UFC 115: The iceman gets melted

For the past ten years, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell has become a household name in the sport of MMA. He is undoubtedly one of the biggest names to ever compete in the sport. Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end, and Liddell’s career looks to be over after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Rich “Ace” Franklin this past Saturday night.

Just over a year ago Liddell faced Shogun Rua. After losing the fight via first round TKO, UFC President Dana White made it clear that he hoped his good friend would finally hang up the gloves for good. But, despite the disapproval of many, Liddell wanted to keep fighting. Knowing a comeback wouldn’t be easy, he made some serious life changes and took his training more serious than ever. As fight week drew closer, Liddell looked to be in the best shape of his career and he was more motivated knowing he would have another chance to fight his long time foe Tito Ortiz. However, Ortiz was forced to pull out of the fight due to surgery and was replaced by Franklin as a coach on TUF 11 and as Liddell’s opponent. The fight between Liddell and Franklin proved to be a much more practical matchup because of Liddell’s two previous wins over Ortiz and the fact that both fighters would be looking for a win to show that they aren’t quite finished with their respective careers.

After going 1-4 in his last five fights, three of those losses being knockouts, Liddell was in need of a decisive win to prove all the doubters wrong. Up until the end of the fight, Liddell looked to be a much different fighter than we have seen recently. He came out aggressive and utilized kicks and takedowns, which had not been seen much throughout his career. One of the body kicks even broke Franklin’s arm when he blocked it. And even though it looked as if he would have a shot at winning, it wasn’t the short right of Franklin but the multiple previous knockouts he has suffered that lost him the fight. After a fighter gets knocked out once the chin begins to weaken, making every time that much easier.

Although no fighter wants to end a career with that kind of finish, Liddell went out swinging. He truly dedicated himself to this fight and did everything he could to come well prepared. After the event, Dana White publicly stated that he guarantees we will not see Liddell fight in the UFC ever again. His career may be over, but his legacy will go on forever. He helped make the sport what it is today and holds some of the most exciting finishes in the sport. We will never forget Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell.

Tags: Chuck Liddell, Dana White, Mauricio Shogun Rua, MMA, Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz, UFC, UFC 115

Category: Exclusive, UFC