Chuck Liddell Vs Wanderlei Silva

One of the most anticipated fights in the shortChuck Liddell needs no introduction to mixed
history of mixed martial arts is Chuck Liddellmartial 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 theWith big wins over Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz,
UFC and Pride fighting championships, but now itChuck 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 rumoredthree years. However, Chuck is coming off of
date for the fight to take place. The venue is intwo losses. The first was a flash knockout loss to
Las Vegas and the anticipation could not be anyQuinton "Rampage" Jackson, with that loss the
higher. It's true that both Wanderlei and Chuck arebelt changed hands and Quinton became the new
coming off back to back losses, but when youlight heavyweight champ.
look at those losses and the quality of oppositionChuck's second loss is more interesting. It came
it's clear that both of these guys are still at theto 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 whowent into that fight as the favorite. The fight was
of 205lb mixed martial artists and won the vastclose and the judges gave the decision to Jardine.
majority of those battles. He's defeated QuintonThere wasn't a single take down in the fight
Jackson twice in dominant fashion, defeated Danmeaning that Chuck, formerly the most feared
Henderson, Ricardo Arona, Kazushi Sakuraba, butstriker at 205lbs has been beaten twice in a row,
has yet to face the best of the "new" UFC. Howboth time on his feet.
will Wanderlei match up against Chuck Liddell, KeithIn the fight with Wanderlei Silva, if Chuck can
Jardine, Houston Alexander or Forrest Griffin? Ikeep his composure and land some big straight
personally think that Wanderlei's strength, powershots inside of Wandy's wild looping punches he
and aggression is difficult for any fighter to dealcan make a short night's work. Chuck hits very
with. He has a wild style that could either make ithard, but most of his really hard shots seem to
a very easy night for Chuck, or the worst nightbe 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 ashould avoid the clinch with Wanderlei at all costs,
touch straighter. The difference is in the clinch andif he needs more incentive he should watch
ground game where I believe that Wanderlei SilvaWandy's two fights with Quinton Jackson.
has a distinct advantage over Liddell. If WanderleiLet's all just hope that this fight happens as the
gets Chuck in at close quarters it will be a veryrumors state on December 29th. I'm not picking a
tough night for Liddell and three losses in a rowwinner or a favorite in this fight, I just want to
may spell retirement for the "Ice Man".see it happen.