Press Release:
ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMP TITO ORTIZ OFFERS TO HOLD OFF-BASE CALIFORNIA FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR MARINES WITH JENNA JAMESON
LOS ANGELES — (November 8, 2006) — Tito Ortiz, the mixed martial arts champion who was dis-invited from a Marine Base dance because he wanted to bring his girlfriend adult crossover star Jenna Jameson, says he will accept an invitation to hold a special event for Marines off base and with Ms. Jameson.
The Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar , CA withdrew an invitation to Ortiz to speak as the guest of honor at a November 12th “birthday” ball when the brass discovered that he intended to bring his girlfriend. Mr. Ortiz issued the following statement about the situation:
“First and foremost, I was going to tell the Marines that they and not me and my peers, are the Ultimate Fighters, the truly brave. We're just fighting in a ring to trump each other while they are putting their lives on the line for us and for the ideals that America stands for.
“It was these ideals and these freedoms that motivated me to believe even as a street kid that I could succeed. I deeply honor the fighting men and women who defend our country. I believe that no one should confuse patriotism and loyalty to our troops who are in our hearts every day with other issues — whatever our political party, our feelings about entertainers or even our differences of opinion on the mission of the military.
“Jenna and I feel strongly about this and we understand that my invitation to speak to the Marines and to bring Jenna with me on Nov. 12th was withdrawn not by the men and women who know us, but by pressure they received from others.
“We've been asked if we would still attend an off-base fund-raising event on another date and we are happy to do so.”
Mr. Ortiz frequently donates his time and energies to charitable activities. Recently he sponsored an event on his website, www.titoortiz.com, in which 246 people signed in to donate blood and United Blood Services collected 210 blood products that will help save over 440 lives. Records indicate that 110 were first time donors.
About Tito Ortiz
Jacob “Tito” Ortiz (born January 23, 1975) is legendary participant of the sport of mixed martial arts, or 'MMA'. Ortiz's career has been mostly within the Ultimate Fighting Competition organization. A former Light-Heavyweight UFC champion, Ortiz has become one of the sport's shining stars, headlining pay per view championship events and appearing on the covers of various magazines, such as Black Belt Magazine. He is a native of Huntington Beach , California and is also known as “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy.” Tito Ortiz is recognized as a charismatic and controversial fighter and has also acted in several films and television series. Whatever the opinions of Ortiz, he undeniably is both a showman and a talented athlete.
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