MMAVu

In a recent interview with Inside MMA, free agent Tito Ortiz confirms he is still in negotiations with the three MMA companies, despite earlier reports of his Affliction signing.

“UFC? (There’s) a small chance of that happening.  Things between me and Dana White?  I’m shoving it off and I’m going on with my life.  And I’m going to wash my hands and make sure that my future is going to be very, very great.

I really don’t think that a return to the UFC is happening.  I believe it’s a leverage tactic he’s using against Affliction and EliteXC, the two real bidders for his services.  I’m sure companies from Japan have inquired about Ortiz, a huge name in mixed-martial arts, but Ortiz is mainly interested fighting state side.  Here’s a parting snip from the always-too-humble Ortiz:

If they (whichever company) sign a Tito Ortiz they’re going to be in business for the rest of their careers.

The UFC had Ortiz, yet were on the brink of bankruptcy  in 2005, weren’t they?  Can’t blame a dude for self-promoting!!

No, the headline isn’t a typo. In a wild turn of events, something that started as a rumor is rapidly gaining legs.  Randy Couture’s return to the UFC.

Not only is Couture reportedly negotiating a 3-fight return deal, according to Dave Meltlzer of the Wrestling Observer, the return could come as early as UFC 91 in Portland this November.  His rumored opponent would be the “Vanilla Gorilla” Brock Lesnar.  Something could be announced as early as next week.

However, don’t hold your breath just yet.  This is after all still just a rumor that several websites are commenting on, nothing has been officially signed, so things could fall apart at any moment, especially in light of all the mud-slinging that has gone on for the past 10 or so months between the UFC and Couture’s camp.  Could the hatchet possibly be buried so quickly?  What would be Couture’s story if he re-signed?  He was completely out-spoken about the UFC’s lousy treatment of him, and said another reason for his resignation was UFC’s failure to secure Fedor Emelianenko.  Sources also say the UFC is considering doing a one-fight co-promotion with M-1 Global, to make the Emelianenko fight happen.  I’m a bit skeptical about that one…

As well, what happens to Antonio Nogueira’s Heavyweight Title?  Nogueira won the interim title back at UFC 81 in February over Tim Sylvia, and is set to star in the Ultimate Fighter 8 with Frank Mir.  The show will act as a hype vehicle for their eventual showdown, possibly at UFC 92, New Year’s Eve weekend.