Liddell And Wanderlei Probable

With Wandy's camp saying "maybe" and John Hackleman (Liddell's trainer) saying "definitely," it appears that the once-Superfight is finally on the right track to go down at UFC 79.

Since Liddell's expected opponent, Shogun Rua, is down and out until at least early 2008, The Iceman needs someone new to fight. With no outstanding losses that he can avenge (no Rampage for you, come back ONE YEAR!), Liddell looks to take on the man he should have faced years ago. While it's not quite as exclamatory a brawl as it would've been in years past, it's a big fight nonetheless, and between two of the most loved stars in the sport.

I think that this is without a doubt the right fight for The Iceman. He tried to have a tune up after the most recent Rampage loss and look where it got him. At this point in his career, he's better off going all out for as long as he can while trying to make some sort of legitimate claim that he is the superstar he once was. If he loses, to Wanderlei or anyone really, his career is all but over.

It's the correct fight for Wanderlei too. If Cro Cop and Shogun have taught us anything, it's that warm up fights usually are anything but easy. Silva's best bet is to make a splash by destroying Liddell and laying claim to a title shot against Rampage (a man whom he has beaten twice). With Shogun out and Henderson recovering from his last title shot, Silva would be the easy choice for the champ...if he can get through Liddell.

Being the man who picked GSP at UFC 69, Cro Cop at 70, Liddell at 71, and Liddell/Jardine at 76, you can't get me to predict this with a ten-foot pole. That being said, it should be an excellent fight whenever it takes place, and indicators tell us that we may be treated to it before 2007 is up.