View from The Hawks Nest
An event review from a fan's perspective
By Matthew “MMAHAWK” Hawkins
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
When it comes to the history of the great UFC/MMA fighters, several fighters come to mind. However, not many are immediately known by their nickname and only a handful can be recognized by their silhouette. There is one fighter for sure that fits the bill on both of those accounts, “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell. Liddell is one of those historical competitors that had both the look and skills to become great. His trademark Mohawk and vicious knockout style adhered him to fans across the globe. He was a man that wasn’t afraid to test himself against anyone at anytime. Whether it was a Vale Tudo (anything goes) bout in Brazil, his home in the UFC, or traveling to Japan to enter one of the deepest tournaments in fighting history. Chuck always competed with a technical ferocity that very few fighters that reached the pinnacle of the sport were able to combine. In my journey attending events over the years, I had the privilege of watching him compete on 7 occasions. From the rise up to the top to his eventual decline, this article will detail those fights, the atmosphere around them, and how he helped helped grow my love for the sport.
Everything changed for me when MMA was finally sanctioned in the state of Nevada. No longer would attending these events only be a pipe dream. It was a simple four hour drive to get to Las Vegas, and the shows were much cheaper to get into in those days. The same ticket that costs $150-$400 today, could be had for around $60 back then. The events became a must for me to attend as more and more were announced. The first event in Las Vegas would be held on September 28th, 2001 at the Mandalay Bay events center. The card was headlined by a light heavyweight title defense by Tito Ortiz along with two other championship fights. However there was another fight on the card that was creating a buzz prior to the event.
UFC 33 weigh in
That fight was a bout between Chuck Liddell and Murilo Bustamante. Liddell had made his UFC debut at UFC 17 and had gone 3-1 out of the gate. He then faced off with former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman in Atlantic City at UFC 31. Most people didn’t give Liddell much of a shot going into the fight due to Randleman’s previous accolades and the fact he was dropping down a weight class. Chuck however had different plans as he proceeded to knockout “The Monster” just a few minutes into the fight. “The Iceman” was born and he now would be the favorite going into most of his future his fights. UFC 33 opponent, Bustamante, was a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt that had also shown some nice stand up skills, great heart and real toughness. I was first introduced to him in an event called Martial Arts Reality Superfighting back in 1996. That night the usual middleweights (185lbs) were entered in an 8 man one night tournament. He was one of the smallest competitors but eventually worked his way to the final that evening. He found himself pitted against Tom Erikson, a 6’4 300 lb beast of a man with a world class wrestling pedigree. The fight would last 40 minutes and be declared a draw and while Erikson controlled the fight, very few times had the sport seen such an outsized individual be able to survive against such a skilled opponent. Fighting Liddell however, would be an introduction to the UFC fans and a chance to beat a new fan favorite. The fight would be contested at 205lbs and would be three five minute rounds. It went the distance and in a surprise to many fans, the Brazilian would hold his own in a very closely, contested stand up fight. There was no clear winner and as the judges were tallying the scores fans were left to ponder the result. When it was all said and done Liddell was awarded a split decision victory, and the Iceman was quickly becoming a household name. A quick turnaround would see him square off with Russian Amar Suloev, at UFC 35. After beating the very game Russian, it was now time for him to headline an event.
Liddell leaving the cage at UFC 33
That event would be the oddly numbered UFC 37.5. After already having been promoting a 38th show to be held in London, the UFC put together a 6 fight card to be held in a ballroom at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The main event would feature Liddell facing off with the incredibly dangerous Brazilian and fan favorite Vitor Belfort. The Phenom, who debuted at UFC 12, had been previously scheduled to return to the UFC at UFC 33 and 36, but injuries to himself and his opponent led to a delay. This event would also feature a fight (Robbie Lawler vs Steve Berger) that would be the first UFC contest shown live on free television. The fox sports show “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” would go live for the fight and allow much of the nation to witness their first professional MMA fight.
