When I look in the mirror, I know that I came from dirt. I came from the streets. Both of my parents are drug addicts. I lived in cars, motels, in the back of people's houses. But now I look in the mirror and realize that I'm somebody. Everybody in this world can have goals and dreams, and they can achieve those goals and dreams if they work hard enough. I came from nothing and I've done it. I smile every time I talk about it.
So begins the inspirational tale of Jacob 'Tito' Ortiz, aka the 'Huntington Beach Bad Boy'. Ortiz made his mixed martial arts debut as an amateur at UFC 13. He wasn't interested in being paid or getting a contract — he just wanted 'to kick somebody's ass'. Before long he was fighting for the UFC Middleweight (200 pound) title, and battled it out in an historic contest with prodigy Frank Shamrock. Ortiz lost, but the fight shaped the future of the division for the next several years to come. The Middleweight title was renamed the Light Heavyweight title and Ortiz again took the belt, successfully defending it five times in the next three years. A controversial opponent, Ortiz remains one of the most exciting Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters to watch. This is the outspoken, no-holds-barred story of his colourful life and career.