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UFC Champion Tito Ortiz and Rob Pongi go at it together on 'The Roppongi Video Happy Hour' This video is a completely impromptu, ad-lib comic segment filmed in just one take (less than five minutes) in the Roppongi entertainment district. It was the night of December 16, 2000 after Tito Ortiz defeated Yuki Kondo in UFC 29: 'Defense of the Belts' held at Differ Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. We were out on the street corner taking a break from filming and then suddenly, the man himself, Mr. Tito Ortiz just walked up and asked me, "What's going on? What are you guys doing?" while looking at our cameras on the set. And I said, "This is just a little show we are shooting for the internet. By the way, you look very familiar, I have seen you on TV here." And then he gave me his card and told me who he was and I almost had a heart attack! Then Tito, being the ultimate gentleman and really, very nice guy overall, shook my hand, calmed me down and then politely asked me if he could be on our show! And, of course, I immediately said "Yes, sure, you are very welcome to be on our show." And he told me that they did not have alot of time, so I had to think very quickly and then I got everybody in place and we started rolling and this is the video that we filmed. I wanted to do another take, but Tito and his entourage, unfortunately, did not have time as they had to meet some other folks nearby.
And despite all the past controversy, I have to say that Mr. Tito Ortiz is just such a great person and a really nice guy overall. No selfish attitude at all and really a very polite and very well spoken gentleman deep down. I know that when he is entertaining and promoting the UFC, sometimes he can come accross as a bit outspoken, but, that's just all show business and, really, Tito is a very down-to-earth and honest individual and also he is a pretty good ad-lib comic actor too!
Afterwards, he signed some autographs, and then, he thanked me for allowing him to be on our show and asked me if he cold have the pink plastic hammer as a souvenir and, of course, I told him "Sure, its all yours Tito, thank you for being on our show!" And then he smiled at me, shook my hand again and then they were gone. And, really, it was truly a wonderful experience working with the one and only Mr. Tito Ortiz and I am really looking forward to our future upcoming rematch so stay tuned! Well, in the meantime, be sure to check out the official website of the one and only Tito Ortiz
Produced and edited by Rob Pongi. Copyright (2000) by Rob Pongi. Used by permission and all rights reserved. See more Variety Videos Tokyo Nights Highlights And Street Shows |
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