Tito Ortiz Wins Split Decision Over UFC Hall Of Famer Stephen Bonner In Main Event Of Bellator 131; Challenges Bonner For Potential Rematch


MMA legend Tito Ortiz found victory in the main event of Bellator 131, earning a split decision victory over fellow UFC Hall of Famer “American Psycho” Stephen Bonner at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California, live on Spike TV. Ortiz’ victory was his second since coming out of retirement in 2013 to bolster the organization’s light-heavyweight division.

The fight received a mixed reaction from MMA fans, with some eager to see the long-festering animosity between the two popular fighters and years of trash talk dating back to their mutual UFC days come to a head, while others were left with a bad taste in their mouths following a professional wrestling-style stunt perpetrated by Bonner and former Ortiz training partner Justin McCully back at Bellator 123, whereby Bonner and a masked McCully confronted Ortiz inside the cage and ended up in a scuffle that many feel was likely staged.

Bonner, once one of MMA’s fiercest fighters, looked slow and inept following a two-year absence from the cage. Ortiz, coming off of his debut first round arm-triangle choke submission of Alexander Shlemenko, came prepared and pressed the offense for all three rounds in a dominant effort that left Bonner’s face cut and bloodied. Two judges scored the bout 30-27 with the split decision coming by way of an incredible 29-28 second round given charitably to Bonner, who appeared to literally beg for the miracle of the third judge’s decision and then praised Ortiz’ wrestling as making the difference in the bout.

Ortiz, ever the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy,” displayed the ever-present attitude that has made him one of MMA’s most colorful personalities, donning a Punishment Athletics t-shirt that read, “He Wrote A Check With His Mouth That His A** Couldn’t Cash,” threw his water onto the back of Bonner, who collapsed face first to the mat following the announcement of the decision, followed him around the cage flashing double middle fingers, and ultimately offered Bonner, and the fans, the opportunity to see a more decisive victory. Bonner, however, seemed far less interested in in extending the long-standing feud with Ortiz, according to MMA Fighting.com.

“It really wasn’t all it was cracked up in my head to be. In my deluded head, I thought it would be fun to get my head cracked open, but in reality it sucked.”

Ortiz, who has been vocal about his desire to carry the Bellator light-heavyweight championship, now awaits Bellator president Scott Coker’s decision in regards to his next opponent. Ortiz was originally signed to Bellator to face fellow former training partner and UFC light-heavyweight champion Quenton “Rampage” Jackson, but that fight was sidelined after Ortiz suffered a neck injury. Ortiz could face Bonner in a rematch that no one, most especially Bonner, likely wants to see, or he could face a younger up-and-coming fighter such as “King Mo” Lawal, which could jeopardize Ortiz’ title aspirations but could elevate a younger talent should they manage a decisive victory against Ortiz.

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