Thread: Chuck's future is on the line.

Like Kendall Grove before him, UFC president Dana White has made it clear that Chuck Liddell's job might be on the line if he doesn't step up his game. The Iceman, who has lost three of his last four fights, takes on Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97 (April 18th, Montreal) and simply winning might not be enough. As White explains to the Telegraph-Journal:
"I've made it very clear to Chuck. Very clear. It's not about money, it's not about this, that. Chuck is one of my good friends. Chuck (has) cemented his legacy in the UFC and in the fight game. [But] unless he looks incredibly impressive (in Montreal) — I mean, he's going to have to go out there and dazzle me, for me to want Chuck to still fight...I love him, and I don't want to see what I saw in his last fight ever again."

We assumed that because of his drawing power and history with the company, Liddell would be able to fight in the UFC for as long as he wanted to. But it sounds like Dana is genuinely concerned for Chuck's health. His reaction time is slowing, and rival fighters have figured out the increasingly predictable holes in his standup game. That only translates to more brain-rattling KO losses in the future.

Luckily, Mauricio Rua is as good a comeback opponent as any. If Shogun shows up in the kind of piss-poor shape he was in for the Mark Coleman fight in January, Liddell has a great chance of coming out on top, and maybe even "dazzling" his boss with a dramatic knockout. And if that happens, it'll be interesting to see if Rua is given a similar "win big or get lost" ultimatum for his next fight — or if he's simply fired on the spot.

I think Dana is right in this instance and seems to show genune concern as Chuck is a big big draw regardles of his form, his name alone packs seats. I think Chuck is over if he loses badly and i think even if he KTFO's Rua he should consider where he lies within the UFC and consider his future options. I dont think for any reason chuck would settle for becoming a 'gatekeeper' and thus he needs to consider all his options after this fight regardless of the W or L

He should go to Affliction (if they survive), so he can beat Tito up again.

TBH, a move to affliction would not be a bad one for him, he could have some good fights there and rebuild his rep a bit.

And they would pay him a fortune

Plus a fight against Tito is a gimme. :happy:

I'm a bit nervous about the Chuck vs Shogun fight; either way that would be massive name to lose from the company. I really hope that we see Shogun of old but then at the expense of Liddell? I've never been a big fan of Chuck, bit too obvious a fan favourite, but I don't want to see him take another dramatic fall from grace.

yeah, I'm with davy.....chuck has always been a fat boxer too me..and missing Rua is bad - although as already stated he appears to have lost it as well...tough times indeed.

I've never been a huge Chuck fan and I can't see Rua getting back to his best. He hasn't got the same aggression, which may be partly due to tighter drug testing in the US.

Ive always liked Chucky egg. You should check out his vale tudo fights. Tough stuff indeed. No ounds he just fought untill he won. I do think maybe its time hang up his knuckles though.

I think Rua could be strong again. It just depends on his dedication, how good his training is. The Coleman fight was his first fight since his ankle/ foot break.