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Chuck Liddell speaks with Dana White in the background during the UFC 125 pre-fight press conference Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at MGM Grand. It was announced that Liddell was retiring from fighting and is joining the UFC as one of its VPs.
Published Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 | 1:36 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 | 1:49 p.m.
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Chuck Liddell’s claim as of one mixed martial art’s legendary fighters is undeniable.
Liddell used his aggressive style of fighting and powerful punches to gain the reputation as one of the UFC’s all-time most respected fighters. Eight of his 21 victories came via knockout, helping earn him the moniker, “Iceman.”
But age had gotten the best of the 41-year-old in recent years, as he was defeated in five of his last six fights — including three by knockout, the most recent a first-round defeat in June to Rich Franklin.
After months of indecision and speculation about the next step in his career, the former lightweight champion seems to have found the perfect fit.
Liddell on Wednesday retired from fighting and was introduced as the UFC’s Vice President of Business Development during a press conference at the MGM Grand to promote UFC 125.
The trials and tribulations of Liddell’s lengthy career, which dates back to the late 1990s, give him plenty of knowledge for the new endeavor. While walking away from fighting was tough — he had tears in his eyes when he addressed the media — staying active in the sport is a welcome alternative.
Liddell was emotional when addressing the press conference, which was open to the public in the MGM Grand lobby. His love for the sport was obvious.
“I’m excited to go into a new stage of my life and continue promoting the best sport in the world,” Liddell said.
Liddell, who finished with a 21-8 overall record, was more than a fighter — he is recognized worldwide as a celebrity. He appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine, and this year also was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars”.
Simply put, he’s help taken mixed martial arts to another level — something several feel he’ll continue to do.
CORRECTION: This story originally reported that UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta had retired, but his position with the UFC hasn't changed. | (December 29, 2010)
LOL you guys were quick to change it...Lorenzo is not retiring...
People did not see the logic in a lot of the business decisions the UFC has made over the years, but that has not stopped them from becoming as successful a company as it has becoe. If they listened to every naysayer who did not agree with their decisions, they would have failed long ago. From a marketing standpoint, it is brilliant. Chuck Liddell did not just fall off the turnip truck,. He graduated with an accounting degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
nice info mencey. and he's invaluable as a figurehead for the UFC.
Well now that Chuck can no longer claim he is "training" I hope he will buy some shoes and some clothes. This man is in his 40's and owns three TAPOUT T shirts, 3 pairs of worn out jeans and two pairs of flipflops.
Dude always cried when doordude says; "Sorry Charlie, we have old-money dining in here tonight and they do not want to see your feet while they crack crab...Try TGIF or Applebees down the street."
Probably a good move for both Chuck and the UFC.
He's not the most articulate or graceful speaker, but is way more intelligent than he initially comes across.
As far as his manner of dress and just his overaAl image in general, as someone who played the corporate ladder climbing and wannabe game for way too many years, I think I can relate to wanting to go out of your way to relax and be yourself instead of trying to fabricate some polished image just to impress others.
Give me his millions and I'd just as soon spend it at Memphis BBQ any day vs. Morton's or even Ruth's Chris.