Chuck Liddell was front and center for the UFC’s popularity explosion. | Photo: Sherdog.com
Chuck Liddell
“The Iceman” Ultimate Fighting Championship (1998, 1999, 2000-01, 2001-03, 2004-10); International Vale Tudo Championship (1998); Neutral Grounds (1999); International Fighting Championship (2000); Pride Fighting Championships (2001, 2003)
***
With the trademark Mohawk and exciting striking style, Liddell was the UFC’s poster boy as the promotion exploded in popularity. He coached alongside Randy Couture on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and knocked out “The Natural” following the show. His second fight with Tito Ortiz was the first seven-figure buy rate in MMA history, as he KO’d “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” for the second time at UFC 66. After years of speculation, he finally fought Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79 and defeated him in an all-time classic. When many casual fans think of MMA, they imagine a pumped-up Liddell, screaming with his hands extended after scoring another brutal KO victory.
Continue Reading » Kazushi Sakuraba