UFC

In May, mixed martial artist and UFC fighter Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell was defeated by Quinton Jackson during the first round of UFC 71.  A knock-out, the first he has received in nearly four years, was what brought Liddell down in just under two minutes and cost him the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion title.  Despite the unexpected loss, Liddell claims he never thought of not going back inside the cage.

"I got caught," said Liddell of his surprisingly abrupt KO loss to Jackson.  "Up until I made a mistake and he caught me, I thought everything was going great.  I was working out the week after, and I'm ready to go again.  I'm just as confident in my fighting ability, and I'll be ready to go for my next fight."

The 37-year-old mixed martial artist has had a prolific career in the UFC, even securing a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.  However, he does not see his great success as a reason for him to step aside from the sport, let alone from reclaiming his title.

"I love what I do.  I love being out there.  I'm still motivated to fight,” Chuck Liddell told the Houston Chronicle.  “I want another shot at Quinton, and I want the title back.”

Liddell begins his quest for the title with a bout with Keith Jardine in the main event of UFC 76 on September 22 in Anaheim, California.  However, a win for Liddell will not automatically mean a place for him in a championship bout.

"I think Chuck has to win two fights in a row and then, yeah, he's back in the mix again," UFC President Dana White said.  "He got knocked out in a minute 30 in the first round.  No matter how great he is, I'd like to see him win a couple of fights and then come back and fight for the title again."

Steadfast to his goal, Liddell is up for the challenge.

"I plan on being around awhile," he said.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Houston Chronicle
(Image Courtesy of www.parlayer.com)