What is Tito Ortiz’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings?

Tito Ortiz, an American Mixed Martial Artist and former UFC fighter, has a net worth of $20 million. He gained prominence while competing in the UFC and was known for his exceptional wrestling skills. Ortiz was once the Light Heavyweight Champion of the UFC but later switched to Bellator MMA. He then signed a new contract with Combate Americas. In 2012, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Tito Ortiz’s Difficult Childhood

Jacob Christopher “Tito” Ortiz was born in Huntington Beach, CA in 1975 and moved to Santa Ana at age five. He was raised alongside three older half-brothers and given the nickname “Tito” by his father. However, Tito’s childhood was not easy. Both of his parents were addicted to heroin, and he quickly became involved with local gangs. With little to no support from his parents, Tito survived by catching and selling fish at a local pier, and he soon started using a number of drugs, including cocaine and PCP. He was also in and out of juvenile hall throughout his early youth.

At age thirteen, Tito’s parents divorced and he moved in with his mother in Huntington Beach. He first started wrestling when he joined his high school team as a teen. He quickly excelled at the sport, winning championships and placing fourth in one state-wide tournament. But when Tito was wrapping up his final year of high school, he was kicked out by his mother and began living with one of his brothers. Tito subsequently became addicted to methamphetamines.

At nineteen, Tito was encouraged to go to college by his former wrestling coach, Paul Herrera. Following his mentor’s guidance, Tito enrolled at Golden West College and joined the wrestling team, winning more championships. After transferring to California State University, Tito continued with his wrestling career but gravitated more towards mixed martial arts.

Tito Ortiz’s UFC Career

Tito Ortiz began his UFC career in 1997 as an amateur fighter. He gained attention after winning his first fight, but later lost to Guy Mezger. He then beat Jerry Bohlander, a top-ranked fighter at the time. Despite losing to Frank Shamrock in 1999, Ortiz eventually gained the UFC Light Heavyweight title and defended it five times in a row.

After a one-year hiatus, Ortiz returned to the UFC but suffered losses to Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell. He explored opportunities in other fighting organizations but returned to the UFC after coaching “The Ultimate Fighter 3.” Ortiz lost several fights and was in danger of losing his contract with the UFC, but he bounced back with a victory against Ryan Bader in 2011.

Despite further losses, Ortiz continued fighting and eventually joined Bellator MMA. He later signed with Combate Americas in 2019, an MMA championship aimed at a Spanish-speaking audience.

Tito Ortiz’s Personal Life

Tito Ortiz was previously married to Kristin and had his first child during their five-year marriage. He then began dating adult film star Jenna Jameson in 2006, and the couple announced they were expecting twins in 2008. They welcomed the children in 2009, but four years later, Ortiz and Jameson split up. Tito was given full custody of their children.

In 2006, the United States Marine Corps refused to let Ortiz bring Jameson to a birthday ball, and he subsequently declined the invitation. Later that year, he publicly stated that he and Jameson were in love and that she had stopped appearing in pornographic films.

Tito Ortiz’s Legal Troubles

In 2010, Tito Ortiz faced felony domestic violence charges after allegedly attacking his wife Jenna. She was later photographed with a bandaged arm, and accused him of being abusive. Ortiz claimed that she was addicted to OxyContin and behaving erratically. The couple eventually reconciled and recanted their allegations against each other.

In 2014, Ortiz was arrested and charged with Drinking Under the Influence. He was given three years of probation, fined, and required to enter an alcohol education program.

Tito Ortiz Earns Career-High $3.2 Million for Liddell Match

Tito Ortiz earned a career-high payday of $3.2 million for his second match against Liddell. This amount represents his total net pay including PPV bonuses.

Tito Ortiz’s Business Ventures

Tito Ortiz is the CEO of Punishment Athletics, a company that sells martial arts equipment and clothing. Additionally, Ortiz is the owner of Punishment Training Center, an MMA gym located in his hometown of Huntington Beach, California.

Tito Ortiz’s Estimated Net Worth

During a 2015 interview with Howard Stern, Tito Ortiz claimed he could probably pull together $50 million. However, this estimate is likely an exaggeration as he would have had to make $100 million pre-tax during his career to net $50 million post-tax. Ortiz also stated that he typically earns $200,000 just for showing up to a fight.

Tito Ortiz’s Huntington Beach Mansion

In October 2008, Tito Ortiz purchased a mansion in Huntington Beach, California with his then-wife Jenna Jameson. The couple paid $3.25 million for the waterfront property, which includes four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a wine cellar, and a library. The home also boasts a private dock boat and a balcony with water views.

In December 2021, Tito listed the mansion for sale with an asking price of $6 million. However, he lowered the price to $4.8 million in September 2022.

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