Liddell vs Belfort UFC 37.5
Upon arriving at the event I immediately noticed the small intimate setup. In many ways it’s how I’d pictured it in my mind and what it would feel like to be at one of the early UFC events. That night a $60 ticket got me a 5th row center cage seat in a ballroom that seated 3,700. This show was my first experience of what it felt to have tension and anticipation for a fight. The Brazilian fans always come out to support their countrymen and this night was my first time witnessing this firsthand. The crowd was split between fans of the two fighters. The first 2 rounds were very close while the crowd was switching from chants for Belfort to cheers for Liddell. There were flags of both Brazil and the United States waving in the seats as well as adorning the shoulders of many fans. The third round contained the moment that separated the two fighters. With a couple minutes remaining Liddell would land a strong right hook that would drop Belfort on his butt in the center of the cage. Although he wouldn’t be finished in the fight, the knockdown would end any real chance of controversy as the judges awarded the American the win. After the decision was announced, Chuck pointed to his budding rival, the champ Tito Ortiz, challenging him for his title. What was next for Liddell wasn’t certain, but very few expected another Brazilian.
Liddell calls out Ortiz after UFC 37.5 Victory
Now on a five fight win streak, the title fight with Ortiz seemed to be a certainty. However, as many fans of this sport can attest, nothing in MMA is certain. Ken Shamrock announcing his return to the UFC would throw a monkey wrench into the title picture. Ken’s rivalry with Tito goes back to UFC 13, when Tito debuted and lost to the Lion’s Den fighter Guy Mezger. From that point on there was bad blood between the two. Tito would go on to pound out Guy Mezger in a rematch as well as another Lion’s Den fighter Jerry Bohlander. As a result the UFC 40 title fight would be announced as Ortiz vs Shamrock. However, unlike many other fighters throughout the history of the sport, Liddell was not one to stand around and wait. With a title shot all but guaranteed for the future, he took a fight on the UFC 40 card. This bout was not just some “keep busy” fight though. His opponent that evening was Renato “Babalu” Sobral, a violent Brazilian with an impressive 20-4 record that included a win over former UFC heavyweight champ Maurice Smith. But Chuck was simply too focused and on a roll to be defeated, at this point. In one of the highlights of UFC 40, he would KO the Brazilian in spectacular fashion with a head kick. The live crowd went crazy as the Iceman went into his now recognizable victory celebration. Tito would go on to batter Shamrock later that night, in theory giving Liddell what every fan was waiting for.
The time had come for “The Iceman” to get his shot at the gold. Surprisingly enough, it would not be against Ortiz, who had decided to take some time away from the sport. Instead on June 6th, 2003 at UFC 43, Chuck stepped into the cage to face off with the former heavyweight champion Randy Couture for the interim light heavyweight belt. The event would be held at the sold out Thomas and Mack center on the campus of UNLV and was loaded with names like Tank, Belfort, Kimo, Mir, and Rizzo. However, it was Liddell however that had the crowd talking going into the event. A fairly large favorite over Couture most fans felt it was Chucks time to reach the top of the sport, and by winning, he would corner Ortiz into a must fight situation.
UFC 43 program
The fight would kick off with one off the most memorable entrances in UFC history. Mask, the leader of the tapout crew, introduced him to the crowd on the giant screen above the ramp. The lights were off and lasers filled the arena as what seemed like cold air was pumped in to add atmosphere. Unfortunately for Chuck, that would essentially be the highlight of the night for him. In an absolutely shocking performance, Instead of Liddell, it would be Couture cementing himself as a legend of the sport. Shortly after the opening bell the wrestler Couture would pick up Liddell and dump him on the back of his neck. From that point on he would continue to take down his opponent, even out striking Chuck while coming forward the entire fight. Every time Liddell would look to form some kind of offense, Randy would dump him back down to the mat. With the crowd and the mma world in awe, a takedown about a minute into the 3rd round would lead to the end. Couture would easily obtain full mount, and after landing several punches from that position, referee John McCarthy would call a halt to the bout. Couture was declared the winner and new interim UFC light heavyweight champion.
In the next UFC event Couture would go on to punish Tito Ortiz and unify the championship. Liddell on the other hand would take an invitation to compete in a tournament in the Pride Fighting Championship. A knockout win over Alistair Overeem would catapult Liddell into the final 4 of the tournament . In an absolutely loaded field he would face off with the dangerous Quinton “Rampage“ Jackson. The fight would not go Chucks way and much like the bout with Couture, would show him getting taken down and beat to a TKO finish. The upsetting tournament end would put Liddell at 1-2 in his last three fights, but set up the fight with Ortiz that he’d been craving for a few years now.
