Last week in an interview with RJ Clifford and Steve Cofield on SiriusXM Rush Fight Club, Ortiz spoke about the possibility of a UFC sale and how the organization would fare without Dana White at the helm.
"I think the promotion would completely fail. I think it would crash and burn, that's my opinion. I think Dana does a great job with the promotion. Sometimes we don't agree on the same things but that's just between me and him. Like I say, it's a girlfriend-boyfriend type of relationship, him being the girlfriend of course."
Tito Ortiz is the poster child for UFC discontent, particularly in regards to Dana White. Ortiz and White have been feuding essentially since Zuffa purchased the UFC in 2001. At the time Ortiz was the promotion's biggest star and their fighting resulted in Ortiz sitting out multiple times in contractual disputes. One of these incidents was even resolved in part by a contractual stipulation wherein White would be forced to box Ortiz as part of his return to the organization. Eventually Ortiz left the UFC and signed with Bellator. Once there he and White proceeded to trade shots with each other with, among other incidents, Ortiz calling White "childish" and comparing the UFC to slavery. Apparently, according to Ortiz, slave masters are excellent corporate presidents.
"Dana does a great job with what he does and that's why the company is worth four billion dollars. Lorenzo [Fertitta] has stepped in and is doing an amazing job - from stepping down from Station Casinos - for what he does now. And giving the opportunity to Cris, I'm very thankful for that. But at the end of the day this is a business to them and if they're able to sell it off for four billion, do what's needed. I gave my heart and soul, blood, sweat, and tears to the company. I've gone on with my business and that's the way it is.
"I think if the Chinese company didn't bring Dana in it would crash and burn. It would be a lost cause but I guess it's up to Dana to make those decisions."
LINK: Morning Report: Tito Ortiz says the UFC would 'crash and burn' without Dana White
