Speculation about the future of Chuck Liddell’s career as a UFC fighter, and whether or not he even had any gas left can finally end. On December 29th 2010, Chuck Liddell surprised (kinda) the MMA universe by announcing his official retirement from the sport. Liddell has had one of the most terrific fighting careers in history, sporting 21-8-0 record, winning 13 of his fights by knockout, and enjoying multiple runs as UFC Champion. He also performed the nearly impossible feet of getting Tito Ortiz to shut his fat mouth. Seriously Jenna Jameson? Tito?
When analysts and fans look back on Chuck Liddell’s career, there will be many things to talk about. First and foremost, Liddell’s savagely aggressive stand up fighting style as well as his brilliant wrestling and larger than life persona helped make him an ambassador for the UFC and MMA. During Chuck Liddell’s career, the UFC saw astronomical rises in fan base and Liddell’s own personal role in this renaissance could not be understated. His knockout ability and all or nothing attitude made him one of the best, as well as one of the most entertaining fighters in the world. He even made a cameo on Entourage.
Will Chuck Liddell’s retirement stick? I wouldn’t bet a whole lot on it. As fellow UFC fighter Mark Coleman and fellow athlete Brett Favre have shown, even when your career has become a pathetic embarrassment on two legs it’s hard to stay away from the limelight. Liddell is also known to lead a relatively over-indulgent lifestyle, and I would not be overwhelmingly surprised if he needed the cash a few years (months) down the line. Needless to say, for the time being, Liddell will be missed in the UFC. Check out the video of his announcement via ESPN.com:
