A dream matchup that has been a hot topic in the mixed martial arts world for years, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell (20-4) against Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer Silva" (31-7-1) fight is finally going to happen.
And although this is a matchup that would have best served the sport if it would have happened a few years ago, this is a prime example of "better late than never."
This fight was close to taking place in 2003, when Liddell was sent to Japan as the UFC representative to fight in a tournament in the now UFC-owned Pride Fighting Championship.
They each won their first fight in style with first round knock outs in August of that year. Liddell made quick work of kickboxer Alistair Overeem and Silva flattened Kazushi Sakuraba to advance to the semifinals of the competition set for November.
But it was not meant to be, as Liddell was TKO’d by Quinton Jackson. Silva was able to defeat Judo-expert Hidehiko Yoshida by a unanimous decision and then TKO’d Jackson for his second victory of the night and the tournament title.
Again a couple years later rumors of the fight began to swirl and they even had a staredown in the Octagon after a UFC promotion, only to have the deal squelched, this time on paper.
The reasons for the fight not taking place varied depending on which fighter or organization the story was told from. The main thing was that the match seemed to be lost.
But after years of speculation and failed negotiations, in the words of UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer, “It’s time.”
There are more reasons than not that this battle should still take place.
Liddell and Silva are two of the most-explosive strikers in the history of MMA and have compiled very impressive wins, many of them devastating knock outs, over some of the most-talented fighters to ever grace the sport.
Both prefer to keep their fights standing, but have very contrasting styles.
Liddell is a counter-puncher and usually capitalizes on opponents chasing him, only to be put down with KO power that can come from any limb. He doesn’t waste a lot of energy or movement setting up shots or wearing down opponents. Liddell’s strikes are thrown with vengeance and meant to destroy.
Silva comes from the famed camp in Brazil known as Chute Box. For anyone that has never seen a fighter from this camp fight, it is truly a treat and has produced some of the best fighters in the sport.
Some past and present fighters include current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Thiago Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and brother Murilo “Ninja” Rua.
It is quick and violent. These fighters go straight at an opponent, often times risking themselves with some wild and relentless striking. At times it can even look somewhat sloppy.
Both Silva and Liddell are also coming off back-to-back losses and with each losing a title during that run.
Jackson TKO’d Liddell in May to win the UFC light heavyweight title. Liddell was then upset by Keith Jardine in December by split decision.
Silva’s two losses came at the hands of Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic and Dan Henderson in Pride.
Filipovic KO’d Silva with one of his patented head kicks and Henderson won the Pride middleweight belt by KO’ing him with punches.
And if each fighter wanting to redeem himself after two consecutive losses and losing a belt isn’t enough to promise a war, a genuine dislike for each other and cementing their place in history as arguably the premier striker in this generation of fighters should get your blood pumping for this war.
So at UFC 79 on December 29, it will finally be settled.
But it was not meant to be, as Liddell was TKO’d by Quinton Jackson. Silva was able to defeat Judo-expert Hidehiko Yoshida by a unanimous decision and then TKO’d Jackson for his second victory of the night and the tournament title.
Again a couple years later rumors of the fight began to swirl and they even had a staredown in the Octagon after a UFC promotion, only to have the deal squelched, this time on paper.
The reasons for the fight not taking place varied depending on which fighter or organization the story was told from. The main thing was that the match seemed to be lost.
But after years of speculation and failed negotiations, in the words of UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer, “It’s time.”
There are more reasons than not that this battle should still take place.
Liddell and Silva are two of the most-explosive strikers in the history of MMA and have compiled very impressive wins, many of them devastating knock outs, over some of the most-talented fighters to ever grace the sport.
Both prefer to keep their fights standing, but have very contrasting styles.
Liddell is a counter-puncher and usually capitalizes on opponents chasing him, only to be put down with KO power that can come from any limb. He doesn’t waste a lot of energy or movement setting up shots or wearing down opponents. Liddell’s strikes are thrown with vengeance and meant to destroy.
Silva comes from the famed camp in Brazil known as Chute Box. For anyone that has never seen a fighter from this camp fight, it is truly a treat and has produced some of the best fighters in the sport.
Some past and present fighters include current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Thiago Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and brother Murilo “Ninja” Rua.
It is quick and violent. These fighters go straight at an opponent, often times risking themselves with some wild and relentless striking. At times it can even look somewhat sloppy.
Both Silva and Liddell are also coming off back-to-back losses and with each losing a title during that run.
Jackson TKO’d Liddell in May to win the UFC light heavyweight title. Liddell was then upset by Keith Jardine in December by split decision.
Silva’s two losses came at the hands of Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic and Dan Henderson in Pride.
Filipovic KO’d Silva with one of his patented head kicks and Henderson won the Pride middleweight belt by KO’ing him with punches.
And if each fighter wanting to redeem himself after two consecutive losses and losing a belt isn’t enough to promise a war, a genuine dislike for each other and cementing their place in history as arguably the premier striker in this generation of fighters should get your blood pumping for this war.
So at UFC 79 on December 29, it will finally be settled.
casey.meinberg@news-jrnl.com
Also for other mixed martial arts news, opinions and podcasts, visit http://www.myspace.com/code3fightclub
Another great article. I can't wait for this event! Ive got Silva over Chuck in this one. Im rooting for GSP to beat Hughes again. 2008 looks to be another big year for MMA!