Pramit Mohapatra of the BaltimoreSun.com went one-on-one with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in a recent phone interview. MMA fans around the world witnessed Quinton Jackson defeat Chuck Liddell on May 26, 2007 at UFC 71. Before UFC 71, Liddell tore through competition, going on a seven fight winning streak, all by some way of knockout after his first loss against Quinton Jackson at Pride’s Final Conflict 2003 back in November. Liddell’s “rampage” was ultimately cut short by Jackson, forcing him to give up the UFC light-heavyweight belt, one which he held for over two years.
In the interview, Liddell answers many questions regarding his most recent loss, White’s controversial allusion to “Buster Douglas,” the evolution of UFC and MMA as a whole, and his future plans in the sport.
On a lighter note, Liddell states that he has many fights left on his UFC contract and has resumed training. Liddell touches upon the possible matchup of him and former Pride FC middleweight champion Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva, by stating: “It's a great fight for the fans. I think I match up well with Silva. It should be fun.”
The most intriguing part of the interview comes when Liddell is asked about the recent addition of Pride fighters.
"Q: Which fighters from PRIDE are you most excited to see fight in the UFC?
A: All of them. Any of the good ones. There's "Shogun" [Mauricio Rua], there's [Dan] Henderson. You've got Fedor [Emelianenko] coming over. [Antonio Rodrigo] Nogueira is coming over in the heavyweight [division].”
Okay, what?! Did he just say what I think he did? It seems as if Liddell indirectly confirmed the addition of the Russian cyborg and widely believed to be number one heavyweight champ himself, Fedor Emelianenko! Does Chuck know something we don’t or is he simply assuming the inevitable? Only time will tell. I hope the rumors prove to be true and we can finally see Fedor work his magic in the Octagon.
Check out the full interview here.
Stay classy fans,
The Lianger
2 Comments:
I'm surprised that the interviewer didn't ask a follow-up right away. I would've stopped the interview right there!
LOL, What was that? Alright, interview over.
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