Chuck Liddell, a retired UFC star, reflects on his career, expressing nostalgia for fighting, acknowledging the evolution of the sport, and highlighting Alex Pereira as a pure fighter.
Chuck Liddell hung up his gloves nearly seven years ago, but the itch for the octagon remains. In the early 2000s, “The Iceman” was a colossal figure in MMA, ruling the light heavyweight division during the UFC vs. PRIDE era. He confessed to MMA Fighting that he’ll always miss the thrill, joking, “If father time hasn’t caught up to me, I’d still be doing it.”
Reflecting on his career, Liddell reminisced about his first UFC title win—a first-round knockout over Randy Couture at UFC 52 in April 2005. “I love fighting,” he said. “I’m always going to miss it. That was a great time.”
Before that iconic victory, Liddell boasted a 15-3 record, including a prior loss to Couture. After a 1-1 stint in PRIDE in 2003, he defeated Tito Ortiz and Vernon White to secure his shot at the UFC gold.
When asked about his favorite victory, Liddell chuckled. “Everyone asks me all the time,” he admitted. Avenging a loss and finally claiming the title made it a standout moment for him.
Liddell retired in 2010 after a loss to Rich Franklin but stayed with the UFC as a VP of business development. Post-UFC, he returned to the ring in 2018, facing Tito Ortiz under Golden Boy Promotions.
Despite stepping away from active competition, Liddell remains connected to the sport. “I’ve never not been involved,” he shared. He still attends UFC events and follows the fights closely, often watching on his phone during dinner.
The MMA landscape has shifted dramatically since 2005. The UFC now reigns supreme, but fighters have more paths to fame and fortune, including bare-knuckle events and boxing. “I’m all for guys having places to go fight and make money,” Liddell said.
Back in his day, opportunities were scarce. “I averaged about three fights every two years,” he recalled. Now, with 45 UFC events annually, the scene is bustling with action.
Liddell noted the evolution of fighters, who now train in multiple disciplines from a young age. “When I started, you had a base of striking, jiu-jitsu, or wrestling,” he explained. Today’s fighters are more well-rounded, excelling in all areas.
Reflecting on the past, Liddell remembered when earning $150,000 a year was the pinnacle for fighters. “You had a lot more pure fighters,” he said. Today’s athletes are different—skilled, but sometimes lacking the old-school fighter mentality.
When asked to name a current fighter who embodies that pure fighter spirit, Liddell chose Alex Pereira. “Pereira is one of my favorites,” he stated, praising his attitude and beastly presence in the ring.