAR]

With the other thread and what Tito and his girl are going through I think he is done. Tito was always one hell of a fighter, like him or not.

I think now there is just too much for him to overcome to be good in the cage.

He has never been my fav, but he was a beast in his prime. and helped the sport of MMA Grow.

Tito, take care of your family and you back get well soon dude

[willpunisher]

neck is nothing to fuck with. and if its as serious, he shouldnt be competing any more. hopefully not talk as much shit too.
but i hope he recovers well though!

[Caine2878]

Wish Tito a speedy recovery but I think its time to hang'em up. Fighting again with injuries like his may result on the first death in a MMA fight. He gets slammed on his neck or something like that. Its not worth it. Live your life. Family should be his focus now and teaching younger fighters the sport.