Since summer of last year, retired UFC Hall-of-Famer, Chuck Liddell has been rumored to be preparing for an MMA comeback. So he can take on a rival Tito Ortiz, whom Liddell first defeated at UFC 47 in April 2004 then knocked out at UFC 66 in December 2006 to defend the UFC light heavyweight belt.
Chuck Liddell, was on a three-fight skid before retiring in 2010. He last fought Rich Franklin at UFC 115 in June of that year, losing via first-round knockout.
This very week, Tito Ortiz expressed serious interest in avenging his pair of knockout losses to Liddell, though he doubts Liddell would ever be granted a license to fight again.
Now, Chuck Liddell has responded to the challenge via a recent interview with TMZ Sports.
“That would be awesome,” said Liddell (transcript courtesy of MMA Fighting). “I hadn’t seen that. Somebody said something about it but I hadn’t seen it. I’ll believe it when I see it, when he actually signs the contract, and then I’ll believe it again when he actually shows up to the fight.”
“I’ll take it,” said Liddell. “However he wants to give it to me, I’ll take it. If he wants to do me a favor, I’ll take it. [But] I have a hard time believing [he’s serious]. He pulled out the last time. It is what it is. If he actually signs to do it, I’ll be happy.”
Ortiz, now 43 years old, last fought at Bellator 170 in January 2017 against Chael Sonnen, where he won via first-round submission.
With both fighters seemingly on board, at this point, there’s only one major drawback to this proposed fight happening, getting an official yes from a commission.
“I don’t know why I wouldn’t be,” said Liddell. “I’ve had medical exams for my mountain climbing show and I cleared with everything there so I should be just fine. We’ll have to see. If they don’t clear me, I’d be shocked. They’ve cleared a lot of people in a lot less shape than I am.
“I’ve already beat him twice. He’s probably hoping that I’ve really declined and he’s able to take advantage of that, that’s what he’s hoping for. If he actually shows up, it’s gonna be bad news for him.”
And it begins! Chuck Liddell: I Got Proof UFC Docs Will Clear Me to Kick Tito Ortiz's Ass Again https://t.co/083fY5Y6Cv via @TMZ @ufc
— Tito Ortiz (with the blue check) (@titoortiz) February 21, 2018
