Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz has found a new passion in coaching high school wrestling at Ida Baker High School in Cape Coral, Florida. The mixed martial arts legend, who moved to Cape Coral two years ago, has been volunteering his time and expertise to help shape the future of young athletes.
Ortiz, whose sons joined the Bulldogs wrestling team as freshmen last year, approached the school about assisting with coaching. “I love coaching. That’s what I went to school for,” Ortiz explained, noting that his professional career had taken him in a different direction until now.
The addition of Ortiz to the coaching staff has had a significant impact on the team. Working alongside head coach Kaizela Pinska-Jablonsky, Ortiz has helped grow the program and inspire the wrestlers. Senior Aiden Kennedy praised the opportunity to learn from a champion, saying, “It’s really great because you get to see how the best train and then you get to see what it takes to be the best.”
For Ortiz, this coaching role is more than just teaching wrestling techniques. He sees it as an opportunity to mentor and positively influence the next generation. “Now all these kids on here, this Ida Baker team, are my kids now too. I just want to help mold the future generation of our children,” he said.
The former UFC star’s involvement has brought excitement and a wealth of knowledge to the team. Ortiz expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a “dream come true” to be part of the community and coach at Ida Baker Wrestling.
Looking ahead, Ortiz has high expectations for the Bulldogs. He predicts that within the next few years, the team will become a force to be reckoned with. However, his goals extend beyond just creating successful wrestlers. “I’m going to make monsters on the mat. But respectful men off the mat for sure,” Ortiz emphasized.
