JRE #247 - Tito Ortiz

7/31/2012

This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz, offering a glimpse into Ortiz’s life and career. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise in MMA, Ortiz shares his struggles, triumphs, and philosophies on life. The discussion delves into controversial topics like steroid use in the sport, the psychological toll of fighting, and the importance of hard work and mental fortitude. Underlying themes explore the power of perseverance, the search for meaning in adversity, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on an individual’s path.

Major Topics

1. Tito Ortiz’s Early Life and Struggles:

Ortiz details a challenging childhood marked by his parents’ drug addiction and the instability of living in motels, cars, and garages.
He discusses his early struggles with substance abuse and how he overcame it through wrestling.
He reflects on the influence of his parents’ struggles on his own life and his determination to break the cycle.
He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and making choices for a better future.

2. Tito Ortiz’s Wrestling Background and Transition to MMA:

Ortiz describes his successful wrestling career, highlighting his dedication to hard work and mastering specific moves like the Cobre Choke.
He shares his initial hesitancy to learn submissions in MMA, initially focusing on defensive techniques before venturing into offensive maneuvers.
He discusses the challenges of learning new techniques, emphasizing the importance of repetition and patience.
He contrasts his approach to fighting with those who solely rely on striking, highlighting the advantages of a well-rounded skillset.

3. Tito Ortiz’s Dominant UFC Career and Championship Reign:

Ortiz reflects on his early MMA career, noting his confidence and ability to dominate opponents with his wrestling prowess.
He discusses the pressure of being a champion, facing constant challenges from contenders and the need to constantly evolve.
He highlights the importance of learning from various coaches and training partners to improve and stay ahead of the competition.
He shares his perspective on the psychological toll of fighting, particularly the loneliness and pressure of carrying the weight of expectations.

4. Tito Ortiz’s Injuries and Surgical Procedures:

Ortiz candidly discusses his numerous surgeries, including those on his neck and back, detailing the pain and challenges of recovery.
He shares his experience with painkillers and addiction, emphasizing the need for responsible medication management.
He details the impact of injuries on his career, balancing the need to compete with the risk of further damage.
He encourages fans to understand the physical toll of fighting, acknowledging the realities of injuries and their impact on performance.

5. Tito Ortiz’s Business Ventures and Life After Fighting:

Ortiz discusses his entrepreneurial endeavors, including his clothing line, nutrition company, and fight gym.
He emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and utilizing social media to build a brand and connect with fans.
He reflects on his decision to retire from fighting, embracing the opportunity to pursue other interests and challenges.
He expresses his desire to use his platform to inspire others and share his experiences, particularly with aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs.

6. Tito Ortiz’s Relationship with Dana White and the UFC:

Ortiz discusses his past disputes with Dana White, emphasizing that they were primarily business-related and never personal.
He expresses appreciation for White’s role in building the UFC and acknowledges his contributions to Ortiz’s success.
He shares his perspective on White’s evolution from manager to promoter, recognizing the changes in their relationship.
He acknowledges White’s business acumen and his role in transforming the UFC into a global phenomenon.

7. Tito Ortiz’s Perspective on Mental Toughness and Overcoming Adversity:

Ortiz emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming challenges, particularly in the face of criticism and adversity.
He discusses the need to embrace losses as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than letting them define you.
He encourages listeners to develop a positive mindset and focus on their goals, even in the face of setbacks.
He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and recognizing the power of believing in oneself.

8. Tito Ortiz’s Coaching and Mentorship:

Ortiz discusses his experience coaching aspiring fighters, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and positive environment.
He highlights his belief in fostering a family atmosphere, where athletes can learn, grow, and support each other.
He shares his approach to coaching, focusing on building confidence, promoting mental toughness, and creating a strong sense of camaraderie.
He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and providing guidance to young athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of the sport.

9. Tito Ortiz’s Views on the Evolution of MMA:

Ortiz reflects on the growth and evolution of MMA from its early days to its current mainstream status.
He discusses the challenges of navigating the increased scrutiny and media attention that comes with the sport’s popularity.
He acknowledges the impact of social media on the sport, recognizing the potential for both positive and negative influences.
He shares his perspective on the future of MMA, emphasizing the importance of fostering responsible growth and promoting the sport in a positive light.

10. The Impact of Substance Abuse on Ortiz’s Life and Family:

Ortiz shares the devastating impact of his parents’ drug addiction on his childhood, creating a cycle of hardship and instability.
He describes the fear and uncertainty of his early life, emphasizing the importance of breaking this cycle for his own children.
He discusses the role of therapy and self-reflection in understanding his past and making positive changes in his present.
He highlights his determination to create a stable and loving environment for his children, ensuring that they have the opportunity for a better future.

