BECKLEY — Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz urged West Virginians to stand firm in their conservative values Saturday night as he delivered the keynote address at the Raleigh County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner.
Speaking at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center, Ortiz blended his personal story with a broader political message centered on faith, border security, law enforcement and support for former President Donald Trump.
Ortiz, a UFC Hall of Famer and former Huntington Beach, California, city council member, said he first became politically engaged during Trump’s 2016 campaign.
“When he ran for presidency, they painted a picture… and this is mainstream media… they attacked him,” Ortiz said. “It bothered me because I knew what type of man he was and I understood I had to throw my hat into the ring.”
Ortiz described himself as Mexican American and said his upbringing shaped his belief in national identity and unity.
“I always questioned my mom,” he said, recalling being teased as a child over his ethnicity. “She said, ‘No, son, you’re an American.’”
Throughout his speech, Ortiz warned about what he described as the growing influence of socialism and cultural division in the United States.
“Socialism is here and is living,” he said. “It takes states like you guys, states like Florida, red states to make sure that we don’t lose this country.”
He praised “law and order” policies and expressed support for federal immigration enforcement.
“We need law and order in this country,” Ortiz said. “We need borders. We’ve got to make sure we protect our children.”
Ortiz also voiced support for the Second Amendment and traditional family structures, telling attendees that preserving constitutional freedoms is critical for future generations.
“There’s two genders. There’s a man, there’s a woman. That’s it,” he said. “The nuclear family … needs to stay together.”
He framed current political debates as part of a larger moral struggle.
“This is right now a battle between good versus evil,” Ortiz said. “And good will win. God will prevail.”
Ortiz emphasized his appreciation for West Virginia, calling it a state where he sees strong communities and shared values.
“Since I’ve been here in West Virginia … you guys have it,” he said. “You can’t let people come in and infiltrate your state.”
During the latter part of his address, Ortiz reflected on the importance of humility and described himself as grounded despite his athletic accomplishments.
“People call me a legend,” Ortiz said. “They say this. I think it’s just the humility of myself is I’m just like you. I cry, I bleed, I sweat, go to the bathroom the same way as you.”
He pivoted from that personal reflection to cultural issues, reiterating his views on gender and family structure.
“There’s two genders. There’s a man, there’s a woman. That’s it,” Ortiz said, describing himself as “a straight shooter.”
He added that he teaches his children to distinguish right from wrong and emphasized the importance of preserving the nuclear family.
“The nuclear family is no longer together and needs to stay together,” he said.
Ortiz told the audience he believes West Virginia still reflects the close-knit community values he remembers from his youth in California.
“Since I’ve been here in West Virginia … you guys have it,” he said. “You can’t let people come in and infiltrate your state.”
Calling it his first visit to the Mountain State, Ortiz thanked attendees for the invitation and said he has delivered roughly 20 to 30 speeches since entering public life. He recalled campaigning for City Council in Huntington Beach, saying he spoke daily for four months with a simple message focused on safety and community.
“I just spoke the truth,” Ortiz said. “I want a safe community. I want our kids to be safe. I want the police to be able to do their jobs.”
He described wanting neighborhoods where residents could leave their doors unlocked and greet one another in passing.
“Love thy neighbor,” Ortiz said. “And I see that here. I see that in Florida, which makes me happy.”
He concluded by thanking attendees and encouraging them to remain active in civic life.
“I pray for this country. I pray for each and every one of you,” Ortiz said. “God bless you. God bless America. God bless our president.”
The Lincoln Day Dinner is an annual Republican event held in communities across the country in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
