UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell was not surprised to learn that Islam Makhachev earned a unanimous decision win over Alexander Volkanovski on Saturday night.
The champion vs. champion main event at UFC 284 delivered excitement from start to finish, but the end result left MMA fans and fighters split as many believed Volknanovski did more than enough to end the reign of the Dagestani destroyer. Liddell was in Arizona over the weekend for Super Bowl LVII but stopped to speak with the gentlemen of Inside Fighting on YouTube to share his thoughts on Makhachev’s big win.
“I called that earlier,” Liddell said. “Too much weight. Too heavy and a wrestler. Wrestling’s where it makes the most difference. Size makes the most difference when it comes to wrestling.”
Asked if there was anybody in the 155-pound division that could potentially dethrone Islam Makhachev, Liddell couldn’t muster up a specific name but does believe there are some competitive fights for the Khabib Nurmagomedov protege.
“We’ll see,” Liddell responded. “I’m sure we will see some guys give him competition.”
Chuck Liddell Comments on the Return of Conor McGregor
With former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor slated to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon later this year, Chuck Liddell was asked about the Irishman’s big comeback against high-octane striker ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler.
“I’m excited about that fight actually,” Liddell said excitedly. “I think if Conor’s coming back and he’s coming back to fight like he really wants to be there… But again, Chandler with the wrestling and his heavy-handed striking.”
‘The Iceman’ stopped short of picking a winner but does believe that McGregor could catch Chandler, particularly in a firefight which seems to be Chandler’s M.O. these days. As far as McGregor’s chances against Islam Makhachev, Liddell is not quite as confident.
“That’s gonna be a tough one. The wrestling’s gonna be a problem. He’s gotta get better if he can’t get off his back.”
