Tito Ortiz shares details of near-fatal boating accident and recovery

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 10:38 PM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Tito Ortiz shares details of near-fatal boating accident and recovery
Summary

Tito Ortiz, the UFC Hall of Famer, detailed his terrifying boating accident from mid-March, which left him with serious neurological trauma. While fishing with friends, Ortiz was thrown from their boat after a speed-related incident, later struggling to recover from a concussion lasting over three months. He described the experience as frightening, realizing he could have lost his life. Ortiz underwent surgery for a bulged disc and has since received stem cell treatment, continuing to deal with residual pain and neurological issues. He is pursuing legal action against the boat's manufacturer, citing a malfunction as the cause of the accident.

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By the Numbers
  • Ortiz's accident occurred in mid-March during a fishing trip.
  • He was thrown from the boat at 55 miles per hour.
  • Ortiz experienced severe neurological issues post-accident.
  • He had surgery for a bulged disc eight weeks ago.
  • Legal action is being taken against Mercury Marine for malfunction.
Latest Updates
  • 10:38 PMYahoo SportsMMA legend Tito Ortiz details terrifying boating accident, months of memory loss: 'I'm just lucky to be alive'
What they're saying
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Now seven months removed from his accident, the UFC Hall of Famer is still dealing with neurological and physical trauma.

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