Tito Ortiz quits California city council 6 months after taking office

UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz resigned from his role as Huntington Beach mayor pro tem at a city council meeting Tuesday, effective immediately, according to Susan Christian Goulding of The Orange County Register.

Ortiz, who was elected to the California city's council in November and took office in December, cited the media's "character assassination" and leaks from City Hall as his reasons.

"To put it simply, this job isn't working for me," Ortiz said, according to The Mac Life's Oscar Willis.

This marks the end of a tumultuous six-month political run for Ortiz, a former UFC light heavyweight champion and a Huntington Beach native.

Ortiz, an avid supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has criticized the masks used to combat COVID-19 while saying the coverings are ineffective and dangerous, has taken a stand against vaccinations, and he's referred to COVID-19 safety measures as a conspiracy.

During his time as mayor pro tem, Ortiz clashed with Huntington Beach residents and business owners over his refusal to wear a mask. In March, five members of the City Council voted to keep meetings online after Ortiz said he wouldn't wear a mask at in-person gatherings.

The 46-year-old said during his resignation speech he was met with hostility and judgment immediately after being sworn in last year, adding that he believes his family's safety is in danger after attacks were made against them.

"I've tried as hard as I possibly could," Ortiz said. "But when my children's safety becomes a matter, I'm a father, and I'm going to protect my children. ... I hope I didn't let anybody down."