Tito Ortiz is a martial arts performer, former Ultimate Fighting Champion and businessman. The history of Jacob Christopher Ortiz, or Tito, began in Huntington Beach, Calif., hence the nickname "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy." Besides martial arts and the UFC competitions, Ortiz serves as a coach and is the CEO of Punishment Athletics, an equipment and clothing distributor.
Background
Jacob Ortiz was born Jan. 23, 1975 to parents Samuel and Joyce Ortiz. His father tagged him with the nickname Tito when he was still a toddler. Jacob began amateur wrestling while still in high school. As a member of the Huntington Beach High School varsity team, Ortiz won fourth in the state championships. He continued wrestling on the college level at both Golden West College and Cal State. In 2000, Tito competed in the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling tournament and finished in third place.
UFC
Tito Ortiz's career with the UFC started as a training partner. While still in college, he competed in his first UFC championship as an amateur player. After several injury-related setbacks, he won the light heavyweight title in April of 2000 and held it until September of 2003. Ortiz went on to fight with the UFC until 2008. In 2009, he returned for several bouts before beginning a career as a coach on the UFC sponsored TV show "The Ultimate Fighter."
Personal Life
Fox News reports that in 1998, Tito Ortiz spent 29 days in jail for battery and was sentenced to three years probation. After ending his marriage to Kristin Ortiz, Tito began dating Jenna Jameson, a leading name in the adult film industry. She gave birth to the couple's twin boys in 2009. After a fight with Jameson at their home, Ortiz was arrested on domestic violence charges, but was later released, according to Fox News. In total, Tito Ortiz has three children, all boys, two with Jameson and one from his marriage.
Business
Punishment Athletics is a design and distribution company that features mixed martial arts clothing and equipment. Tito is the CEO and founder of Punishment Athletics plus does a majority of marketing for the company. According to the company website, Punishment Athletics carries clothing for men, women and kids. Included in the portfolio is headwear, accessories and event T-shirts. Punishment has both reseller locations and online purchasing.
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