Tito Ortiz back in UFC’s good graces

UFC president Dana White, after tweeting "Welcome back Tito" on his Twitter site earlier Friday, told a radio station that his feud with Tito Ortiz is over and that the former UFC champ may be returning.

"We have been talking and trying to see if we can figure things out," said White, adding "it's a possibility."

White said Ortiz is feeling fine after major back injury "so we'll see if he can come back."

White's comments came during an appearance on ESPN 1100's radiothon benefit for The Caring Place. White was honored as the station's "Man of the Year" during the 24-hour fundraiser, which was held at the Palms.

Retired light heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell welcomed the news, sort of. "Whatever," he said, responding to a question from ESPN 1100's Steve Cofield. "Hope he does well, cuz then I'll come back."

Liddell and Ortiz, who had one of the better feuds in UFC history, met twice, with Liddell winning both.

Liddell is 39 and Ortiz is 34.

During the interview, White confirmed that he is preparing to make good on his vow to base jump off Mandalay Bay if UFC 100 exceeded 1.5 million in pay-per-view buys.

MARRANDINO ROAST

Harrah's executive Don Marrandino will be in the hot seat tonight when his friends gather to roast him to mark his birthday.

Vinnie Favorito, a terror on the celebrity roasting circuit, will join a roster of roasters that includes George Wallace, Donny and Marie Osmond, Jimmie Walker of "Good Times," and Toby Keith and Sammy Hagar, the latter duo by satellite.

Favorito brought down the house a year ago during the roast of TV personality Pat O'Brien when he turned to sportscaster Al Michaels and said, "Like you weren't in the room with Marv Albert."

It's an invitation-only affair at Imperial Palace. Marrandino is president of Harrah's Las Vegas, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, O'Sheas and Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Deborah Clayton is out as news director at KVBC-TV, Channel 3, with a week left in July sweeps. She abruptly left Friday after a morning meeting, sources said. There has been grumbling in the newsroom about a green general assignment staffer who wanted to take a job with an interactive media company, but was held to her contract even though her air time has been dramatically reduced. Station general manager Lisa Howfield, in an e-mail to the staff, said Clayton "is no longer with KVBC" and that a search for a replacement will begin immediately.

SIGHTINGS

Mel Gibson, visiting backstage with Terry Fator on Thursday after his show at The Mirage. ... Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, back at Frankie's Tiki Room for the second day in a row. ... At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Thursday: Slash, celebrating his 44th birthday and, at other tables, Shanna Moakler and Mena Suvari. ... Venetian headliner Wayne Brady, racing at Pole Position Raceway on Friday afternoon with a large group. ... Travis Barker of Blink-182, having breakfast at Simon at Palms Place on Friday morning.

THE PUNCH LINE

"The government is warning that substantial amounts of marijuana are now being grown on federal park lands. They noticed the problem when large groups of bears started following the Dave Matthews Band." - Conan O'Brien

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.