Tito Ortiz Steps Down as Cris Cyborg’s Manager

Former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz stepped down as Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino‘s manager effectively immediately.

Ortiz appeared on “Inside MMA” on AXS TV on Friday and announced the development citing his eroded relationship with UFC president Dana White.

“I can live with Dana not liking me, but what I can’t live with is Dana using me to hurt someone else. I’ve taken abuse and maybe I deserved some of it, but Cris is a beautiful person and great athlete and doesn’t deserve to be insulted like this.

I don’t understand how Dana lets his hatred towards me hurt the UFC and the fans by not making this fight.

He accuses her of still using banned substances and says that she isn’t worthy of fighting Ronda [Rousey], yet a year ago he personally called me to make the fight happen.

I never said she would die if she made 135 [pounds], we just repeated what the [doctor] said, that Cris shouldn’t make a career at 135 [pounds]. We offered a three-fight deal. They said no; seven fights or no deal.

Regardless, I won’t stand in the way from the fans getting a fight they want and I won’t hold Cris Back. So I’m stepping down as Cris’ manager.

Now he can’t hold that against her.

I’m also tired of Dana accusing Cris of using banned substances. I challenge you to put up or shut up. Test her or stop lying about her. Cris is a beautiful woman inside and out. Don’t insult her on her looks. She may be tough as nails, but she still has feelings.

I know people are going to say there goes Tito making this about him again, but it’s not. It’s about Cris Cyborg, the baddest woman on the Earth, soon to be multi-sport world champion.”

– Tito Ortiz