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Tito Ortiz: Top 5 MMA Finishes

Step into the thrilling world of Jacob Christopher ‘Tito’ Ortiz, (aka “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy”) a legendary figure in mixed martial arts known for his dominating performances, unmatched ground-and-pound skills, and a celebrated career in the octagon.

Born on January 23rd, 1975, in Huntington Beach, California, Tito Ortiz, with a height of 6′ 2″, is a true icon in the world of MMA. Throughout his journey, he’s proven time and again that he’s a force to be reckoned with.

In 2012, Ortiz was honoured as the ninth inductee into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame, solidifying his legendary status within the UFC.

Beyond his incredible athleticism, Ortiz has also ventured into the business world, serving as the CEO of Punishment Athletics, a renowned MMA equipment and clothing line headquartered in his hometown of Huntington Beach, California.

His remarkable accomplishments don’t stop there, as he has successfully entered the realm of politics. Ortiz was elected as one of the esteemed members of the Huntington Beach City Council, and his outstanding contributions led to his appointment as Mayor Pro Tempore.

From the early days of the UFC to his later successes, Tito Ortiz’s MMA career has been nothing short of remarkable.

Today, we’ll delve into his exceptional skills and relentless fighting spirit that have left an indelible mark on the sport in Tito Ortiz’s Top 5 MMA Finishes! (in descending order)

5. Vs. Ken Shamrock 2 – UFC 61 (July 8, 2006)

A legendary rivalry unfolded at UFC 40 when Tito Ortiz faced Ken Shamrock.

In the first round of their highly-anticipated bout, Ortiz unleashed a relentless ground-and-pound assault of razored elbows that left Shamrock defenceless.

The referee stepped in to halt the fight, awarding Ortiz the victory by TKO.

This finish marked the second bout of their fierce trilogy and solidified Ortiz’s reputation as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division.

4. Vs. Yuki Kondo – UFC 29 (Dec. 16, 2000)

This fight started with Kondo launching two well-placed kicks aimed at Tito Ortiz’s midsection.

However, Ortiz quickly closed the distance, engaging Kondo in a clinch, setting the stage for his signature move, a powerful slam that fans had come to expect from him.

Once on the ground, Ortiz wasted no time and initiated a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes.

While Kondo tried to find an escape route along the side of the cage, Ortiz tenaciously maintained control, frequently readjusting his position to prevent any opportunity for respite.

Kondo’s attempts to stand up were thwarted as Ortiz used his sheer strength to return him to the canvas.

With Kondo now grounded, Ortiz cinched him into a devastating neck crank that applied immense pressure.

This relentless and devastating submission prompted the referee to intervene and halt the fight at 1:51, securing a decisive victory for Ortiz.

3. Vs. Ken Shamrock 3 – (Oct. 10, 2006)


In the epic conclusion of the trilogy of battles between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, we witness the ground and pound maestro showcasing his exceptional skills on the canvas.

As Shamrock initiates a takedown attempt, a fierce struggle ensues, culminating in a clinch against the cage.

Ortiz seizes the opportunity, securing a single leg takedown and swiftly transitions into a top mount position.

From this vantage point, he delivers a series of brilliant uppercuts that powerfully breach Shamrock’s defence.

The fight reaches its dramatic conclusion as Ortiz unleashes a relentless onslaught of ground and pound, leaving his opponent in a state of disarrayed terror.

Ortiz’s victorious celebration includes metaphorically “digging a grave” for his opponent and creating a stir in the process. However, the bout ended in a hug, even if Ken Shamrock and his team did not appreciate the celebration.

2. Vs. Ryan Bader – UFC 132 (July 2, 2011)


The first minute of this bout unfolded cautiously as both fighters sized each other up while Bader made a few tentative advances.

However, the tempo changed dramatically at 3:20 on the clock when Tito initiated a creeping uppercut while pressing forward.

This led to a ground-and-pound sequence, within which he seamlessly transitioned into a tight guillotine choke.

In a remarkable turn of events, at just 1:56 into round 1, Tito secured a well-deserved “Submission of the Night” bonus and clinched victory over Ryan Bader.

1. Vs. Evan Tanner – UFC 30 (Feb. 23, 2001)

This fight was over within 30 seconds, and what a way to win a fight!

Tito getting the clinch against Tanner was the beginning of the end for Tanner. Ortiz wrapped his arms around him, lifting him and executing a bone-crushing slam into the mat. It was a finish that knocked Tanner out instantly.

This isn’t Tito’s first or last time slamming anyone the way he did, however this time it ended in a humongous knockout.

Tito Ortiz’s top 5 MMA finishes represent a journey filled with moments of pure domination and resilience.

His illustrious career has left an indelible legacy in the world of mixed martial arts. As we celebrate these unforgettable finishes, it’s clear that Tito Ortiz will forever be remembered as a true legend in the sport.

So there we have it folks, 5 of Tito Ortiz’s best MMA finishes!

What do you recall best about Tito’s fighting career? Where would you rank him among the light heavyweight legends? Which of his fights from the list above do you dig the most? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram!

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Andrew Laoudas

Andrew is a passionate martial arts enthusiast with knowledge on a wide range of disciplines including Nunchaku, Kali, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, and Judo. Driven by a deep love for the arts and a genuine appreciation for action movies, Andrew's focus on Wing Chun and Judo has given him significant experience and expertise. With a unique perspective that blends the excitement of action cinema with the technicality and beauty of martial arts, Andrew seamlessly integrates his passion for martial arts combat, cinema, and MMA. This fusion fuels his evolving journey of self-discovery and he hopes it will serve as inspiration for others to unlock their true potential.

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