When MMA Fighting broke the news last Thursday that Tito Ortiz‘s next fight would come against Matt Hamill, many MMA fans were completely surprised, and almost in disbelief. After all, the two had struck up a strong friendship on season three of The Ultimate Fighter, where Ortiz selected Hamill with his first pick as coach, and became a mentor to him throughout the season.
The two have maintained a friendship over the years, but now they’re in each other’s way as they try to progress up the light-heavyweight ladder, and their paths will meet on Oct. 23 at UFC 121. In a video blog posted to his PunishmentFilms.TV website, Ortiz addresses the prospect of facing his friend.