Chuck Liddell

Chuck Liddell
Born	Charles David Liddell (1969-12-17) December 17, 1969 Santa Barbara, California
Other names	The Iceman
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
Division	205
Reach	76.5 in (194 cm)
Style	Koei-Kan Karate, Kempo Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	San Luis Obispo, California
Team	The Pit
Trainer	John Hackleman John Lewis
Rank	NCAA Division I Wrestling   purple belt in BJJ   5th Degree Black Belt in Kenpō Karate   black belt in Koei-Kan Karate
Years active	1998–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	29
Wins	21
By knockout	13
By submission	1
By decision	7
Losses	8
By knockout	6
By submission	1
By decision	1
Other information
Occupation	Professional Fighter
University	California Polytechnic State University
Notable relatives	Sean Liddell, brother
Website	http://www.iceman.tv
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: November 22, 2009

Charles David "Chuck" Liddell (born December 17, 1969) is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kenpo karate, Koei-Kan karate and Kickboxing. He also has a grappling background in collegiate wrestling. He, along with Tito Ortiz, has the most UFC fights with 22. Along with fellow UFC fighter, Randy Couture, Liddell is widely credited for bringing mixed martial arts into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. On July 10, 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. In 2009 he competed on season nine of Dancing with the Stars.

Early life

Liddell began studying Koei-Kan karate at the age of 12; the tattoo seen on his scalp reads "Koei-Kan". He was a four-year starter on the football team at San Marcos High School. While growing up in Santa Barbara, he often frequented the infamous Del Playa Drive, the middle of the party scene of the college town of Isla Vista, where he often found himself in fights with drunk college students. He became a Division I wrestler at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business/Accounting in 1995.

MMA career

When Liddell started his MMA career, he began to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under John Lewis in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

See also: Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell

Liddell made his UFC debut in 1998, with a decision victory over Noe Hernandez. Despite a submission loss to top contender Jeremy Horn shortly after, Liddell began establishing his reputation as a devastating striker with victories over Kevin Randleman, Randy Couture, Murilo Bustamante, Vitor Belfort, Renato Sobral and Tito Ortiz over the next few years.

By 2002, Liddell was considered the number one contender for the UFC light heavyweight title, with growing popularity and support from his fans. The UFC tried to arrange a title bout with then-champion Tito Ortiz, but Ortiz cited scheduling conflicts. To force Ortiz's hand, they created an interim light heavyweight championship and matched Liddell with experienced wrestler and former heavyweight champion "The Natural" Randy Couture at UFC 43. Couture neutralized Liddell's hooks with straight punches and eventually began taking him down at will. Couture eventually gained full mount and forced a referee stoppage due to punches.

After this defeat, Liddell entered the Pride 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix tournament as the official UFC representative. After defeating Alistair Overeem in the first round of the tournament, Liddell was eliminated in the next round by PRIDE veteran Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, losing by corner stoppage, when his corner threw in the towel.

Returning to the UFC, Liddell was once again put in contention for the light heavyweight title, preparing for a match with former champion Ortiz. The pair had once trained together at the Pitfight Club and experienced a falling out that escalated as Ortiz taunted Liddell. The falling out stemmed from Ortiz's unwillingness to give Liddell a title fight, despite Liddell's status as the top contender in the UFC. Eventually, after Ortiz lost the title to Randy Couture, the two would meet in a highly anticipated fight at UFC 47 on April 2, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. After most of the first round was spent feeling each other out, Liddell threw a few punches and a kick which was blocked by Ortiz, with Ortiz slapping himself on the head, taunting Liddell. When the round ended Ortiz pushed referee "Big" John McCarthy out of his way, into Liddell, and the pair exchanged words. Shortly after the second round started, Liddell threw a flurry of punches which knocked Ortiz down and led to a TKO victory. Ortiz has since stated that Liddell's thumb made contact with one of his eyes, causing him to momentarily see "nothing but black". Since UFC 47, the bad blood between both fighters remained, with Ortiz repeatedly stating that he wanted "his" belt back. Despite the tension, Ortiz and Liddell would not fight again for two and a half years.

The Ultimate Fighter

In early 2005, Liddell was a coach on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, Spike TV's reality show which featured fighters competing for a UFC contract. Liddell was the coach of Team Liddell, while then-UFC-light-heavyweight champion Randy Couture coached Team Couture. The series was a success for both Spike TV and the UFC. Both of the winners of the show, Diego Sanchez and Forrest Griffin, were members of Team Liddell and have gone on to successful MMA careers.