While not for a world championship, UFC 47 would give the fans a fight that everyone had been calling for. With both fighters looking to rebound from some tough losses, this fight would set the table for who would go on to be the head of the division with Couture. Unfortunately for Ortiz, it was time for “The Iceman” to earn his nickname and start a violent run through the division. In a barrage of punches he would drop the former champion, in a heap, and earn the biggest victory of his career in what was one of the most viewed events in UFC history. Liddell was back and he was on a mission. It was after that bout that I got my chance to once again see Liddell live at UFC 49, the UFC would match him against veteran Lion’s Den fighter Vernon White. The fight didn’t make much sense on paper and Liddell proved that with another knockout victory. It was his second victory in a row and earned him a rematch with Couture for the UFC gold.
UFC 40 program
When UFC 52 rolled around both Liddell and Couture where now household names. They had coached against each other on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter series and the UFC brand was growing at a tremendous rate. Couture came into the bout fresh off a destruction of Vitor Belfort at UFC 49 in which he regained his title. He had lost the belt at UFC 46 to Belfort in a fight that was stopped due to a cut on the eyelid seconds into the fight. The time was right for the rematch of the two biggest stars in the UFC at the time. The date for the rematch would be April 16th 2005 and would be held in Las Vegas. This time things would be much different than the previous bout between the two. A much more aggressive Liddell took the center of the cage and immediately came out striking. He was was not surprised this time by the punches of Couture. Two minutes into the bout after a short break due to Couture taking a finger in the eye, Chuck landed a huge right hand folding the champ to the canvas. After a few follow up shots, the fight was waved off and we had ourselves a new light heavyweight champion. Liddell immediately went into his celebration. His third knockout in a row and it was the biggest of his career. Little did we know we were witnessing the start of an epic run.
Fans were looking forward to a trilogy with Couture but first Chuck had some unfinished business to attend to. At UFC 54 he would face the man that dealt him his first loss in MMA, Jeremy Horn way back at UFC 19. In his first title defense, he would manage to avenge that loss, battering an extremely tough Horn to an eventual 4th round TKO win. That same night Couture would also bounce back with a win of his own, setting up one of the biggest trilogy bouts in UFC history.
It was Super Bowl weekend and the UFC would set the fight the night before the big game. The fight had garnished worldwide notoriety as fans wondered, if the last fight was a fluke or was “The Iceman” the new head of the class. The combination of the Super Bowl and the huge fight attracted my uncle’s interest so we packed the car for a trip to Sin City and spent the drive discussing how we could see the fight unfolding. It was however simply to hard to try to figure out who would have the advantage and what would likely happen. Couture had dominated Liddell in their first bout while years later Chuck would put him on ice in quick fashion. This was a time when the UFC was the place to be, celebrities and fans alike packed the Mandalay Bay events center. As the UFC 57 main event fighters entered the cage, the tension was thick as the anticipation for the bout had reached its peak. The match started off a bit tentative for the two combatants as they circled in the center of the octagon, knowing how dangerous the other really was. Both fighters managing to land some punches but with about a minute and a half left in the first, Couture managed a takedown. Liddell was able to get back to his feet quickly and the final minute saw both fighters landing hard punches, the heavier shots coming from the champ. We didn’t have to wait much longer to find out a victor. About a minute into the the second round, when Couture lunged in with a left hook. He would be countered with a devastating right hand from “The Iceman” that dropped Couture to the canvas. In what seemed like a replay of their second fight, a few follow up shot was all it took to get the match called. The trilogy had come to an end with Liddell retaining his championship in brutal fashion. This was no fluke and “The Iceman” stood on the top of the UFC world, and it happened in indisputable fashion. In my 6th time watching Chuck compete in the cage, I was finally able to watch him walk out the champion.
