posted May 2, 2008 at 12:36 in UFC / MMA Articles

He was once an online betting lock. He's the guy who beats people up for a living in a cage and dates mega porn star Jenna Jameson. He's arrogant, cocky, and controversial, hated by millions and doesn't give a damn. Above all, he's the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz.

Love or hate him, Ortiz is one bad dude with a vicious animalistic type ground and pound game, which he'll attempt to display when he faces undefeated Karate master Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida at UFC 84 on Saturday, May 24.

UFC betting fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada will welcome Ortiz to the Octagon with a thunderous chorus of boos and one finger salutes when he goes to war with Machida. But if the Ortiz haters in attendance and watching on pay-per-view around the world bets against the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" based solely on hatred, it could be a very costly mistake.

The former UFC light heavyweight champion has a 16-5-1 record that's misleading. In the past seven years, Ortiz has only lost to two fighters – the heavyweight champion of the world Randy Couture and the former light heavyweight champion of the world Chuck Liddell (twice).

During that span, Ortiz beat the legendary Ken Shamrock three times in dominating fashion. In the most recent fight against Shamrock, he posted a knock out in round one. The first two fights Ortiz won by way of technical knock out.

Like many UFC wagering fans, BetUS UFC odds aren't giving the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" any love or respect. He's listed the underdog at +175 against Machida (-220), who's putting his perfect 12-0-0 record on the line.

Machida is a Brazilian native that's a relatively unknown fighter to UFC betting enthusiasts. His karate skills make him a technician that doesn't rely on explosive power. Machida likes to keep distance between himself and opponents while looking for mistakes and opportunities to counter.

Three of his last four fights in the Octagon were won by unanimous decisions which raise questions about his finishing abilities. Especially when you consider the three fights that were left in the hands of the judges came versus lesser fighters in the likes of Kazuhiro Nakamura, David Heath and Sam Hoger. Machida won his last fight by submission (choke) over Rameau Sokoudjou, but he too is a lesser fighter.

Ortiz is a very different animal compared to Machida's recent competition and this will be his first real test. There's a big contrast in fighting styles between the two. Ortiz has a ''bulldog'' mentality and will be the aggressor. If the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" takes "The Dragon" to the mat and begins his relentless ground and pound onslaught, which is a perfect counter to karate style fighters, it will be lights out for Machida.

At the age of 33, this is most likely the last run at a title fight for Ortiz. Despite being criticized for promoting his own clothing line, taking a stab at acting and appearing at photo shoots with his girlfriend, his lifestyle outside of the Octagon will have no impact as Ortiz begins his journey towards a final title shot.

With an ego as big as his head, it's easy to wager against the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy". But if you bet on UFC action from the heart, you're bankroll will quickly tap out. There's great value on Ortiz if you wager on UFC action, and it's a lock he'll be a lively dog that's ready to bang when he enters the cage on May 24th.