UFC Championship

On April 16, 2005 at UFC 52, Liddell fought Tutti Musk, again for the light heavyweight title. This time the fight ended in a first round knockout victory for Liddell, making him the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Liddell was scheduled to defend his new title against UFC veteran Jeremy Horn, at UFC 54, a matchup the UFC claimed was demanded by long-time fans of the sport since Horn had given Liddell his first loss. Throughout the bout, Liddell dominated with aggressive punches, causing knockdowns in several rounds. Liddell's defensive wrestling ability, especially his sprawl, stifled the bulk of Horn's offense, which was centered on grappling and submission wrestling. Liddell eventually won the fight via TKO in 2:46 minutes of the fourth round after Horn informed the referee that he could not see. Liddell had successfully defended his title and, in the process, avenged two of his three career losses.

On February 4, 2006 at UFC 57, Liddell faced Randy Couture in a rubber match, defeating Couture for the 2nd time via knockout in Las Vegas, Nevada to retain the light heavyweight championship belt. After the fight, Couture announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. In Liddell's next defense, at UFC 62 on August 26, 2006, Liddell would best Renato "Babalu" Sobral, who he had defeated nearly three years prior. Liddell scored a quick TKO victory at 1:35 of the first round.

It was announced during UFC 61 that, if he were to defeat Sobral, Liddell would face off against Pride Middleweight (205 lb) champion Wanderlei Silva. The fight failed to materialize due to the competing promotions' inability to reach an agreement. UFC president Dana White attributed this to Silva's subsequent knockout loss to Mirko Filipović.

In what would be the most financially successful UFC event to date, Liddell fought a rematch with Ortiz at UFC 66, which took place on December 30, 2006. Liddell's takedown defense neutralized Ortiz's wrestling ability, forcing Ortiz to stand up with a known striker. Although Ortiz did take Liddell down at one point in the fight, Liddell went on to defeat Ortiz via TKO in the third round to successfully defend his light heavyweight championship for a fourth time. It was later revealed that Liddell tore his MCL prior to the fight. In addition, during the fight he popped the tendon out on the middle finger on his left hand.

Rematch with Quinton Jackson

Liddell in 2007

In his fifth defense, Liddell would lose the title at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007 in a rematch with Quinton Jackson. Liddell was knocked down by a right hook less than two minutes into round 1 and was unable to defend himself against Jackson's strikes on the ground, resulting in a TKO victory for Jackson. After the loss, Liddell was widely criticized after reports indicated he had been seen in night clubs the week before the event. He responded that it was nothing he had not done prior to his other fights in Las Vegas.

At the post-UFC 71 press conference, Liddell indicated he would continue to fight. Dana White also said that his next opponent would likely be Wanderlei Silva.

Post championship

On July 11, 2007 Dana White confirmed in an interview with Yahoo! Sports that a rumoured bout between Wanderlei Silva and Liddell had been canceled indefinitely. Silva and Liddell were supposed to fight in the main event at UFC 76 in Anaheim, California. Instead, Liddell would face Keith Jardine.

In the main event of UFC 76, Liddell lost a split decision to Keith Jardine, the first consecutive loss of his career.

On October 23, 2007 White announced that a matchup between Liddell and Silva would finally take place at UFC 79. Liddell defeated Silva via unanimous decision to what many fans and MMA critics called the best fight of the year. Both fighters were awarded "Fight of the Night" honors. This fight was also voted 2007's Fight of the Year at the first annual World Mixed Martial Arts Awards.

On February 1, 2008, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua revealed that he had recently signed a contract to fight Liddell, however on March 4 it was announced on UFC.com that "Shogun" was receiving surgery on his knee and was forced to withdraw from the fight. It was later officially announced that undefeated wrestler "Sugar" Rashad Evans would replace Mauricio Rua in a bout at UFC 85 in London, England. However, a hamstring injury forced Liddell to withdraw from the fight, as well.

On September 6, 2008, Liddell fought Rashad Evans at UFC 88. At 1:51 of the second round, Evans connected with an overhand right, Liddell's trademark punch, resulting in the former champion landing unconscious on his stomach. Liddel was unconscious for several minutes after the knockout, which had also caused him to lose control of his bowels. The knockout was dubbed "knockout of the year" by MMA-website Sherdog and given "knockout of the night"-honors by the UFC.

Despite multiple rumors about possible return fights with Randy Couture and Anderson Silva, Liddell has stated in a recent interview that he has not been approached by management regarding either fight. He also said that he plans to return to action in March or April 2009. During a recent guest appearance on "The Tom Leykis Show," Liddell stated that there have been a "few names" being discussed for his next opponent. He would later add that he wants a rematch with Keith Jardine in March. However, Dana White stated in the UFC 92 post fight press conference that Liddell's next opponent will not be Jardine, but will be Mauricio Rua or Wanderlei Silva.

Liddell has long been criticized for over-relying on the same coaches and training partners. Shortly following his knockout loss to Evans, long time trainer John Hackleman confirmed that Liddell is participating in training sessions with American Top Team to "round out his skills". although he is still officially associated with Hackleman and The Pit.