Meeting Chuck at the 1999 Cobra qualifier
Liddell had now finished four consecutive opponents by way of knockout. He was the most dangerous finisher in the UFC and he would look for that run would continue. His next two bouts would be rematches, both fighters he’d already knocked out. The first would take place at UFC 62, a bout with Babalu Sobral. Like their first fight, a Sobral would wake up with his back on the canvas, another victim of a violent Liddell finish. At UFC 66 the string of brutality would continue, this time in a rematch with rival Tito Ortiz. Ortiz would hold his own better in this fight, then in their previous encounter, but the knockout run would reach 6 consecutive. At this time there was no one in the UFC that seemed to be able to match up with the Iceman. Unfortunately for Chuck and his fans, the mma game can be a cruel roller coaster ride. The ride would take a change of course when at UFC 67, the man that knocked out Liddell in Japan a few years earlier entered the octagon.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had signed with the UFC. After a victory over the first man to defeat him in mma, Marvin Eastman, it was time to go after the champ. That event UFC 71, would be that time. Like all greats of the sport, the end can come quickly. For Liddell his kryptonite would be Jackson. Roughly a minute into their championship bout, Rampage would land a huge left hook and put the champ down. The run was over, the UFC fans were in shock, and a new king was howling on the top of the mountain.
UFC 76 program
I’d get one last opportunity to watch Liddell fight in person. That event would be UFC 76, held in the Honda center in Anaheim. Coming off the tough loss to Jackson, the hope was fighting Keith Jardine, would put the Iceman back on course. Unfortunately, this is the fight game and things rarely go to plan. Jardine would go on to be victorious by decision, and the run of Liddell as a top contender was over. He’d go on to beat Pride Legend Wanderlie Silva in an all out brawl at UFC 79, but that was all Chuck had in the tank. As he’d proceed to finish his career losing the last 3 bouts by way of knockout.
Getting the chance to watch such an exciting and violent competitor in the cage 7 times live, is something I’ll never forget. In those bouts he finish with a 5-2 record, and reached the pinnacle of the sport. From the rise to the fall it was an incredibly exciting and fun time to be a fan. We simply do not have the same individualism in the sport today. There will be other knockout artist, other fighters willing to fight everyone, but I can confidently say. There will never again be another ICEMAN!
Edited by
@lueVelvet
An event review from a fan's perspective
By Matthew “MMAHAWK” Hawkins
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
When it comes to the history of the great UFC/MMA fighters, several fighters come to mind. However, not many are immediately known by their nickname and only a handful can be recognized by their silhouette. There is one fighter for sure that fits the bill on both of those accounts, “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell. Liddell is one of those historical competitors that had both the look and skills to become great. His trademark Mohawk and vicious knockout style adhered him to fans across the globe. He was a man that wasn’t afraid to test himself against anyone at anytime. Whether it was a Vale Tudo (anything goes) bout in Brazil, his home in the UFC, or traveling to Japan to enter one of the deepest tournaments in fighting history. Chuck always competed with a technical ferocity that very few fighters that reached the pinnacle of the sport were able to combine. In my journey attending events over the years, I had the privilege of watching him compete on 7 occasions. From the rise up to the top to his eventual decline, this article will detail those fights, the atmosphere around them, and how he helped helped grow my love for the sport.
Everything changed for me when MMA was finally sanctioned in the state of Nevada. No longer would attending these events only be a pipe dream. It was a simple four hour drive to get to Las Vegas, and the shows were much cheaper to get into in those days. The same ticket that costs $150-$400 today, could be had for around $60 back then. The events became a must for me to attend as more and more were announced. The first event in Las Vegas would be held on September 28th, 2001 at the Mandalay Bay events center. The card was headlined by a light heavyweight title defense by Tito Ortiz along with two other championship fights. However there was another fight on the card that was creating a buzz prior to the event.
