The dust from Saturday's UFC 97 has almost settled. Many people are talking about the main event and how it left a lot to be desired. Controversy similar to that of the GSP BJ Penn match up. And while I care, I just don't think it would be appropriate for me to overshadow the history made with Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell.
April 18th 2009 was Chuck's last fight, at least in the UFC. Dana White hasn't been shy about going on record saying “You're never going to see Chuck Liddell on the canvas again. At the end of the day, I care about these guys. I don't want to see anybody stick around too long.” As good as saying, ‘Chuck, that’s it. It’s all over’.
You can say what you want about Chuck, but he's one of the most successful and decorated fighters. He won the Light Heavyweight Title by beating another legend, Randy Couture. He then went on to defend the title four times and lost it on the fifth attempt. He was the first fighter to grace the cover of ESPN the Magazine.
Whether it be in the octagon, the back office for Zuffa or in the crowd, Chuck will always be known as a legend, one that could draw a crowd regardless of who he was set to fight. His blue shorts and haymakers will never be forgotten.
While I can't imagine Chuck ever fighting for another organization, I admit it would be sort of interesting to see him fight Tito Ortiz in Strikeforce... One can wish.
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