Last fights and retirement

On January 17, 2009, Dana White confirmed during the UFC 93 post fight press conference that Liddell's next fight would be against Mauricio Rua at UFC 97 in April 18 in Montréal, Canada.

Liddell trained with American Boxing Gold Medalist Howard Davis Jr. to prepare for an April 2009 bout against Mauricio Rua.

On April 18 at UFC 97, Liddell was defeated by Shogun in the first round by TKO. After the fight, White declared that Liddell is retired from fighting. White said, "I care about him. I care about his health, and it's over, man. It's over." White went further, saying, "At the end of the day, I care about these guys. I don't want to see anybody stick around too long. You're never going to see Chuck Liddell on the canvas again." In May however, Liddell's trainer, John Hackleman, claimed 'with confidence' that Liddell isn't done yet and that he's "definitely on top of the food chain." Liddell has "more than one fight left in him." In an interview afterwards, White went on to rhetorically ask "can I tell him not to fight? Absolutely not. If he still wants to fight, he can fight. I'm not saying, 'It will never happen. It will never happen.' But he made a deal with me [not to fight]."

On July 10, 2009, at the UFC 100 Fan Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, Liddell was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

After UFC 101 in August, Dana White stated that "I don't want him to (fight). He wants to, so we'll see what happens." Two days afterwards, Liddell went on record to say that he was undecided on the matter and that "it's hard for an athlete to quit what he's done his whole life." Liddell went on to say that he would be "making that decision in the gym, not in the ring" after sparring sessions.

It was later announced that Liddell would be coaching opposite Tito Ortiz on the 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter, with the two of them fighting each other on June 12, 2010 at UFC 115. However, in March, it was rumored that Ortiz was pulling out for as yet unknown reasons and Ortiz would be replaced by Rich Franklin. This was then denied by UFC president Dana White.

On April 7, 2010, White confirmed that Liddell/Ortiz 3, would in fact be the main event for the card, however, on April 12, 2010, the main event was changed to Liddell vs. Rich Franklin.

On June 12, 2010, Liddell faced Rich Franklin at UFC 115 and was knocked out in the first round. Only a few hours after the match, UFC President Dana White cut Liddell from the promotion, declaring that he guarantees "The Iceman" will not fight in the UFC ever again.

Personal life

Liddell is associated with The Pit crew and recently earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Liddell has a brother, Sean, who also competes in MMA, fighting last in the WEC. Liddell continues to train in San Luis Obispo, CA, where he attended college. He has two children, Trista, 10, and Cade, 9. He and Cade appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine in May 2007.

Liddell is no longer engaged to his longtime girlfriend Erin Wilson.

He is a part owner of two bars in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dillinger's and NZone and the Mixed Martial Arts Social Networking Website, MMA Jacked.

On May 28th, 2010 Liddell became the first mixed martial arts fighter to be immortalized in wax at the world famous Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Print media

On May 9, 2007, Liddell became the first UFC fighter to be on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. Liddell also released his autobiography, Iceman: My Fighting Life, on January 29, 2008.

Acting career

Liddell has also made several film and television appearances. He appeared as himself in the movie Bachelor Party Vegas, He appeared as "Graft" in the pilot episode of the TV series Blade: The Series, had a guest cameo in the first season of Inked on A&E, and made a brief appearance in the 1981 film The Postman Always Rings Twice with Jack Nicholson in which he boy-scout that plays with a register, and is then scolded by Nicholson. Liddell also had a very small part in the Jet Li movie Cradle 2 the Grave as one of the cage fighters, along side Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture. He also had a small appearance in the Nickelback music video for their song "Rockstar". Liddell is seen in his MMA shorts and holding his fighting gloves. He also appears in another music video, "Cowards" by American Head Charge.

Liddell appeared as himself in an episode of Entourage entitled "Gotcha", which aired on April 29, 2007. In the episode, he participates in a scheme to a pull a prank on Johnny "Drama" Chase on a Punk'd-like show called Gotcha! hosted by Pauly Shore. Liddell has also had cameos in the film The Death and Life of Bobby Z, 300 and Drillbit Taylor.

Good Morning Texas interview

In March 2007, shortly before UFC 68, he appeared on Good Morning Texas (Texan version of Good Morning America) for an interview, and to promote the film 300, but appeared to be very drowsy and fell asleep in mid-interview. UFC President Dana White, along with Liddell's head coach Scott VanGilder, explained that Liddell had pneumonia and had taken a large dose of sedatives the night before the interview. This is just one explanation offered by Dana White. In another interview when Dana White was asked about Liddell's behaviour on Good Morning Texas, he stated that Liddell had been out drinking the night before and had taken a sleeping pill when he got back to his accommodation so he would be ready for the interview the next morning.

He was named the "Most Dangerous Man" at the Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards on June 13, 2007.