11. Tito Ortiz’s Relationship with His Children:

Ortiz expresses his deep love and affection for his children, recognizing their importance in his life and his role as a father.
He shares the joy and challenges of raising children, particularly the emotional toll of being away from them while training for fights.
He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children about hard work, respect, and responsibility, providing them with a strong foundation for the future.
He acknowledges the impact of his fighting career on his children’s lives, understanding their concerns and desire to see him succeed without getting hurt.

12. Tito Ortiz’s Reflections on His Legacy:

Ortiz reflects on his accomplishments and his impact on the sport of MMA, recognizing his contributions to its growth and popularity.
He acknowledges the criticism he has faced throughout his career, understanding the perception of his public persona.
He emphasizes his desire to be remembered as a fighter who gave his all, who never gave up, and who inspired others with his determination.
He expresses his hope that his legacy will extend beyond the octagon, influencing future generations of fighters and entrepreneurs.

13. Tito Ortiz’s Views on the Future:

Ortiz discusses his post-fighting plans, expressing his desire to explore other opportunities, including acting and coaching.
He emphasizes his commitment to building his businesses, creating a sustainable future for himself and his family.
He shares his excitement for the next chapter of his life, embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
He expresses his desire to continue to contribute to the sport of MMA, mentoring future generations and promoting the sport.

14. The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication:

Ortiz reiterates the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success, both in sports and in life.
He emphasizes that success is not guaranteed, but is often the result of perseverance, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals.
He encourages listeners to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, constantly striving to improve.
He highlights the power of believing in oneself and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

15. The Role of Entertainment and Showmanship:

Ortiz acknowledges the entertainment aspect of fighting, recognizing the role of showmanship and promotion in building a fan base.
He discusses the importance of creating a compelling narrative and promoting oneself to attract attention and build a brand.
He emphasizes that fighting is a business, requiring fighters to understand and capitalize on promotional opportunities.
He highlights the importance of connecting with fans and creating an engaging persona that resonates with audiences.

16. The Impact of Social Media on Athletes:

Ortiz addresses the challenges of navigating social media, recognizing the constant scrutiny and criticism that comes with the territory.
He discusses his approach to dealing with negativity online, emphasizing the importance of blocking out noise and focusing on positive interactions.
He encourages aspiring athletes to prioritize their mental well-being and avoid engaging in online negativity.
He highlights the importance of creating a positive online presence and utilizing social media to connect with fans and build a brand.

17. The Importance of Surrounding Oneself with Positive Influences:

Ortiz emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, particularly when navigating the challenges of a demanding career.
He discusses the value of having a strong support system of family, friends, and coaches who provide encouragement and guidance.
He acknowledges the negative impact of toxic relationships and encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health by distancing themselves from negative influences.
He emphasizes the importance of seeking out mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support on the journey to success.

18. Tito Ortiz’s Personal Philosophy:

Ortiz shares his personal philosophy on life, emphasizing the importance of integrity, respect, and kindness.
He discusses the power of embracing adversity and using it as a catalyst for growth and learning.
He emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with one’s values and pursuing a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.
He encourages listeners to live with purpose and strive to make a positive impact on the world.

19. The Importance of Recognizing One’s True Self:

Ortiz discusses the importance of self-awareness and understanding one’s true self, recognizing the influence of past experiences on present behavior.
He emphasizes the need for self-reflection and honesty in evaluating one’s actions and motivations.
He encourages listeners to challenge their assumptions and biases, constantly seeking to understand themselves better.
He highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and recognizing the need for personal growth and development.

20. The Importance of Seeking Help and Support:

Ortiz discusses the value of therapy and seeking professional help to address personal challenges and work through past traumas.
He encourages listeners to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to seek support when needed.
He emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
He highlights the importance of creating a culture of open communication and support, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.

Memorable Quotes

“That is punishment. I’ll never forget that because that really that that one quote really embodied your career. You know?” – Joe Rogan describes Tito Ortiz’s fighting style as “punishment.”
“You you told me something once. We’re talking about submissions. And you said, you know, the problem with submitting a guy is you could submit the guy, and after he taps, he’s okay. And he’s like, yeah, man, he got lucky. Man, he got lucky. But when I get on top of you and punch me in the fucking head for 15 minutes, I’m punishment. So the referee pulls me up. That is punishment.” – Tito Ortiz explains his fighting style.
“I mean, I had a problem. I used I used to steal a lot when I was a kid because I never had anything. My parents are drug addicts, you know, we lived in motels, we lived in cars, we lived in people’s garages, and everybody else always had something. And I never had anything.” – Tito Ortiz discusses his tough childhood.
“I I go to therapy right now. It’s like I’m talking to my therapist and it’s like and I realized the things that I do and why I do them was like, okay. This is the reason why I do that. this is right the reason why I do that.” – Tito Ortiz opens up about therapy.
“I mean, I’ve worked so hard to make sure that doesn’t happen for my surroundings now.” – Tito Ortiz discusses his goals for his family.

JRE #247 – Tito Ortiz