Jacob Christopher Ortiz (born January 23, 1975) is a Mexican American mixed martial artist competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, from April 14, 2000 to September 26, 2003, Ortiz emerged as one of the sport's biggest stars, becoming the biggest pay-per-view draw of 2006 and appearing on the covers of various magazines. Ortiz is the CEO of the Punishment Athletics clothing and mixed martial arts equipment line.
Ortiz's mixed martial arts debut was at UFC 13 in 1997. In 1999 Ortiz fought Frank Shamrock for the UFC middleweight (199 lb) title at UFC 22, losing via submission due to strikes. Following the victory, Shamrock retired and vacated the championship. The middleweight division was then renamed the light heavyweight (205 lb) division and Ortiz was chosen, along with Wanderlei Silva, as a top contender. Ortiz defeated Wanderlei Silva for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 25 via unanimous decision. He went on to defend the belt a record five times in the following three years, defeating Yuki Kondo, Evan Tanner, Elvis Sinosic, Vladimir Matyushenko and Lion's Den head Ken Shamrock.