While burning the candle at both ends Saturday, I took in UFC 97 and witnessed what is becoming a common scene for former light heavyweight champ Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell.Liddell was once again left staring at the lights, getting knocked out this time by Mauricio Rua in the first round of Saturday’s bout. The defeat was the fourth loss in Liddell’s past five fights and the third time he’s been knocked out in that span. The lone win was against another past-his-prime fighter in Wanderlei Silva, who has also been KO’d in three of his last five fights.Liddell is still the biggest active name in MMA based on his history as a knockout artist. It’s kind of like Mike Tyson in the twilight of his career - bad fighter, big draw.
Bettors even follow suit, with sportsbooks taking more action on Liddell’s bouts than any other MMA fighter. He was a -230 favorite Saturday at
Betjamaica.
But despite his popularity and profitability, should Liddell hang up the gloves? Or, after having his bell rung as frequently as a house on Halloween, should the UFC force the “Iceman” to spit out his mouth guard?Liddell already has his life after the octagon rolling. His popularity has landed him television spots, music video cameos and movie rolls. I’m sure Dana White would even pull up a chair for Chuck alongside Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg for some color commentary.So, after stomaching Saturday’s massacre, is Chuck Liddell done as a MMA fighter?