UFC Legend Slams 'Failure' Newsom, Flees California

Longtime fighter cites 'rampant fraud' and 'threats' as reasons for leaving the state.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Longtime UFC fighter Tito Ortiz, known as 'The Huntington Beach Bad Boy,' has revealed that he has moved his family from California to Florida, citing 'lawless streets' and criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom as a 'failure.'

Why it matters

Ortiz's high-profile departure from California highlights ongoing concerns about public safety, political leadership, and the state's business climate that have led some residents and businesses to leave for other states.

The details

In a recent interview, the 51-year-old UFC Hall of Famer said he decided to move his family to Florida due to 'rampant fraud' and 'threats' that he claims to have faced in California. Ortiz, who is known for his outspoken conservative views, also sharply criticized Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him a 'failure.'

  • Tito Ortiz revealed his move to Florida in February 2026.

The players

Tito Ortiz

A 51-year-old former UFC fighter known as 'The Huntington Beach Bad Boy' who has moved his family from California to Florida.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, whom Ortiz has criticized as a 'failure.'

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What they’re saying

“I've moved my family to Florida. The streets are lawless. There's rampant fraud, there's threats. I had to get out of there.”

— Tito Ortiz, UFC Fighter (conservativeangle.com)

The takeaway

Ortiz's high-profile departure from California underscores the ongoing challenges the state faces in retaining residents and businesses amidst concerns about public safety, political leadership, and the overall business climate.