What’s next for former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell after his knockout loss to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 71 last night?
Perhaps Wanderlei Silva, according to his trainer John Hackleman in a post-fight video interview with Sherdog.com.
Now Hackleman didn’t offer up the fight, but rather suggested that it was a “great idea” when asked by the reporter about the possibility.
In addition, UFC President Dana White said Silva would “likely” be his next opponent, according to TSN.ca.
Here’s the snip:
“Liddell said after he planned to continue fighting, with UFC president Dana White saying Brazilian Wanderlei Silva would be his likely next opponent.”
The “Axe Murderer” and the “Iceman” were tentatively slated to meet sometime last year — White trotted both out into the center of the Octagon at UFC 61 and made the blockbuster announcement.
However, the fight never happened and Silva went on to get knocked out cold in two of his next three bouts.
In the wake of Silva’s loss to Dan Henderson at PRIDE 33: “Final Conflict” UFC President Dana White stated that Pride FC officials “threw away the biggest fight in MMA history.”
Fast forward to Sunday, May 27, 2007.
Liddell is coming off of a poor performace at UFC 71 that cost him his coveted 205-pound strap.
Without a doubt, the ESPN The Magazine cover boy and face of the organization will look to get back on top as soon as possible.
Is there a bigger fight out there for him that Silva?
The quick answer is “Yes” and “No.”
Mauricio Rua was announced last night that he too will fight in the Octagon. This is a HUGE announcement that has flown under the rader — “Shogun” is one of the top fighters in the weight class in the world and arguably better competition than Wandi.
However, as Dana White pointed out not too long ago, not too many casual fans “even know who ‘Shogun’ is.”
Therefore, building him up for the fans — which the UFC tends to favor — with a few “tune up” fights before throwing him in with the big cats doesn’t seem like a stretch.
Besides, the UFC gains very little if Liddell loses back-to-back fights against two guys casual fans know very little about.
Silva, on the other hand, is made to order. Even though he said he was taking off the rest of the year, it wouldn’t be surprising if he reconsiders for a shot at Chuck.
It’s a fight that has been talked about for years. And now the UFC has the chance to make it happen.
For real this time.
39 Comments »
as soon as chuck hit the canvas i knew his next fight was gonna be wandi…
somebody help me fill in the list of “uder the radar guys
155 ?
170 fitch
185 marquardt (until 7/7/7)
205 shogun
205 ? (maybe nogs to the casual fan, but not anyone to anyone on this site)
[quote post="2236"]as soon as chuck hit the canvas i knew his next fight was gonna be wandi…
somebody help me fill in the list of “uder the radar guys
155 ?
170 fitch
185 marquardt (until 7/7/7)
205 shogun
205 ? (maybe nogs to the casual fan, but not anyone to anyone on this site)[/quote]
155 Huerta, Griffin, Edgar
170 Fitch is all I can think of too thats under the radar
185 Marquardt, Dennis Kang, Terry Martin (he’d be 19-1 if not for that flying knee Irvin pulled out of his ass)
205 Shogun, Soko
As soon as when Chuck started referring to Rampage as “the underdog”, I knew there was a problem.
Wandy next? Sure, because if Rampage can KO him, he better not freakin wanna fight Crocop anymore. Could you imagine Mirkos foot or straight left hitting Liddell that cleanly?
Why was Wanderlei in Ohio anyway?
And did anyone notice the T shirts Page and Juanito were wearing? XCouture.
[quote post="2236"]And did anyone notice the T shirts Page and Juanito were wearing? XCouture.[/quote]
Yep, thats Rampages Signature Affliction Tee if I’m not mistaken & with the change I won from betting on ole’ Page, I’ll be buying one for myself
That would be crazy if Chuck got a win over Wandy considering the fact that wandy has beaten Rampage twice. It would be a cool fight to see.
I’d like this fight to happen, but I’d also like to see WSilva agaist a few other 205 lbs UFC fighters as well.
Im surprised that Dana isnt trying to protect Chuck… and is trying to get this fight going as Chuck’s next fight. Then again, this fight might not even happen until next year… so I can see Liddell taking another 6monthes off, and White encouraging this… so the UFC can develop other starts to take the place in the 3-5 year future when Liddell retires, or continues folding to prime fighters outside Tito and Babalu
does anyone know where to get shirts and stuff of ufc fighters the website doesnt have a good selection?
Yeah this would make sense, both in similar situations. Coming off loses after dominating there divisions. It would be a battle of the “Almost the bests”. It would be very interesting. Could go either way, but the way fighters are fighting these days, it’s all gonna come down to who is havin a good day, who is closer to 100%.
Chuck should take a break. He should take a 7 month break and come back healthier and better in 2008. Will that happen? No. I think that Houston Alexander vs. Chuck Liddell would be a nice fit for both fighters, or even if Forrest wins against Hector at 72 throw Forrest and Chuck in an octagon together teacher vs. student type of thing. Would be nice.
