Mixed martial arts legend Tito Ortiz claims he might be locking horns with Cain Velazquez next.
The former UFC light heavyweight kingpin most recently tussled with his arch rival, Chuck Liddell in their trilogy fight.
Headlining the first ever pay-per view event under Oscar Dela Hoya’s Golden Boy MMA promotion, Ortiz eked out a brutal first-round finish of ‘The Iceman’ to score his first win in their rivalry.
Following this victory, it was announced that Ortiz signed a two-year, three-fight contract with Combate Americas.
He will make his debut with the Hispanic MMA franchise on December 7 opposite former WWE star, Alberto ‘El Patron’ Rodriguez.
If Ortiz succeeds on his debut, he might face Velasquez on his next outing as the former UFC heavyweight titlist is reportedly interested in fighting the eventual winner of the said fight.
On The Table
Velasquez is considered as one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.
After his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, he started a career in professional wrestling, signing a multi-match deal with a Mexican promotion before joining the World Wrestling Entertainment.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow’s Shakiel Mahjouri, the UFC Hall of Famer revealed that Velasquez has been in touch with Combate Americas CEO, Campbell MacLaren.
“It’s not a one and done deal with Combate. I signed a three-fight, two-year contract with them. So there will be a fight after,” Ortiz stated, (transcript from MMA News).
“Campbell [McLaren] actually talked to Cain Velasquez and he said he’d like the winner of this.”
“If Cain Velasquez can get to 205, I’m in. If he can make it to 210 I’m in.”
Biggest Card
Ortiz’s debut with Combate Americas is said to be the biggest fight card to date. His opponent, Rodriguez, boasts a 9-5 win-loss professional record and last fought in 2010.
It will also feature its inaugural women’s world title bout as Melissa Martinez takes on Desiree Yanez in the co-main event, with the strawweight championship on the line.
‘Tito vs Alberto: What Side Are You On?’ will take place at the Payne Arena in McAllen, Texas.
Check out the full line up for the Tito vs Alberto fight card below (via MMA Fighting):
Main Card
Catchweight (210lbs) main event: Tito Ortiz (20-12-1) vs. Alberto “El Patrón” Rodriguez (9-5)
Strawweight title fight: Melissa “Super Mely” Martinez (6-0) vs. Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-1)
Dani Barez (11-4) vs. Joby Sanchez (13-5)
Levy “El Negro” Marroquin (12-3) vs. Enrique “Baby Bull” Gonzalez (8-3)
Gaston “Tonga” Reyno (8-2, 2 NC) vs. Angel “Tito” Cruz (6-4)
“Sexy” Dulce Garcia (1-0) vs. Marisol Ruelas (1-2)
Preliminary card
Jose “Luke” Flores (8-1) vs. Ismael “Marreta” Bonfim (13-3)
Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (11-2) vs. Jose “The Ghost” Ceja (4-5)
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Tito Ortiz and Cain Velasquez)