At 44, Tito Ortiz faces WWE star in December

T. Ortiz (photo) returns to fight in December. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @titoortiz1999

The former UFC light heavyweight (up to 93kg) champion, Tito Ortiz, he will once again give up retirement and venture into another MMA fight. After beating the legendary Chuck Liddel last year, this time the fighter will face a WWE (wrestling) personality. On December 7, Ortiz will trade forces against Alberto del Rio for 'Combate Americas'. The announcement was made by 'ESPN'.

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Tito is part of the old MMA generation. The athlete, a member of the Ultimate Hall of Fame, was one of those responsible for building and elevating the name of mixed martial arts to what is now a worldwide success.

The fighter debuted in the UFC in 1997, when the event did not yet have the proportion it has today. Many years were dedicated to the company. However, the athlete only wore a strap three years later, when he beat the Brazilian Wanderlei Silva at UFC 25, held in Japan and valid for the light heavyweight title.

Ortiz held his belt until 2003, when he was defeated by the legendary Randy Couture at UFC 44. Before that, the American managed to successfully defend his belt five times.

Between 2006 and 2012, Tito went through a difficult time in his career. In 10 fights, the athlete managed to emerge victorious in just one opportunity, totaling eight defeats and one draw.

Tito's last commitment to Ultimate took place in 2012, in the defeat against Forrest griffin. After the setback, the athlete announced his retirement from the sport. Two years later, the athlete went back and signed a contract with Bellator. For the company, the athlete performed four times, winning on three occasions.

At the end of last year, Ortiz put on the gloves again to face an old rival: Chuck Liddel. On that occasion, the North American managed to take advantage of his opponent's advanced age and lack of rhythm and deliver a devastating knockout in almost five minutes of combat.

The duel against Alberto del Rio will mark the 34th fight in the fighter's career. The fight will take place at combined weight (up to 95kg) in the city of Hidalgo, Texas (USA).