By Jason Perkins

Check out the following excerpts from an article posted on mmajunkie.com:
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz will be a cast member on the upcoming celebrity edition of “The Apprentice.“

Past seasons of the show featured approximately 16 “job applicants” from various backgrounds vying for real-world jobs within Trump’s empire.

The upcoming season will feature 16 celebrities (of varying degrees) competing in a similar format.

The celebrities were revealed today when paparazzi photographed some of the cast members completing a task in New York City. Celebrity blogs and news outlets have since publicized the names, which include Ortiz, Lennox Lewis (boxer), Gene Simmons (front man for the rock group “KISS”), Omarosa (former cast member on “The Apprentice”), Stephen Baldwin (actor), Carol Alt (model), Vincent Pastore (actor from “Sopranos”), John Cena (professional wrestler) and Marilu Henner (actress).

The list is incomplete; additional names will eventually be revealed.

The timing of Ortiz’s involvement the show is peculiar. The light heavyweight was expected to headline a November UFC 78 event against Rashad Evans. However, Bisping took the fight in Ortiz’s place, and it was presumed stalled contract negotiations between Ortiz and UFC officials was the reason why. There’s no word if his involvement in the show played a roll in the fight’s cancellation.

By Jason Perkins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT FROM Tito Ortiz RESPONDING TO QUERIES ABOUT WHAT HE IS DOING NOW AND WHEN/WHO HE PLANS TO FIGHT NEXT

As always, it’s been great to hear from so many fans who are eager to know about my next match.

Right now I am totally focused on training. I have always had a reputation for being the best prepared fighter in any match I’ve ever entered, and I intend to maintain that reputation.

I’m currently working very closely with the UFC to plan my next fight, which you can be sure will not disappoint my fans. It looks like I will fight again in early 2008, and when I do I will be 100% prepared to crush my opponent.

During training breaks I’m busy running my active sportswear business Punishment Athletics (www.punishment.com), which has just had its most successful year, and with the two causes that I support — our U.S. troops and children in need. I hope there will be an announcement very soon about a new effort that I’m involved with for kids that I think all of my fans will want to get behind. I’m also planning to follow-up my visit with our troops in Iraq this summer with a return trip before the end of the year.

Source: MMANews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT FROM TITO ORTIZ RESPONDING TO QUERIES ABOUT WHAT HE IS DOING NOW AND WHEN/WHO HE PLANS TO FIGHT NEXT

Huntington Beach, CA– (October 11, 2007) – As always, it’s been great to hear from so many fans who are eager to know about my next match.

Right now I am totally focused on training. I have always had a reputation for being the best prepared fighter in any match I’ve ever entered, and I intend to maintain that reputation.

I’m currently working very closely with the UFC to plan my next fight, which you can be sure will not disappoint my fans. It looks like I will fight again in early 2008, and when I do I will be 100% prepared to crush my opponent.

During training breaks I’m busy running my active sportswear business Punishment Athletics (www.punishment.com), which has just had its most successful year, and with the two causes that I support — our U.S. troops and children in need. I hope there will be an announcement very soon about a new effort that I’m involved with for kids that I think all of my fans will want to get behind. I’m also planning to follow-up my visit with our troops in Iraq this summer with a return trip before the end of the year.

About Tito Ortiz

Jacob “Tito” Ortiz is a legendary MMA fighter. His career has been mostly within the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization where he was Light-Heavyweight champion and became one of the UFC’s shining stars. A native of Huntington Beach, CA, Ortiz is also known as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” and is admired as both a colorful showman and talented athlete. His acting ability and charisma have earned him roles in several films and TV series, including an appearance on the CBS TV series “NUMB3RS.” He donates significant time to charitable work, makes appearances to support the U.S. troops and children in need. He also heads the successful sportswear firm, Punishment Athletics.

By Jason Perkins

Post from Tito Ortiz made over on The Underground Forum:
Getting in shape. I’m doing rehab for my injurys. I’m sick of fight 75%. I’m trying to pay my bills injured and making guys like evans and forrest look good. I can’t do it anymore. I’m going to take some time to take care of myself. Everone wants the old Tito back and I’m going to give it to them.

By Raj Giri

In our Weekly Poll, fans of this site are picking Chuck Lidell to win tonight’s main event of UFC 76: Knockout with an astounding 83% of the votes. Keith Jardine has 13% with 4% undecided.
The Daily Examiner has an article about an aide of Sen. Arlen Specter giving a White House tour to UFC Star Tito Ortiz and his girlfriend, former porn star Jenna Jameson. The Sleuth, a Washington Post political gossip blog, said that Sen. Specter had no knowledge of the tour and even less knowledge of Jameson’s legendary career. To read the full article, click here.

Make sure to be here at 11 PM EST when our live coverage of UFC 76: Knockout begins.