Meet Tito Ortiz Sunday during Ultimate Blood Drive IV in Phoenix

By Thomas Gerbasi

A mixed martial arts training camp is known for blood, sweat, and tears, but this Sunday, August 30th, former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz will take a break from preparations for his return to the Octagon later this year, and deal with blood outside the gym as he conducts his fourth annual “Ultimate Blood Drive” at the Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix, Arizona from 9am to 2pm.

“In anything I get into, like this or going to Iraq for the troops, I just want to help out,” said Ortiz. “I want to do my part to help others and society. And with this, we’re working with United Blood Services, building up the blood supply, and saving some lives.”

Ortiz first became involved with United Blood Services in 2006, and the Ultimate Blood Drive quickly grew into a big event.

“Jeanette Nicely, my mother in law from my previous marriage, asked me if I would help out for a blood drive in Arizona,” said Ortiz. “I said yes and it just got bigger and bigger. The first time we probably got about 200 donors, the next year we got about 350, then last year we got almost 450 donors.”

Those are impressive numbers, but “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” wants to top them this year.

“I expect the turnout to be anywhere from 500 to 600 donors,” he said. “For the last few years, there are always 1,500 to 2,000 people who show up, but only a portion of them can give blood. Either they’re not qualified to give blood or they’re understaffed with blood takers. But just the fact that people are coming down and giving their time and blood is the most important thing, because they’re gonna save lives.”

The Ultimate Blood Drive IV takes place at the Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix, Arizona from 9am to 2pm. All donors will meet Tito Ortiz, receive a personalized autographed photo and be entered into drawings for apparel from his Punishment Athletics clothing line. To make a donation appointment, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) toll free or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter sponsor code: Tito).