5. Tito Ortiz
It’s tough to say that Ortiz’s comeback after his 2012 retirement has been catastrophic, but it’s even harder to write a list of failed comebacks without mentioning Tito Ortiz in some way.
The real comeback Ortiz should never have made was the one in 2009, after spending a year and a half in a contract dispute with the UFC. After losing a unanimous decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC 84, Ortiz stated he would not be re-signing with the UFC. However terms of his contract wouldn’t let him go anywhere else and he ended up back with the company the next year.
After returning in 2009, Ortiz went 1W-5L with the company. He lost to Forrest Griffin twice, Matt Hamill, Rashad Evans and Little Nog. His one win during that period was a submission victory over Ryan Bader.
His comeback in Bellator has been a little better. He beat Alexander Shlemenko and Stephan Bonnar in his first two fights before losing to Liam McGeary at Bellator 142. His final fight is scheduled for next weekend against Chael Sonnen.
