"UFC wouldn't let me go to the Fan Expo. I feel very sorry for all my fans. I'm here for the fans, I'm going to support them no matter what. The biggest problem is the UFC in general. They're all about branding their name. We're the guys who get inside the cage. Strikeforce is working toward making superstars, not worried about their brand. It really comes down to a respect value. They don't respect me. They don't cherish me at all."

- Tito Ortiz tells ESPNRadio1100 that he was essentially banned from the UFC Fan Expo. Ortiz, who's fought every one of his 22 professional fights inside the UFC octagon, is close to signing a four-fight contract with Strikeforce, a rival U.S. promotion, who Ortiz believes has shown him more respect. 

Ortiz left the UFC after a decision loss to current UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida at UFC 84 back in May of 2008. UFC President Dana White and Ortiz had a very public feud that extended to contract negotiations at the time of Ortiz's departure, which resulted in the UFC's decision to essentially allow Ortiz to walk. "The Huntington Beach Badboy" has been at odds with the UFC for years over the structure of their contracts and what he has perceived to be lack of respect shown for its fighters.

Ortiz hopes to return to competition by the end of this year, likely with Strikeforce.