UFC 115 weigh-in: Vancouver excited for Chuck Liddell’s return

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, June 11, 2010 | 5:27 p.m.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Fans inside the GM Place made plenty of noise during Friday's official weigh-in for all 22 fighters set to compete at UFC 115 on Saturday.

But only one fighter brought them to their feet.

Despite more than a few good story lines associated with this weekend's event, it's clear the return of Chuck Liddell to the octagon is what fans are most excited to see.

After taking more than a year off, Liddell (21-7) makes his much anticipated return to combat sports in the headlining fight against Rich Franklin (27-5). Both fighters weighed in at 205 pounds.

"Training went great," said Liddell, in a brief interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan. "I spent the whole camp getting better, and I can't wait to get in there."

Before taking the time off, Liddell had fallen into a rough stretch in which the former light heavyweight champ lost four of his last five fights.

There's reason to believe, however, that even at 40 years old, Liddell has a chance to reignite his career. He's coming into this fight in phenomenal shape after making drastic changes to his lifestyle.

Plus, he's Chuck Liddell.

"It's Chuck Liddell," Franklin said. "That's all you have to say is two words: Chuck Liddell."

Although a few fighters were forced to strip down to nothing to make weight, eventually all 22 on the card were cleared to compete.

Co-main event fighter Pat Barry got the action going a little early when he accidentally whacked UFC president Dana White in the face as he raised his hands while standing on the scale.

Fortunately for Barry, the boss was able to shake the hit off.

The UFC 115 was the fastest sellout in the company's history. The event is also available on pay-per-view.

Full Results:

Rich Franklin (205) VS Chuck Liddell (205)

Pat Barry (248) VS Mirko Cro Cop (235)

Gilbert Yvel (243) VS Ben Rothwell (264)

Rory MacDonald (170) VS Carlos Condit (170)

Martin Kampmann (170) VS Paulo Thiago (170)

Evan Dunham (155) VS Tyson Griffin (154)

Matt Wiman (156) VS Mac Danzig (156)

Mario Miranda (186) VS David Loiseau (185)

Peter Sobotta (171) VS James Wilks (170)

Claude Patrick (170) VS Ricardo Funch (170)

Jesse Lennox (170) VS Mike Pyle (170)

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected].