Dana and Tito at the Hall of Fame ceremony (PHOTO: Getty Images)
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The now retired Tito Ortiz was congratulated by several people from the fighting world after his last victory, over Chael Sonnen, at Bellator 170 last Saturday (21). However, he admitted surprise with the message he received from an MMA bigwig: Dana White. The two have a complicated relationship, with fights and affection, since before White became the owner of Ultimate, when he was the manager of the former champion of the event.
“(Dana) actually texted my girlfriend, because she worked for the UFC and they always talked. When I signed with Bellator, Dana sent me a focus glove with his face on it, saying that if that didn't motivate me, nothing would. So, I believe our love-hate relationship has reached each other. So, thank you, Dana, for the message, saying that I should leave the sport like this, at the top”, Tito revealed to the North American website ESPN.
Despite starting their relationship as friends and work partners, Dana and Ortiz became enemies when the former took over the UFC. Always looking for salary increases, the North American often clashed with the Ultimate boss. However, this did not prevent Tito from being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. After retiring the first time, still fighting for Ultimate, the North American signed with Bellator and had four more fights, winning three and losing one.
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