Chuck Liddell Might Think About Returning 'For A Shot At The Title'

[Brent Smith]

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/4/25...-shot-mma-news

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UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell did an interview for the Fuel TV show UFC Tonight that aired last night, and he discussed a few different things including fatherhood, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and why he retired. One of the most interesting quotes was in reference to what it would take for him to come out of retirement - a title shot (transcribed by MMA Mania):

"The only thing that would even make me think about it is if they gave me a shot at the title. So, we'll see. For now? Yeah. Jon Jones. I don't wanna come back as a sideshow. It's just one of those things. It's not something I wanna do."

He then went on to talk about the current king of the hill at 205, Jon Jones, who is coming off a win over Rashad Evans at UFC 145:

"I'll never say never. Not in this sport. Anybody can lose at any time. If he keeps doing what he does, he's gonna be hard to beat if he keeps doing what he's doing. He follows his game plan. He trains hard. He keeps learning. He's young and he's athletic and a great athlete. He's a great guy. He's gonna be hard to beat, but I'm never gonna say no one's gonna beat him."

You can catch a quote about retirement from the Iceman after the jump, as well as the full video of his interview.



"You know, it was a hard decision to make, to retire, but it wasn't like I couldn't compete with guys. I can't quite take a punch like I used to and I didn't wanna change my style. I could start wrestling and try to control guys, but then I still got the chance of getting hit hard. It just wasn't the way I wanted to fight. I fought so many years, and I wanted to go out fighting the way I like to fight: exciting and fun."

[Brent Smith]

I wonder if Chuck will stay retired..Its hard to believe any fighters retirement since no one seems to stay retired. Jones will really have to clean out the division before they pull Chuck out of retirement just for title fight

[Nosaj]

I really like Chuck but I would think Cuck would have to have at least a few fights to get back in the game. Three straight losses then you retire then you want to come back for a title shot?! I would love to watch it but Jones would kill him.

[HerbChao]

As much as I wish I had seen Chuck in his prime too I def don't know how much of a hit he could take (and not risk permanent damage at some point). Those were very brutal knockouts from Rampage Shogan and Evans that he took, the hit from Franklin didn't even look that hard. I def can feel for how he wants to compete again.....

[Kyle Hilfiker]

Well lets give Chuck his due credit here. He was the face of the UFC for years, and his standup is brutal. However, all those wars rreally took its toll on his ability to take those shots that he dished out. Thats what failed him more than anything. Not lack of talent, not athletic laziness (if anything, he got in BETTER shape over time), just his chin. Now, is it crazy to think that a couple years off fighting has helped his chin and brain to recover? perhaps? Maybe? I find it interesting. He doesnt deserve a title shot, but I can see him getting a top 10 contender and then getting a shot if he looked good. Hell they gave Lesnar a freebie title shot after 1 FIGHT IN JAPAN!!! Uncle Dana will certainly entertain the idea if it makes him money.

[Matt "Gumby" Glach]

I'll go on record now and say I think he'll fight again.

[Brent Smith]

Well lets give Chuck his due credit here. He was the face of the UFC for years, and his standup is brutal. However, all those wars rreally took its toll on his ability to take those shots that he dished out. Thats what failed him more than anything. Not lack of talent, not athletic laziness (if anything, he got in BETTER shape over time), just his chin. Now, is it crazy to think that a couple years off fighting has helped his chin and brain to recover? perhaps? Maybe? I find it interesting. He doesnt deserve a title shot, but I can see him getting a top 10 contender and then getting a shot if he looked good. Hell they gave Lesnar a freebie title shot after 1 FIGHT IN JAPAN!!! Uncle Dana will certainly entertain the idea if it makes him money.

The unfortunate thing was his chin diminished or else he could still be at the top. I only talk like its unlikely because of how it seemed like Dana had to force him to hang it up. But I guess you can never truely take what dana says as in stone

[Jason Koh]

although Chuck's my #1 favorite fighter, i think he should retire. He's a good brawler but Jones is too unpredictable and is one of the most complete fighters. Plus, Chuck still makes more money as executive vice president

[Kyle Spalla]

I have to point out what we all probably know Rich Franklin knocked him out with a broken arm. All the knock outs he took he was pretty much hit with everything but the kitchen sink and Rich isn't exactly in the prime of his career these days either. But I can't say I wouldn't pay to see it. Chuck just has the charisma to make even doubters watch.

[Nate Hollyfield]

I'm sick of seeing young talented fighters face the "old guard", I don't get why people enjoy seeing a one sided competition...