UFC Weight Class Light Heavyweight
Is Liddell in the prime of his career?
You can't mention the UFC, without talking about the Light Heavyweight champion who may very well be the face of the organization, "The Iceman," Chuck Liddell.
When all is said and done with the 37-year-old’s career, Liddell will go down as one of the greatest Light Heavyweight fighters not only in UFC history, but in all of Mixed Martial Arts.
Liddell holds numerous victories over such fighters as Tito Ortiz, Murilo Bustamante, Renato Sobral and Vitor Belfort.
Liddell has lost only three times in his career and has in fact avenged two of his losses. Those two bouts were against Randy Couture, whom he beat twice and Jeremy Horn.
There is only one man left for Liddell to defeat. That man is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Those two men will face each other in May at UFC 71.
A victory for Liddell would leave him two choices. His first choice could be a match with Wanderlei Silva, a man who has been looking to fight Liddell for quite some time.
His second choice could be to step aside from MMA fighting. He’s not getting younger and there is not a lot for Liddell to prove.
With Liddell reaching the twilight of his illustrious career, many Light Heavyweights are jockeying for the right to dethrone the champ and be the next top dog in this powerful UFC division.
Keith Jardine- “The Dean of Mean”
This ‘Ultimate Fighter’ star has made a name for himself in the Light Heavyweight division. His surprising victory over Forrest Griffin at UFC 66 last December has propelled the “Dean of Mean” right towards the top of the division.
He also holds a victory over Wilson Gouveia and lost a close decision to Stephan Bonnar. According to MMAweekly.com, Jardine will fight Houston Alexander in late May at UFC 71.
Rashad Evans- It’s now or never
Evans has an opportunity to be the superstar in the Light Heavyweight division. Fans first saw Evans on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ (TUF) season two show, when he whipped through his competition and even had some issues with opposing coach Matt Hughes.
Evans won the TUF 2 for Heavyweights after defeating 6’ 7” tall Brad Imes. He did so via split decision.
Evans has victories over Sam Hoger, Bonnar, Jason Lambert and Sean Salmon during his time in the UFC.
Evans will face his toughest challenge yet as he takes on Tito Ortiz in July. This is a big fight for both men. But it’s Evans best opportunity to prove that he is a worthy competitor in the Light Heavyweight field.
A victory may give the Michigan State grad a shot at the title. Whether that fight is against Liddell or not is for the future to decide.