Championships and awards

Ultimate Fighting Championship

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

Fight of the Night Honors

Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Fame

Sherdog

2006 Fighter of the Year [1]

MMA record

Professional record breakdown

29 matches	21 wins	8 losses
By knockout	13	6
By submission	1	1
By decision	7	1

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	21-8	Rich Franklin	KO (Punch)	UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin	June 12, 2010	1	4:55	Vancouver, Canada
Loss	21–7	Mauricio Rua	TKO (Punches)	UFC 97: Redemption	April 18, 2009	1	4:28	Montreal, Canada
Loss	21–6	Rashad Evans	KO (Punch)	UFC 88: Breakthrough	September 6, 2008	2	1:51	Atlanta, Georgia
Win	21–5	Wanderlei Silva	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 79: Nemesis	December 29, 2007	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada	Fight of the Night
Loss	20–5	Keith Jardine	Decision (Split)	UFC 76: Knockout	September 22, 2007	3	5:00	Anaheim, California
Loss	20–4	Quinton Jackson	TKO (Punches)	UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson	May 26, 2007	1	1:53	Las Vegas, Nevada	Lost UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	20–3	Tito Ortiz	TKO (Punches)	UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz 2	December 30, 2006	3	3:59	Las Vegas, Nevada	Defended UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	19–3	Renato Sobral	KO (Punches)	UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral	August 26, 2006	1	1:35	Las Vegas, Nevada	Defended UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	18–3	Randy Couture	KO (Punches)	UFC 57: Liddell vs. Couture 3	February 4, 2006	2	1:28	Las Vegas, Nevada	Defended UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	17–3	Jeremy Horn	TKO (Corner Stoppage)	UFC 54 – Boiling Point	August 20, 2005	4	2:46	Las Vegas, Nevada	Defended UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	16–3	Randy Couture	KO (Punches)	UFC 52: Couture vs Liddell 2	April 16, 2005	1	2:06	Las Vegas, Nevada	Won UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	15–3	Vernon White	KO (Punch)	UFC 49: Unfinished Business	August 21, 2004	1	4:05	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	14–3	Tito Ortiz	KO (Punches)	UFC 47: It's On!	April 2, 2004	2	0:38	Las Vegas, Nevada
Loss	13–3	Quinton Jackson	TKO (Corner Stoppage)	Pride Final Conflict 2003	November 9, 2003	2	3:10	Tokyo, Japan	Pride Middleweight Grand Prix Semifinal
Win	13–2	Alistair Overeem	KO (Strikes)	Pride Total Elimination 2003	August 10, 2003	1	3:09	Saitama, Japan	Pride Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal
Loss	12–2	Randy Couture	TKO (Punches)	UFC 43: Meltdown	June 6, 2003	3	2:39	Las Vegas, Nevada	For Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Win	12–1	Renato Sobral	KO (Head Kick)	UFC 40: Vendetta	November 22, 2002	1	2:55	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	11–1	Vitor Belfort	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 37.5: As Real As It Gets	June 22, 2002	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	10–1	Amar Suloev	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 35: Throwdown	January 11, 2002	3	5:00	Uncasville, Connecticut
Win	9–1	Murilo Bustamante	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 33: Victory in Vegas	September 28, 2001	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	8–1	Guy Mezger	KO (Punches)	Pride 14 – Clash of the Titans	May 27, 2001	2	2:21	Japan
Win	7–1	Kevin Randleman	KO (Punches)	UFC 31: Locked and Loaded	May 4, 2001	1	4:05	Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win	6–1	Jeff Monson	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 29: Defense of the Belts	December 6, 2000	3	5:00	Tokyo, Japan
Win	5–1	Steve Heath	KO (Head Kick)	IFC WC 9 – Warriors Challenge 9	July 18, 2000	2	5:39	Friant, California
Win	4–1	Jones Paul Jones	TKO (Strikes)	UFC 22: Only One Can be Champion	September 24, 1999	1	3:53	Lake Charles, Louisiana
Win	3–1	WilliamsKenneth Williams	Submission (Rear Naked Choke)	NG 11 – Neutral Grounds 11	March 31, 1999	1	3:10	Los Angeles, California
xLoss	2–1	HornJeremy Horn	Technical Submission (Arm Triangle Choke)	UFC 19: Ultimate Young Guns	March 5, 1999	1	12:00	Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Win	2–0	Landi-JonsJose Landi-Jons	Decision (Unanimous)	IVC 6 – The Challenge	August 23, 1998	1	30:00	São Paulo, Brazil
Win	1–0	Hernandez Noe Hernandez	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 17: Redemption	May 15, 1998	1	12:00	Mobile, Alabama

Books

• (2008) Iceman: My Fighting Life. Dutton Adult. ISBN 978-0525950561.

External links

• Official Website
• Professional MMA record for Chuck Liddell from Sherdog
• Chuck Liddell at IMDb