Chuck Liddell: has the Iceman's time cometh?
Chuck Liddell has been a mainstay of the UFC for years. He is a MMA legend. He continues to be phenomenally popular with a very loyal following.
But the Iceman is 39 years old and 1-3 in his last 4 fights.
He has been stopped (KO & TKO) in 2 of his last 4 outings. In his first 23 fights, he only lost 3 times and never by blows. Unfortunately getting KO'd is contagious. Each time you get snuffed the next one comes a little easier. It's easy to go from being known as a guy with a granite chin to a light touch. All it takes is to get clipped a few times, especially in rapid succession. Punches that you once laughed at and shrugged off are now stretching you out cold.
UFC 97 is likely to answer the question...What does the Iceman have left?
Fortunately, his legacy and warrior heart are beyond question by mere mortals.
follow me on www.twitter.com/drjcbenjamin
I don't think Chuck has much to gain from this fight. If Chuck wins everybody will say that Rua is washed up and will reference the Coleman fight. If he doesn't win you will have most of the MMA community calling for his retirement.
Do you think it would be beneficial to have age based classes (similar to the current weight classes)? Many guys like Chuck are still great fighters, but can’t compete against 25 year olds at the top of their game. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to have fun and make a bit of money in the later stage of their career. I recommend they implement a 40 – 49 age class and require mandatory retirement at 50.
Reply to this