UFC champ Tito Ortiz blames Newsom as reason for fleeing California: ‘I left because of the crime’

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: UFC champion Tito Ortiz has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming that the state has become unsafe and forcing him to move his family to Florida. The 51-year-old mixed martial artist, who once served as mayor pro tempore of his city, said rising crime and lawlessness left him with no choice.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Ortiz said, “I never wanted to leave California. But I left because of the crime, the fraud and the growing threat to the safety of my children.”

Tito Ortiz says he fled California for family safety

“Like millions of other parents, I made the difficult decision to move my family to Florida — not for opportunity, but for protection. No parent should ever be forced to flee their home state to keep their children safe,” Ortiz shared.

He singled out Newsom’s leadership, adding, “Gavin Newsom’s failures didn’t start in Sacramento. He helped devastate San Francisco, then exported those same disastrous policies statewide.”

Tito Ortiz criticizes California’s rising crime and costs 

“The result is undeniable: exploding crime, rampant fraud, lawless streets, unaffordable housing, crushed small businesses and families who no longer feel safe in their own communities. California cannot survive more of the same,” Ortiz said.

Newsom’s office responded to Ortiz’s allegations, stating, “We’re not sure who Tito Ortiz is, but we wish him well. Bye!”

Tito Ortiz endorses Sheriff Chad Bianco for governor

Although Ortiz left the state, he remains involved in California politics and is endorsing Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in the 2026 governor race. He described Bianco as “a proven leader with courage and integrity” who “stood up and refused to enforce unconstitutional lockdowns” during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, when Gavin Newsom ruled by decree and used fear as a weapon, Sheriff Bianco stood up and refused to enforce unconstitutional lockdowns. He defended churches, small businesses and the fundamental rights of Californians,” Ortiz said.

He added, “Anyone can talk. Sheriff Bianco acted. When it mattered most, he stood with the people, not the political elite. He has earned my vote, my endorsement and my trust. California deserves leadership that will fight back, restore law and order and put families first again.”

Former UFC fighter Dan Henderson also supports Bianco

Ortiz is not alone in his endorsement. Former UFC fighter Dan Henderson, a California native, also backed Bianco last year.

“It was kind of a blessing that he didn't shut everything down as long as we were being responsible with everything. I kind of admired how he handled that whole situation," Henderson said.