Tito Ortiz Retires After Defeating Sonnen

Two days shy of his 42nd birthday, the legendary former Tito Ortiz UFC light heavyweight champion submitted Chael Sonnen to a raucous reception from a partisan Southern California crowd at the Forum.

Ortiz, who first retired in 2012 after a loss to Forrest Griffin, won via submission at 2:03 of the opening round Saturday in the main event of Bellator 170.

“I’m happy I was able to do this, and I’m so happy I was able to do this in my hometown,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz (19-12-1) shot for a single leg takedown early, and while he landed it, Sonnen managed to work Ortiz into a guillotine choke. Ortiz escaped, eventually got Sonnen’s back, and finished him with a rear-naked choke.

After the fight was waved off, Ortiz made his signature grave-digging motion and then scaled the top of the cage, reminiscent of his post-fight celebrations during his 2000-03 run as UFC light heavyweight champion.

Ortiz, of Huntington Beach, Calif., finished 3-1 in his Bellator run, which came after a retirement of a year.