UFC-WFA Update; Liddell on Rampage -- UPDATED12/13/06

More and more details on the deal between the UFC and the World Fighting Alliance (WFA) are beginning to trickle in.

It appears that Quinton Jackson was the primary motivation behind the Zuffa MMA power play. In fact, "Rampage" is so far the only WFA fighter that the UFC has publicly confirmed will fight inside the Octagon.

Here's a snip from FightNetwork.com:

UFC president Dana White confirmed this evening that the light heavyweight standout is among the talents this acquisition has facilitated. Jackson remains one of Chuck Liddell's few and most high profile losses, dating back to the semifinal round of PRIDE's Final Conflict 2003 tournament, where Jackson eliminated Liddell via a TKO referee stoppage from strikes.

It also remains the one loss on Liddell's record that he has not had the opportunity to avenge. "The Iceman" redeemed himself against Randy Couture -- twice -- and Jeremy Horn.

Even if Chuck loses to Tito Ortiz on December 30, rest assured we will see Liddell-Jackson in early 2007. No sense in ruining a golden marketing opportunity with "Rampage" losing to someone before he fights Chuck.

We just got goose bumps.

Here's a snip from a very recent interview with "The Iceman," which was conducted prior to the UFC-WFA deal from MaxFighting.com:

MaxFighting: If you repeat and beat Tito again is there anything left for you in the light heavyweight division?

Chuck: Yeah, there's quite a few good guys out there. There's quite a few match-ups I would like them to get. Quinton, Wanderlei, and I wouldn't even mind fighting Shogun.

MaxFighting: Obviously, out of those guys the Quinton Jackson rematch is probably up there as number one or number two, right?

Chuck: *laughs* Yeah.

MaxFighting: Was there ever a time that Quinton was headed back to the UFC and then it just didn't happen?

Chuck: I don't know that there was. I thought there was an offer out there. I think he's just staying away, I think he tried to stay away from me. But, you know I hope they bring him back, I really do.

Interesting coincidence. And clearly, "Rampage" is always on Liddell's mind when he thinks of future opponents.

(Sidenote: Chuck Liddell is now the UFC Rematch King: Couture (2), Horn (2), Ortiz (2), Sobral (2) and Jackson (2). But, chances are no one is going to say boo about this one).

As for Matt Lindland, it appears there could be legal complications if the UFC acquired his non-exclusive WFA contract. The WFA contract for "The Law" allows him to coach the Wolfpack in the IFL.

And, the UFC probably wouldn't tolerate one of its best fighters fighting in other promotions. Much less with the competition.

While nothing is official, it looks unlikely that Lindland will land in the Octagon under this deal.

Having said that, it's always possible that Dana White has a few more aces up his sleeve.

We'll keep you posted on this, and any other WFA fighters who defect, when the news breaks.

**UPDATE 12/13/06

At the UFC Fight Night at Miramar weigh ins, Dana White revealed more about the UFC-WFA deal and the fighters headed to the UFC such as Rampage Jackson, Rob McCullough, Heath Herring, Ivan Salaverry and Urijah Faber. Check out the Orange County Register.

If you want to read nice summaries about what's included in the Dana White interview visit FightOpinion.com and MMAOnTap.com.