Ortiz’s UFC Return Looks Imminent

All indications point to a Tito Ortiz return to the UFC.

UFC President Dana White stoked the flames of speculation on Friday with a post on his Twitter account, which ended with an “Oh yea, and welcome back Tito.” Still, the outspoken UFC executive remained noncommittal about Ortiz’s return to the promotion during an interview on ESPN Radio 1100 in Las Vegas.

“Tito and I have been talking, and we’ve been trying to figure some things out,” White said. “I’ve said many times that Tito and I have issues. It’s a possibility.”

Once the face of the UFC, Ortiz (15-6-1) has not competed since he dropped a unanimous decision to reigning light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 in May 2008. The 34-year-old Californian has not won a fight since he stopped UFC hall of famer Ken Shamrock on strikes in October 2006. Still, he counts victories against Wanderlei Silva, Vladimir Matyushenko, Vitor Belfort and Forrest Griffin among his 15 career wins.

“Tito just had major back surgery,” White said. “He feels good. We’ll see if he can come back.”