As you know styles make fights!!!Rampage’s style doesn’t match with chucks and wandi is a great matchup,cuz chuck is a kind of counter striker and wandi goes wild.That is where chuck will catch him, if they are going to fight!!
Dat’s goin to suck for one of the fighter in this one.. If chuck lose that will be twice in a row and people would lose respect for him. And if Wandi lose that would be his 3 lost in a row, and he would be a dominate 205 anymore. I would love to see this fight. no doubt chuck would win,
GSP is St. Amour but he hasnt held the belt for years like Chuck has, in time, his money will come
[quote comment="66803"]GSP is St. Amour but he hasnt held the belt for years like Chuck has, in time, his money will come[/quote]
WTF!
that saying was for when you said GSP still lives with his parents and he needs a raise and Forrest needs new furniture
liddel is terrible he hasnt been tested by anyone that can strike well since rampage…wandy hendo and shogun would destroy him
That fighjt would be insane.
t-bone is completely right. I kept telling people long before Rampage fight that Chuck will one day be exposed by someone that has true striking ability. I like him because of his class and attitude, but he is not a great fighter. A good one but not great. He even said he wants Fedor. Man you’ve been hit in the head to many times. Fedor would get put in jail for what he’d do to Chuck. Wandy is wild, that one could go either way…
Liddell v Soko. Same place on the ladder.
SILVAS TAKING OFF 2007 HE ‘LL BE BACK IN MARCH THEREABOUTS
I can’t wait for this…
If anyone lose in this possible fight, he will lose his career as well!
[quote post="2236"]And did anyone notice the T shirts Page and Juanito were wearing? XCouture.
Yep, thats Rampages Signature Affliction Tee if I’m not mistaken & with the change I won from betting on ole’ Page, I’ll be buying one for myself[/quote]
MTU, I’m sorry man but I think I may have steered you wrong on this one. I coudnt find the shirt anywhere on the Affliction sight so either it hasnt been released yet or I’m completely wrong about the designer. My apologies if I sent you on a wild goose chase.
[quote post="2236"]Liddell v Soko. Same place on the ladder[/quote]
Great match up. How about a Soko vs. HA for Soko’s UFC intro fight?
chuck liddell is the best lightheavy weight in the world quinton got lucky when he threw that wide hook he even ducked when he threw it, chuck will beat wanderlei in the first round and come back when quinton loses to dan henderson and beat dan henderson and get his revenge on quinton and knock him out in the first round like he did to him and he will be the champ for a very long time.
[quote comment="67246"]chuck liddell is the best lightheavy weight in the world quinton got lucky when he threw that wide hook he even ducked when he threw it, chuck will beat wanderlei in the first round and come back when quinton loses to dan henderson and beat dan henderson and get his revenge on quinton and knock him out in the first round like he did to him and he will be the champ for a very long time.[/quote]
What to say, what to say…
[quote comment="67246"]chuck liddell is the best lightheavy weight in the world quinton got lucky when he threw that wide hook he even ducked when he threw it, chuck will beat wanderlei in the first round and come back when quinton loses to dan henderson and beat dan henderson and get his revenge on quinton and knock him out in the first round like he did to him and he will be the champ for a very long time.[/quote]
Man you shouldnt even be in the conversation. Wasnt nothing lucky about the right hook that sent your scared ass boy to sleep. Your supposed to duck and cover up if someone swings at you. After you duck then you instinctively fire your own shot. Chuck should have ducked. What happened? you got knocked the f#%k out. PERIOD…Chuck wants no more of RPJ…2 ass whoopins is enough…
[quote post="2236"]Liddell v Soko. Same place on the ladder
Great match up. How about a Soko vs. HA for Soko’s UFC intro fight?[/quote]
Actually, after re-thinking my proposal, I’ve deemed this match-up a bad idea. With both having one-punch KO power, it’d be too risky as a debut for a fighter with as much potential as Soko has.
Dana may have even decided to try & build up HA as a marketable fighter after making such a splash in his debut against a named opponent & fighting someone like Soko so early on could derail that possibility as well.
[quote comment="67320"][quote comment="67246"]chuck liddell is the best lightheavy weight in the world quinton got lucky when he threw that wide hook he even ducked when he threw it, chuck will beat wanderlei in the first round and come back when quinton loses to dan henderson and beat dan henderson and get his revenge on quinton and knock him out in the first round like he did to him and he will be the champ for a very long time.[/quote]
What to say, what to say…[/quote]
I’ll tell you what to say, that was the most NON-lucky punch I have ever seen. The way Rampage covered up, then looked up and threw at teh target he had in mind. It was awsome. I was pullin for Chuck in the begining, just couldn’t see him losing, but Rampage impressed me, the thing about his new camp, im tellin you I’m buyin it all the way, I think this is a new Rampage. His striking was awsome.
