| One of the most anticipated fights in the short | | | | Chuck Liddell needs no introduction to mixed |
| history of mixed martial arts is Chuck Liddell | | | | martial arts and especially UFC fans. He has |
| versus Wanderlei Silva. Since 2003 this on again, | | | | defeated two legends of the sport twice each. |
| off again match up has teased fans of both the | | | | With big wins over Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz, |
| UFC and Pride fighting championships, but now it | | | | Chuck Liddell established himself as the UFC's top |
| looks like the fight may be on again. | | | | light heavyweight player for much of the last |
| UFC 79 on December 29th, 2007 is the rumored | | | | three years. However, Chuck is coming off of |
| date for the fight to take place. The venue is in | | | | two losses. The first was a flash knockout loss to |
| Las Vegas and the anticipation could not be any | | | | Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, with that loss the |
| higher. It's true that both Wanderlei and Chuck are | | | | belt changed hands and Quinton became the new |
| coming off back to back losses, but when you | | | | light heavyweight champ. |
| look at those losses and the quality of opposition | | | | Chuck's second loss is more interesting. It came |
| it's clear that both of these guys are still at the | | | | to Keith Jardine, now most MMA fans would |
| top of their game. | | | | argue that Jardine is strong and tough, but Chuck |
| Wanderlei Silva has fought an absolute who's who | | | | went into that fight as the favorite. The fight was |
| of 205lb mixed martial artists and won the vast | | | | close and the judges gave the decision to Jardine. |
| majority of those battles. He's defeated Quinton | | | | There wasn't a single take down in the fight |
| Jackson twice in dominant fashion, defeated Dan | | | | meaning that Chuck, formerly the most feared |
| Henderson, Ricardo Arona, Kazushi Sakuraba, but | | | | striker at 205lbs has been beaten twice in a row, |
| has yet to face the best of the "new" UFC. How | | | | both time on his feet. |
| will Wanderlei match up against Chuck Liddell, Keith | | | | In the fight with Wanderlei Silva, if Chuck can |
| Jardine, Houston Alexander or Forrest Griffin? I | | | | keep his composure and land some big straight |
| personally think that Wanderlei's strength, power | | | | shots inside of Wandy's wild looping punches he |
| and aggression is difficult for any fighter to deal | | | | can make a short night's work. Chuck hits very |
| with. He has a wild style that could either make it | | | | hard, but most of his really hard shots seem to |
| a very easy night for Chuck, or the worst night | | | | be looping overhand rights, I don't think those will |
| of Chuck Liddell's career. | | | | be particularly effective against Wanderlei Silva; |
| Wanderlei likes to throw looping heavy punches, | | | | Chuck needs to throw straight. Also, Chuck Liddell |
| much like Chuck does, although Chuck's are just a | | | | should avoid the clinch with Wanderlei at all costs, |
| touch straighter. The difference is in the clinch and | | | | if he needs more incentive he should watch |
| ground game where I believe that Wanderlei Silva | | | | Wandy's two fights with Quinton Jackson. |
| has a distinct advantage over Liddell. If Wanderlei | | | | Let's all just hope that this fight happens as the |
| gets Chuck in at close quarters it will be a very | | | | rumors state on December 29th. I'm not picking a |
| tough night for Liddell and three losses in a row | | | | winner or a favorite in this fight, I just want to |
| may spell retirement for the "Ice Man". | | | | see it happen. |