UFC 33 weigh in
That fight was a bout between Chuck Liddell and Murilo Bustamante. Liddell had made his UFC debut at UFC 17 and had gone 3-1 out of the gate. He then faced off with former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman in Atlantic City at UFC 31. Most people didn’t give Liddell much of a shot going into the fight due to Randleman’s previous accolades and the fact he was dropping down a weight class. Chuck however had different plans as he proceeded to knockout “The Monster” just a few minutes into the fight. “The Iceman” was born and he now would be the favorite going into most of his future his fights. UFC 33 opponent, Bustamante, was a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt that had also shown some nice stand up skills, great heart and real toughness. I was first introduced to him in an event called Martial Arts Reality Superfighting back in 1996. That night the usual middleweights (185lbs) were entered in an 8 man one night tournament. He was one of the smallest competitors but eventually worked his way to the final that evening. He found himself pitted against Tom Erikson, a 6’4 300 lb beast of a man with a world class wrestling pedigree. The fight would last 40 minutes and be declared a draw and while Erikson controlled the fight, very few times had the sport seen such an outsized individual be able to survive against such a skilled opponent. Fighting Liddell however, would be an introduction to the UFC fans and a chance to beat a new fan favorite. The fight would be contested at 205lbs and would be three five minute rounds. It went the distance and in a surprise to many fans, the Brazilian would hold his own in a very closely, contested stand up fight. There was no clear winner and as the judges were tallying the scores fans were left to ponder the result. When it was all said and done Liddell was awarded a split decision victory, and the Iceman was quickly becoming a household name. A quick turnaround would see him square off with Russian Amar Suloev, at UFC 35. After beating the very game Russian, it was now time for him to headline an event.
Liddell leaving the cage at UFC 33
That event would be the oddly numbered UFC 37.5. After already having been promoting a 38th show to be held in London, the UFC put together a 6 fight card to be held in a ballroom at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The main event would feature Liddell facing off with the incredibly dangerous Brazilian and fan favorite Vitor Belfort. The Phenom, who debuted at UFC 12, had been previously scheduled to return to the UFC at UFC 33 and 36, but injuries to himself and his opponent led to a delay. This event would also feature a fight (Robbie Lawler vs Steve Berger) that would be the first UFC contest shown live on free television. The fox sports show “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” would go live for the fight and allow much of the nation to witness their first professional MMA fight.
Liddell vs Belfort UFC 37.5
Upon arriving at the event I immediately noticed the small intimate setup. In many ways it’s how I’d pictured it in my mind and what it would feel like to be at one of the early UFC events. That night a $60 ticket got me a 5th row center cage seat in a ballroom that seated 3,700. This show was my first experience of what it felt to have tension and anticipation for a fight. The Brazilian fans always come out to support their countrymen and this night was my first time witnessing this firsthand. The crowd was split between fans of the two fighters. The first 2 rounds were very close while the crowd was switching from chants for Belfort to cheers for Liddell. There were flags of both Brazil and the United States waving in the seats as well as adorning the shoulders of many fans. The third round contained the moment that separated the two fighters. With a couple minutes remaining Liddell would land a strong right hook that would drop Belfort on his butt in the center of the cage. Although he wouldn’t be finished in the fight, the knockdown would end any real chance of controversy as the judges awarded the American the win. After the decision was announced, Chuck pointed to his budding rival, the champ Tito Ortiz, challenging him for his title. What was next for Liddell wasn’t certain, but very few expected another Brazilian.
Liddell calls out Ortiz after UFC 37.5 Victory
Now on a five fight win streak, the title fight with Ortiz seemed to be a certainty. However, as many fans of this sport can attest, nothing in MMA is certain. Ken Shamrock announcing his return to the UFC would throw a monkey wrench into the title picture. Ken’s rivalry with Tito goes back to UFC 13, when Tito debuted and lost to the Lion’s Den fighter Guy Mezger. From that point on there was bad blood between the two. Tito would go on to pound out Guy Mezger in a rematch as well as another Lion’s Den fighter Jerry Bohlander. As a result the UFC 40 title fight would be announced as Ortiz vs Shamrock. However, unlike many other fighters throughout the history of the sport, Liddell was not one to stand around and wait. With a title shot all but guaranteed for the future, he took a fight on the UFC 40 card. This bout was not just some “keep busy” fight though. His opponent that evening was Renato “Babalu” Sobral, a violent Brazilian with an impressive 20-4 record that included a win over former UFC heavyweight champ Maurice Smith. But Chuck was simply too focused and on a roll to be defeated, at this point. In one of the highlights of UFC 40, he would KO the Brazilian in spectacular fashion with a head kick. The live crowd went crazy as the Iceman went into his now recognizable victory celebration. Tito would go on to batter Shamrock later that night, in theory giving Liddell what every fan was waiting for.
