While he doesn’t make up his mind as to which MMA promotion he’s going to sign with for his return, Tito Ortiz takes care of his health. The bad boy went through major back surgery on Monday, and spoke to the press about it today. “On October 6th 2008 my extensive back surgery was performed in Las Vegas by Dr. Smith. It lasted 3 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. This is now the beginning of a new era,” he said.
The decision to go through surgery was considered by Tito as the biggest of his career. He said the back pains had been a problem for a long time, even interfering with his performance at recent fights. Ortiz also showed his disappointment at the UFC, since, according to him, the organization did not assist him even though the back pain was obviously a byproduct of his fights in the octagon.
Ortiz’s prediction is to be fighting again within six months. However, fellow fighter Nate Querry, who went through the same kind of surgery, took over a year to reach full recovery. “I am focused on a quick recovery, and I will be back in the cage with a renewed outlook on fighting. 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. Mark my words... the best is yet to come,” he promised.