It never really mattered to me who won, I had my thoughts who I believed would, but didnt want one either way, I kinda wanted Chuck, jsut because it would give UFC haters more to talk shit on if Chuck lost, but gotta stick to my own philosophy, it’s about the fighters, not the organizations. Rampage is an awsome fighter, I hope he has many defenses to come. I hope he beats Shogun, and I hope Chuck beats Wandi.
man, i hope someone has taught rampage to defend the muyi tai because that is big weakness,other than that i think he will wipe wanderli and shogun(who is very visous by the way). I think rampage is stricking better now, and chuck really dont want to see rampage any more. you didnt see him saying rampage got lucky, u heard he wants to fight but not directed at rampage. to be honest if cuck wipe rampage it would be luck.
best fighters
1.fedor
2.shogun
3.anderson silva
[quote comment="67246"]chuck liddell is the best lightheavy weight in the world quinton got lucky when he threw that wide hook he even ducked when he threw it, chuck will beat wanderlei in the first round and come back when quinton loses to dan henderson and beat dan henderson and get his revenge on quinton and knock him out in the first round like he did to him and he will be the champ for a very long time.[/quote]
First off, that looked like a classic Chuck Liddell knock out except he was the one getting knocked out. An secondly, Chuck cannot strike with Dan Henderson. Lets say he does get his title back (which I dont see him doing), he will not have it for “a very long time”. Too many new good fighters in the ufc.
[quote post="2236"]I’ll tell you what to say, that was the most NON-lucky punch I have ever seen. The way Rampage covered up, then looked up and threw at teh target he had in mind. It was awsome. I was pullin for Chuck in the begining, just couldn’t see him losing, but Rampage impressed me, the thing about his new camp, im tellin you I’m buyin it all the way, I think this is a new Rampage. His striking was awsome.
It never really mattered to me who won, I had my thoughts who I believed would, but didnt want one either way, I kinda wanted Chuck, jsut because it would give UFC haters more to talk shit on if Chuck lost, but gotta stick to my own philosophy, it’s about the fighters, not the organizations. Rampage is an awsome fighter, I hope he has many defenses to come. I hope he beats Shogun, and I hope Chuck beats Wandi.[/quote]
Anomaly, i gotta commend you on this post. Way to man-up & be honest. I just showed some love to Afflicted in another thread for the same thing. We all cant always be right no matter how well thought out our points may be & we all certainly can’t know EVERYTHING about these fighters or the sport of MMA…….except for me of course
j/k
I love Chuck but the bottom line is Jackson is a bad match for him. MMA math just doesn’t always add up. Silva lost to Ortiz and got knocked out by Vitor and Chuck beat both of them. On the other hand Chuck has lost to Jackson twice now and Jackson got destroyed by Silva who lost to Ortiz, etc… If Chuck is going to come back, he has got to develop a more than just 1-dimensional game. Jackson is clearly his equal, if not superior, in boxing/striking. Chuck is a 4-year division 1 collegiate wrestler and a kickboxker….why not pull some of the old stuff back out of the closet and polish it up again?? It worked great for him in other fights. For example, if he had really gone to work with some leg kicks with Jackson, he might have been able to get through his upper gaurd better. As it turned out, he just wasn’t getting any punches through Jackson’s defense. Even Jackson said that after the fight – his defense was solid and Chuck has got to develop other dimensions of his game if he’s going to get better openings.
Rampages shirt is by affliction but it isnt going to be released until July first. It is going to be made under the sub company Xtreme Couture. The shirt costs about 50 bucks so watch out for people trying to rip you off. Anyone in Randys camp gets an affliction shirt with the sub company all other UFC fighters get their shirts directly thru affliction.
wanderlai and chuck?wanderlai and chuck will both be gun shy ,not a good match up ,actually may be an yawn fest
[quote comment="70885"]wanderlai and chuck?wanderlai and chuck will both be gun shy ,not a good match up ,actually may be an yawn fest[/quote]
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
are you crazy this fights gonna be over quick,Chuck will KO him in the first round.
Wanderlei Silva has already KO two times Ramapage. Chuck can try to fight with Wand but he is going to get is ass kicked.
And rampage is afraid of wand because he can stop the knees of wanderlei
I know for that wand is going to be the next UFC lighteavy weight champion
if chuck fights wand then chuck gonna get knocked out if wand goes into ufc then rampage is gonna shit himself if he survives henderson
I am a die hard chuck fan but the biggest down fall to his game is when he exchanges he never comes back to a guard if he would had thrown that hook to body of rampage and returned to his guard he would had blocked it with out even thinking bout it… Chuck has an unorthodox standup but it has won him huge fights.. He could keep his hands down while he is stalking but please chuck if you read this get in a habbit of returning to the Guard when you are in stiking range PLEASE!!! Rampage is Awesome and i beleive he will only get better he has so much just raw power and talent and now he is traing like a champ and will only improve I believe! Still i Payed 50 bucks to watch in HD and was heart broken when he got hit with that shot and it was luck in a sense i watched it over and OVER in HD slow mo and he was not looking where he threw it but it was a crisp clean and smart punch since chuck did not combo go to the counter which is what Rampage did Not LOOKING MIND YOU! But natural instint maybe!! If Rampage stays out the HYpe and remembers to keep a humbled aproach he will be a force to be wrecked with for sure!!
Let me know what you guys think…