Tito Ortiz Discusses Back Surgery and His Densely Muscled Core

Tito Ortiz wrote a piece that appeared this morning on MMAWeekly.com discussing his upcoming back surgery.

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy remains a polarizing figure in MMA, but there is no doubt he has an energized fan base and the ability to sell fights. And you have to give credit to a guy who helped carry the sport through the dark days all the way to some of the biggest UFC events of all time, like UFC 61 (Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock 2) and 66 (Ortiz vs. Liddell 2). So should find a home provided he doesn't get too crazy with his contract demands.

But enough of that, here are the highlights:

"Since the Randy Couture fight, I have had lower back problems. Each fight it got worse. I have made it though the last eight fights by physical therapy, methylprednisolone pills, and spinal injections for last three fights."

"The kicker to this whole story is that the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) denied my claim for coverage of my debilitating back injury OBVIOUSLY acquired in the Octagon. This was the last kick in the gut made by the UFC."

"After all of the battling, and allegiance I pledged to them, they now have stooped so low as to not give me the medical care I so desperately needed. I am not surprised at there last effort to hurt me, so I took it upon myself to get surgery in hopes that my fight career will jump back on track and I will be back to the explosive monster I always have been."

"On Oct. 6, 2008, my extensive back surgery was performed in Las Vegas by Dr. Smith. It lasted three hours due to the doctor’s careful hand and my densely muscled core that had to be separated in order to get to my spine. My doctor was impressed with my quick recovery, and an hour after surgery I was on my feet and walking to the car."

"I am a new Tito Ortiz… one with a bright fight future… one ready to power through the light heavyweight class and get the belt around my waist again."

Godspeed Tito Ortiz, and may your densely muscled core take you where no man has gone before.