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Contrary to what Tito Ortiz stated in a recent SI.com article, Affliction has not and likely will not sign Tito to the “ground-breaking” deal he spoke of. During a press luncheon yesterday, Affliction confirmed that they were actively negotiating with Tito Ortiz, but they seem to far apart on terms at the moment.

According to Affliction VP Tom Atencio, Tito’s current asking price is just too high.

“We’ve got a contract, and it’s just not feasible.”

“It gets back to whatever I do in business, it’s always about dollars and sense. With some fighters it’s not, with some fighters it is. There’s just so many variables.”

Affliction Entertainment COO Michael Cohen informed MMAWeekly.com that while they are currently working on signing Ortiz, it’s likely not going to happen in time for Affliction’s October 11 event. According to a report on MMAJunkie.com, Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral—Tito’s likely opponent—is signed to fight three weeks prior making this fight even that much more unlikely for “Day of Reckoning.”

The rumors were true. Tito Ortiz has signed a “ground-breaking” deal with Affliction to become the highest paid fighter in MMA history, according to Ortiz. The deal could be announced tomorrow at Affliction’s press conference for Affliction II “Day of Reckoning.” Ortiz also confirmed that his first opponent will be Renato “Babalu” Sobral.

Not surprisingly, Tito wasn’t at a loss for words when telling Sports Illustrated about the news.

“I guarantee you that my contract will be like no other,” said Ortiz, stopping short of giving away the specifics of a deal that could include responsibilities outside of the ring. “It will be a ground-breaking record contract for sure, without a doubt. There’s so much money to be made right now in mixed martial arts and it’s all about the fighters trying to make that money. It’s going to be a long-term deal where I put my heart and soul into the company and help build them. That’s something I’m interested in doing. They’re going to bring me on, not just as a fighter but also doing some of the back work also.”

More Affliction Banned photos at CombatLifestyle.com

Late last week, we passed along news that Affliction had already had a date and venue set for it’s second show—October 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Well, according to Affliction promoter Tom Atencio, while that date and venue is being considered, there’s a chance it may not work out.

“I know everybody is reporting that but we haven’t confirmed it.”

“It’s not necessarily going to be in Vegas. We’re looking at different places. I don’t like to announce anything until papers are signed - and we haven’t signed anything, so nothing is concrete.”

“If we could do it in Vegas it would be great. I think the buzz in Vegas is great, I think the fanbase is great. I think Las Vegas would be wonderful.”

Photo courtesy of Sherdog.com

According to Steve Cofield of Yahoo Sports, Affliction may have signed one of MMA’s biggest stars—Tito Ortiz. If true, Tito is believed to be close to signing on to fight Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral at Affliction’s second show, which has been reported to take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 11. The match would serve as the co-main event alongside Fedor Emelianenko vs Andrei Arlovski.

Sources have told Yahoo! Sports that free agent Tito Ortiz will fight Renato “Babalu” Sobral in the co-main event at Affliction’s next fight card, on Oct. 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas. The main event will feature a heavyweight bout between WAMMA champion Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski.

While it is certainly huge news if it comes to fruition, it looks like we’ll have to wait till August 6 to get official word from Affliction.

The Frank Shamrock Three Year Fight Plan

• October 2008 - Possibly Robbie Lawler/Scott Smith winner
• Early 2009 - Ken Shamrock
• Late 2009 - Tito Ortiz
• Early 2010 - Cung Le

That is a man with a plan. Say what you want about Frank Shamrock, but he understands the business end of MMA at least as well, if not better than any other fighter.