Tito Ortiz’s Shift from California to Florida
UFC champion Tito Ortiz has always had a strong connection to California, where he was born and raised in Huntington Beach. In fact, he took on the roles of city councilman and interim mayor in his hometown, becoming an influential figure there. This is where he also established himself as a respected mixed martial arts athlete.
However, at 51, with a family to consider, Ortiz now views California as an unsuitable environment for raising his children. “I didn’t want to leave California, but I felt I had no choice due to rising crime and safety concerns for my kids. Like many other parents, I made the tough decision to relocate to Florida—not for new opportunities, but simply for safety. No parent should have to abandon their hometown to protect their children,” he shared in a conversation.
Ortiz points to Governor Gavin Newsom as being responsible for the conditions that pushed his family to leave. “Newsom’s failures didn’t start in Sacramento. He has adversely affected San Francisco and then spread those same problematic policies throughout California. The evidence is clear: crime is surging, fraud is rampant, and small businesses are struggling,” he stated.
In response to Ortiz’s remarks, Newsom’s office issued a rather dismissive statement: “We don’t know who Tito Ortiz is, but we wish him well. Goodbye!”
Known as the “Bad Boy of Huntington Beach,” Ortiz is a UFC Hall of Famer and a former light heavyweight champion, having held the title from April 2000 to September 2003, defending it five times. His professional career ended with a record of 21 wins, 12 losses, and 1 draw, with his last fight taking place in 2019.
Despite the distance, Ortiz aims to influence California’s future by endorsing Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for the 2026 gubernatorial race. He believes Bianco’s handling of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates strong leadership. “Sheriff Chad Bianco is not a career politician. He showed bravery and integrity when he chose not to enforce certain lockdowns during the pandemic. He stood up for small businesses and individual rights,” Ortiz explained.
He continues, “When Newsom ruled with fear, Sheriff Bianco was on the side of the people, not the elite. He deserves my support and California’s trust. We need leadership that prioritizes families and restores safety.” Ortiz isn’t alone in his support; fellow former UFC fighter Dan Henderson recently echoed similar sentiments, praising Bianco’s decisions during the emergency.
Polls indicate Bianco is a strong candidate for the upcoming election, with recent data showing him as the front-runner. His main competitor appears to be Steve Hilton, a Republican who is also gaining traction in the polls.