The time had come for “The Iceman” to get his shot at the gold. Surprisingly enough, it would not be against Ortiz, who had decided to take some time away from the sport. Instead on June 6th, 2003 at UFC 43, Chuck stepped into the cage to face off with the former heavyweight champion Randy Couture for the interim light heavyweight belt. The event would be held at the sold out Thomas and Mack center on the campus of UNLV and was loaded with names like Tank, Belfort, Kimo, Mir, and Rizzo. However, it was Liddell however that had the crowd talking going into the event. A fairly large favorite over Couture most fans felt it was Chucks time to reach the top of the sport, and by winning, he would corner Ortiz into a must fight situation.
UFC 43 program
The fight would kick off with one off the most memorable entrances in UFC history. Mask, the leader of the tapout crew, introduced him to the crowd on the giant screen above the ramp. The lights were off and lasers filled the arena as what seemed like cold air was pumped in to add atmosphere. Unfortunately for Chuck, that would essentially be the highlight of the night for him. In an absolutely shocking performance, Instead of Liddell, it would be Couture cementing himself as a legend of the sport. Shortly after the opening bell the wrestler Couture would pick up Liddell and dump him on the back of his neck. From that point on he would continue to take down his opponent, even out striking Chuck while coming forward the entire fight. Every time Liddell would look to form some kind of offense, Randy would dump him back down to the mat. With the crowd and the mma world in awe, a takedown about a minute into the 3rd round would lead to the end. Couture would easily obtain full mount, and after landing several punches from that position, referee John McCarthy would call a halt to the bout. Couture was declared the winner and new interim UFC light heavyweight champion.
In the next UFC event Couture would go on to punish Tito Ortiz and unify the championship. Liddell on the other hand would take an invitation to compete in a tournament in the Pride Fighting Championship. A knockout win over Alistair Overeem would catapult Liddell into the final 4 of the tournament . In an absolutely loaded field he would face off with the dangerous Quinton “Rampage“ Jackson. The fight would not go Chucks way and much like the bout with Couture, would show him getting taken down and beat to a TKO finish. The upsetting tournament end would put Liddell at 1-2 in his last three fights, but set up the fight with Ortiz that he’d been craving for a few years now.
While not for a world championship, UFC 47 would give the fans a fight that everyone had been calling for. With both fighters looking to rebound from some tough losses, this fight would set the table for who would go on to be the head of the division with Couture. Unfortunately for Ortiz, it was time for “The Iceman” to earn his nickname and start a violent run through the division. In a barrage of punches he would drop the former champion, in a heap, and earn the biggest victory of his career in what was one of the most viewed events in UFC history. Liddell was back and he was on a mission. It was after that bout that I got my chance to once again see Liddell live at UFC 49, the UFC would match him against veteran Lion’s Den fighter Vernon White. The fight didn’t make much sense on paper and Liddell proved that with another knockout victory. It was his second victory in a row and earned him a rematch with Couture for the UFC gold.
UFC 40 program
When UFC 52 rolled around both Liddell and Couture where now household names. They had coached against each other on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter series and the UFC brand was growing at a tremendous rate. Couture came into the bout fresh off a destruction of Vitor Belfort at UFC 49 in which he regained his title. He had lost the belt at UFC 46 to Belfort in a fight that was stopped due to a cut on the eyelid seconds into the fight. The time was right for the rematch of the two biggest stars in the UFC at the time. The date for the rematch would be April 16th 2005 and would be held in Las Vegas. This time things would be much different than the previous bout between the two. A much more aggressive Liddell took the center of the cage and immediately came out striking. He was was not surprised this time by the punches of Couture. Two minutes into the bout after a short break due to Couture taking a finger in the eye, Chuck landed a huge right hand folding the champ to the canvas. After a few follow up shots, the fight was waved off and we had ourselves a new light heavyweight champion. Liddell immediately went into his celebration. His third knockout in a row and it was the biggest of his career. Little did we know we were witnessing the start of an epic run.
