Tito Ortiz focused purely on the positive from now on

When an actor plays a character to perfection for years he or she can often get “typecast” in the role, only being viewed as capable of performing in a certain way rather than accepted at face value.

UFC icon Tito Ortiz found himself in a similar position a year ago after wearing a black halt for the bulk of his career. His public persona permeated his every action to the point he even chose a nickname representative of fans’ perception – “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy”.

“People wanted to see the bad guy and I was the bad guy all the time,” explained Ortiz in a recent interview on the UFC 140 Countdown special.

However, things changed for the 36-year old during the lead up to his bout with Ryan Bader at UFC 132 where he not only had the crowd’s support but came away with a huge upset win.

Now named “The People’s Champ”, Ortiz explained his change in behavior and overwhelmingly positive outlook on life.

“I thought in my mind, ‘Why be so negative about things now? Let’s change it to the people’s champ,’ because I’m here fighting for the people,” said Ortiz. “I’ve made my money. I’ve won my world titles. Now I want to show each and every person in the world that he can achieve anything in life.”

Ortiz Wants One Last Go at Forrest Griffin

Check out the full Countdown video below where Ortiz talks about life, as well as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira who he faces at this Saturday night’s event…

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC