Chuck Liddell’s Glory Days are Gone

Chuck Liddell may have fought his last fight in the UFC.   His influence on the growth of the sport can not be measured and he’ll go down as one of the best fighters of all time.   But, 4:55 into the first round of UFC 115 Rich Franklin landed a forceful right hand and dropped Liddell flat on his back, out cold.  The last image of one of the true greats in UFC history will be that of him bloodied and unconscious.  Dana White had previously told Chuck not to fight anymore and this time, he’ll likely refuse to allow him back in the ring.

The Iceman Liddell has lost 5 of his last 6 fights with losses to Rua, Evans, Jardine and Jackson.  Four out of the five of those losses came by way of KO or TKO.   His chin has mysteriously turned to glass, his knees are shot and at 40 he is just slower.   But after watching this fight it was pretty obvious Chucky had full control over Franklin a legend in his own right.  Liddell looked faster than he has in a while and was performing excellent head kicks and strikes.

With about 1:05 left in the round he nearly put the lights out on Franklin with an overhand right, but he recovered quick and not much later ended the fight with a right of his own.

His last and likely final victory came against Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79: Nemesis with a unanimous decision in 2007.   It’s been real Chuck.  Do us all a favor and don’t ruin the image we have of your greatness.  Hang up the gloves as many fighters have failed to do before you.  But who am I to tell a legend when to call it quits.  He’s earned the right to make his own exit from the sport he loves.  Whether Mr. White lets him or not, thats a different story.