UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz experienced a cringe-worthy mental block during a recent Newsmax appearance when he completely forgot the name of the project he was there to promote.
The 50-year-old former light heavyweight champion, who has increasingly ventured into political commentary since retiring from professional competition, was midway through an enthusiastic description of his latest venture when the name suddenly escaped him.
“It’s going to be revolutionary,” Ortiz told the visibly uncomfortable host, as seconds of dead air followed. “It’s called… um… well… it’s about… you know what I mean? It’s the thing we’ve been working on for months.”
This isn’t the first time Ortiz has stumbled during public appearances. Earlier this year, while discussing his educational background, he appeared confused about basic numerical sequencing.
“So, um, 87 we moved to Honeycomb back to Honeycomb beach,” Ortiz explained in a separate interview. “And then, um, I did my junior high school 87, um, 88 and…” At this point, Ortiz paused, seemingly unsure of what year followed 88, before continuing, “nine or 90… 87 88 and then uh nine or… 89 I started my freshman year in high school.”
In another headline-making gaffe, Ortiz referred to America’s Founding Fathers as the “four fathers” while discussing former President Donald Trump’s Republican National Convention speech, which he described as “phenomenal.”
“People don’t understand what this country really stands for. Our four fathers, what they fought for, this is Trump doing right now,” Ortiz said, apparently unaware that the Founding Fathers included numerous historical figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and many others.
Despite these verbal missteps, Ortiz remains active in both political commentary and security training. He recently voiced strong support for newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel’s proposal to implement UFC-led training programs for FBI agents.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” Ortiz said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “But make sure you get the right fighters.”
Ortiz highlighted his own extensive experience training law enforcement personnel, noting that from 2000 to 2005, he helped train California Highway Patrol officers, and from 2005 to 2011, he trained special forces in Iraq during summers. Currently, Ortiz says he works with Homeland Security and the Lee County Sheriff’s office in Florida.
As for the forgotten project name? The host eventually rescued Ortiz by mentioning it himself, allowing the segment to continue after what felt like an eternity of uncomfortable silence.