Fans were looking forward to a trilogy with Couture but first Chuck had some unfinished business to attend to. At UFC 54 he would face the man that dealt him his first loss in MMA, Jeremy Horn way back at UFC 19. In his first title defense, he would manage to avenge that loss, battering an extremely tough Horn to an eventual 4th round TKO win. That same night Couture would also bounce back with a win of his own, setting up one of the biggest trilogy bouts in UFC history.
It was Super Bowl weekend and the UFC would set the fight the night before the big game. The fight had garnished worldwide notoriety as fans wondered, if the last fight was a fluke or was “The Iceman” the new head of the class. The combination of the Super Bowl and the huge fight attracted my uncle’s interest so we packed the car for a trip to Sin City and spent the drive discussing how we could see the fight unfolding. It was however simply to hard to try to figure out who would have the advantage and what would likely happen. Couture had dominated Liddell in their first bout while years later Chuck would put him on ice in quick fashion. This was a time when the UFC was the place to be, celebrities and fans alike packed the Mandalay Bay events center. As the UFC 57 main event fighters entered the cage, the tension was thick as the anticipation for the bout had reached its peak. The match started off a bit tentative for the two combatants as they circled in the center of the octagon, knowing how dangerous the other really was. Both fighters managing to land some punches but with about a minute and a half left in the first, Couture managed a takedown. Liddell was able to get back to his feet quickly and the final minute saw both fighters landing hard punches, the heavier shots coming from the champ. We didn’t have to wait much longer to find out a victor. About a minute into the the second round, when Couture lunged in with a left hook. He would be countered with a devastating right hand from “The Iceman” that dropped Couture to the canvas. In what seemed like a replay of their second fight, a few follow up shot was all it took to get the match called. The trilogy had come to an end with Liddell retaining his championship in brutal fashion. This was no fluke and “The Iceman” stood on the top of the UFC world, and it happened in indisputable fashion. In my 6th time watching Chuck compete in the cage, I was finally able to watch him walk out the champion.
Meeting Chuck at the 1999 Cobra qualifier
Liddell had now finished four consecutive opponents by way of knockout. He was the most dangerous finisher in the UFC and he would look for that run would continue. His next two bouts would be rematches, both fighters he’d already knocked out. The first would take place at UFC 62, a bout with Babalu Sobral. Like their first fight, a Sobral would wake up with his back on the canvas, another victim of a violent Liddell finish. At UFC 66 the string of brutality would continue, this time in a rematch with rival Tito Ortiz. Ortiz would hold his own better in this fight, then in their previous encounter, but the knockout run would reach 6 consecutive. At this time there was no one in the UFC that seemed to be able to match up with the Iceman. Unfortunately for Chuck and his fans, the mma game can be a cruel roller coaster ride. The ride would take a change of course when at UFC 67, the man that knocked out Liddell in Japan a few years earlier entered the octagon.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson had signed with the UFC. After a victory over the first man to defeat him in mma, Marvin Eastman, it was time to go after the champ. That event UFC 71, would be that time. Like all greats of the sport, the end can come quickly. For Liddell his kryptonite would be Jackson. Roughly a minute into their championship bout, Rampage would land a huge left hook and put the champ down. The run was over, the UFC fans were in shock, and a new king was howling on the top of the mountain.
UFC 76 program
I’d get one last opportunity to watch Liddell fight in person. That event would be UFC 76, held in the Honda center in Anaheim. Coming off the tough loss to Jackson, the hope was fighting Keith Jardine, would put the Iceman back on course. Unfortunately, this is the fight game and things rarely go to plan. Jardine would go on to be victorious by decision, and the run of Liddell as a top contender was over. He’d go on to beat Pride Legend Wanderlie Silva in an all out brawl at UFC 79, but that was all Chuck had in the tank. As he’d proceed to finish his career losing the last 3 bouts by way of knockout.
Getting the chance to watch such an exciting and violent competitor in the cage 7 times live, is something I’ll never forget. In those bouts he finish with a 5-2 record, and reached the pinnacle of the sport. From the rise to the fall it was an incredibly exciting and fun time to be a fan. We simply do not have the same individualism in the sport today. There will be other knockout artist, other fighters willing to fight everyone, but I can confidently say. There will never again be another ICEMAN!
Edited by
@lueVelvet
Last edited:
