Former UFC Champion Tito Ortiz to speak in Beckley

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Tito Ortiz was one of the UFC’s brightest stars when Mixed Martial Arts began to break into the national spotlight in the early 2000s. Ortiz claimed the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2000, defeating Wanderlei Silva at UFC 25 in Tokyo, Japan. He successfully defended the light heavyweight five times, boasting one of the most successful title reigns in division history before he was finally defeated in 2003. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” was inducted to the UFC Hall of Fame in 2012. Since retiring, Ortiz has become involved in local politics, representing Huntington Beach, California as both a city council member and Mayor Pro Tempore. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Ortiz will speak at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center as a guest of the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee. The West Virginia Republican Party announced on Facebook that it will be “an unforgettable night of patriotism, leadership, and inspiration.” You can purchase tickets to the event via the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee’s Website. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.