Former longtime UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell 48, has been teasing an MMA return for months now. But yesterday UFC Hall of Famer made headlines by confirming that he wants to come out of retirement.
Liddell, one of the original UFC superstars defeating the likes of Vitor Belfort, Alistair Overeem, Ortiz and Randy Couture en route to superstardom. Liddell earned the heavyweight title in 2005 and defended it four consecutive times before being knocked out by Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson back in 2006.
‘The Iceman’ said he’s hoping to lock horns with longtime rival Tito Ortiz sometime end of 2018. Liddell and Ortiz, possess great rivalries in MMA history, fought twice, with Liddell winning both fights by knockout.
Moreover, surprisingly, Liddell also callout former champ Jon Jones, who responded back to legendary fighter saying “come get it.” A chance of a fight between them is slim to none with Jones facing a four-year suspension from USADA and Liddell out of the UFC and likely never to return. Despite his age and recent inactivity, ‘The Iceman’ is expected to get a license at least in his home state of California.
California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) Executive Director Andy Foster said that Liddell needs to fulfill necessary medical clearance before returning to Octagon.
“If Chuck passes his medicals – his advanced medicals … I will administratively grant him a license,” California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster told MMA Junkie. “But his ability to license is different from his ability to compete, and his ability to compete would depend on who the opponent is.”
Liddell’s’ has been discussing a potential deal with Golden Boy Promotions, CEO Oscar De La Hoya, who recently said he wants to run his MMA business. With his former UFC rival, Tito Ortiz is something that interests him. ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ announced his retirement after suffering a defeat to Chael Sonnen at Bellator 170. Recently Tito announced his comeback and targeting Liddell trilogy.
From the sound of it, we may see Liddell vs. Ortiz trilogy sometime this year, and that might take place in California.
