On This Day in 1997: UFC Legend Tito Ortiz Got Humbled in the UFC 13 Lightweight Tournament Final

In the lightweight Tournament Final, a 22-year-old Tito Ortiz, stepping in as an injury replacement, faced off against Pancrase veteran Guy Mezger. Despite Ortiz’s raw talent and aggressive wrestling style, Mezger’s experience and composure prevailed. 

In the early stages of the fight, Ortiz was controlling the action, holding Mezger down with a front headlock as he continued to fire off heavy knees and short punches to the head and body. 

But, Mezger shook off the heavy attack and would later catch Ortiz in a submission as he shot in for a takedown. He would eventually secure the victory via guillotine choke, handing Ortiz a tough early lesson in just his second-ever professional fight.

Although Tito didn’t win that night, UFC 13 marked successful appearances for two more future MMA legends: Vitor Belfort and Randy Couture, both of whom would go on to become UFC champions and eventual Hall of Fame inductees.