Tito Ortiz accepts Shlemenko’s challenge for Bellator fight
Tito Ortiz accepts Shlemenko’s challenge for Bellator fight
Less than 24 hours ago, Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (50-7) issued a challenge to former UFC Light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz (16-11). The UFC Hall of Famer Ortiz accepted Shlemenko’s challenge via Twitter.
This fight has not been officially announced by Bellator officials yet. The fight would be scheduled for Bellator’s inaugural pay-per-view on May 17, a card which is already being headlined by a lightweight title match between Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler.
Ortiz, 39, has suffered an array of injuries in past years including back and neck issues. He has not fought since 2012, where he lost to Forrest Griffin in his final UFC appearance. Ortiz was scheduled to make his debut in Bellator last year against former teammate Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (34-11) until he pulled out due to a neck injury.
