Who’s The One Opponent Liddell Would Have Wanted To Face?
A pioneer in the world of MMA, Chuck Liddell’s career is something to behold. The Hall of Famer joined the UFC in 1998 and helped make it and the sport mainstream in the early 2000’s. A former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Liddell (21-9) has faced the very best MMA has to offer.
Is there someone from today’s UFC roster that Liddell would have loved to face? In a Q&A with MMA History Today, Liddell was asked that question and didn’t hesitate at all. “The Iceman” chose current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
“Jon Jones because I think I would have matched up well with him style wise. I would have given him trouble because it would have been very hard to take me down and I would have been landing some insane power punches during my prime. I also have a longer reach than my stats detail.”
jon jones because I think I would have matched up well with him style wise. I would have given him trouble because it would have been very hard to take me down and I would have been landing some insane power punches during my prime. I also have a longer reach than my stats detail https://t.co/QwP6mjUTHj
— Chuck Liddell (@ChuckLiddell) April 8, 2020
With 13 wins via knockout, Liddell has taken out figures like Tito Ortiz (twice), Randy Couture (twice), Renato Sobral and Jeremy Horn. Winning the Light Heavyweight Title from Randy Couture at UFC 52, Liddell defended it four times.
While recent history hasn’t been kind to him, losing his last bout in 2018 after retiring initially in 2010, the sacrifice’s Liddell has made to secure his spot has never gone unnoticed.
Jones (26-1, 1NC) is considered one of the top stars in MMA history. A two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Jones owns records for eleven successful title defenses and the most wins in the UFC light heavyweight division. While his legal issues have been well-known, it has not made anyone look past his overall skills inside the octagon.
Who do you think would win in a bout: Chuck Liddell or Jon Jones?