Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell is calling for a rematch against Keith Jardine at UFC 96 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7, according to a recent radio interview on The Tom Leykis Show.
Here's a snip:
"There’s been a few names. We have Jardine listed. We want him in March."
"The Dean of Mean" upset the "Iceman" at UFC 76: "Knockout" in September 2007. He beat the 38-year-old to the punch and strafed him with leg kicks en route to a unanimous decision win.
Liddell rebounded to defeat Wanderlei Silva in a thrilling three-round war at UFC 79: "Nemesis" in December 2007. However, he could not capitalize on the momentum and was most recently on the wrong end of a vicious knockout at UFC 88: "Breakthrough" courtesy of Rashad Evans.
His rumored fourth match up with Randy Couture appears to be all but dead. And another speculative showdown against UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva also appears to have been sunk.
If he gets his wish to rematch Jardine it would be a great opportunity to avenge a loss and get back on track in 2009 before putting a ribbon on his illustrious career.
Jardine most recently locked horns with Brandon Vera at UFC 89: "Leben vs. Bisping" on October 18, winning an underwhelming unanimous decision. He rebounded from a crushing knockout loss to Wanderlei Silva at UFC 84: "Ill Will" back in May.
The "Dean of Mean" also boasts recent wins over Liddell and Forrest Griffin.
At this point a rematch with Liddell could be dangerous one for his career -- Liddell has lost three of his last four fights and he’s no longer the same fighter who dominated the division for two years up until 2007.
Nonetheless, he still possesses the ability to win fights with just one punch.
Liddell is still a huge draw and a very popular fighter who is very capable of putting on a great show. It has the potential to be a big money match for both fighters, which could override any reservations from the Jardine camp.
UFC 96 is currently officially unannounced and does not have a main event. It will once again coincide with the Arnold EXPO — the largest health and fitness expo in the nation — for its annual convention.