Chuck Liddell vs. Forrest Griffin at UFC 92 (If all goes to plan)
by Jesse Holland on Aug 27, 2008 12:55 AM EDT
121 comments
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world -- especially for fans of mixed martial arts.
Who could have ever predicted the career of Chuck Liddell would be sandwiched between two contestants from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)?
Yet that's exactly what's happened to the former light heavyweight champion, who's had an interesting 2008.
Liddell was originally scheduled to face PRIDE assassin Mauricio Rua at UFC 85 until "Shogun" re-injured his ailing knee and was forced to withdraw.
TUF Season 2 winner and undefeated light heavyweight Rashad Evans answered the call to replace Rua, but this time it was Liddell who canceled after a devastating hamstring injury.
Now fully healed, Chuck is set to honor his commitment by battling Rashad Evans at UFC 88 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, September 6.
At that time of the announcement (June), it was sort of anti-climatic. After all, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was still the 205-pound champion. Defeating Evans meant a possible autumn superfight against Shogun Rua and not the title shot for which he was hoping.
But boy have things changed since then.
Jackson was narrowly defeated by TUF Season 1 winner Forrest Griffin at UFC 86 and spent some time after the fight ranting and raving on the highway like Dr. Miles Bennell.
And Shogun somehow ended up bypassing Liddell altogether and could go straight to a Jackson rematch (from their PRIDE days) in November/December. That's assuming he can make it that long without his knee folding up like George Jetson's car.
So where does that leave the Iceman? In line for a title shot against Forrest Griffin at UFC 92, according to inside sources.
Unless of course "Sugar" Rashad Evans has anything to say about it.
Liddell will likely fight at UFC 92, but whether or not its for the gold all depends on his performance at UFC 88. At 11-0-1, Evans is no pushover and does happen to train with Keith Jardine -- one of the few men to have a victory over the Icy one.
There was a time when Chuck Liddell dismissed Griffin as a viable opponent. But that opinion has changed after the maturation of Griffin as both a fighter and a UFC ambassador. From the Man of Ice in his chat with UK's The Sun:
"So after [Evans] I want the title shot, yeah. I was asked about fighting Forrest when he won the Ultimate Fighter three years ago, and I said he’s not ready and I’d beat him up. But he’s ready now and it would be a great fight."
Chuck has to beat Rashad Evans to get to Forrest Griffin. I almost can't believe the words even as I type them. But that's an indication of how far the sport has come and also how successful the TUF product has become.
Successful enough to drive out established stars like Chuck Liddell?
We'll find out at UFC 88 in little more than one week ... or possibly beyond on New Year's Eve weekend.
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Well, for one, this is a worthy opponent. Unlike Rashad “Overrated” Evans. Well I guess any champ is worthy enough to face the Iceman!
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 1:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No, I’m not…What made you say I’m joking? Forrest is the LHW champ, right? If you still can’t accept Rampage’s loss, then welcome to reality.
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When in the hell am I going to get some Koscheck New’s Damn!!!!
by Chase on Aug 27, 2008 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was the “overrated Comment” Because Rashad is a damn good fighter. Hes def not Overrated.
by B.D.W FAN on Aug 27, 2008 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rashad is tough as hell, do u think he’ll wilt under the icyone’s blows?
by THORAZINE on Aug 27, 2008 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well sorry guys, that’s just my opinion. Rashad is OVERRATED!!…And as for Chase, hope you get your Koscheck news soon!…Peace out guys, I’ll smoke some weed first. Catch you later!
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Negation lol, everyday i hope that they will have some news about him . Mabey tomarrow? have fun smoking lol.
by Chase on Aug 27, 2008 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chase: Kos just got hit by a bus! (I wish)!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 7:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cro Cop vs. Alistar Overeem Official for SEptember 23, DReam 6
by john on Aug 27, 2008 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana said that Rampage will without a doubt fight before the end of the year, as early as Nov 15th.
I have a confession to make, After some long thoughts (during me getting BAKED) I have come to the conclusion that I think I want to BANG Chris Cyborg! I know she isnt all that pretty, but I cant help[ myself because she is just so damn BAD ASS!!!!
Sorry, just had to get that off my chest!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
John be getting all silly when he wake and bakes!
In the past 30 seconds I read that Kos got hit by a bus and that John wants to bend Cyborg over. That is just fantastic, and not one of the first thoughts I want entering my brain first thing in the morning… LOL
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ROFL! Wow man! Instead of bangin’ Conviction, you wanna bang Cyborg instead! I guess that’s what you get from your jui-jitsu classes!!
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO! Yeah, I get goofy when I wake n Bake! I been up since 5 am smoking trying to finish this presentation for one of today’s classes. My bad!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
john-
Nothing wrong with wanting to bang someone w/ a hot body who happens to have a halloween mask face.
I feel the same way about Misty May-Treanor. She has a hot body but that mug of hers could singe my eyebrows if I stared at her long enough.
That’s what doggy-style was invented for!
by OJR on Aug 27, 2008 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO OJR!! Of Course I want to SLAY Carano, but thats all we hear on this site. I am the sick F**K that wants that wild chute BOx Bitch!~
by john on Aug 27, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s very dangerous when you start talking about your next fight instead of the one right in front of you. If Chuck is looking past Rashad…he’ll be making a big mistake. I’m not saying Rashad is going to win but if Chuck is not 100% focused on this fight he could find himself on the losing end of a decision. Rashad is undefeated and I know he hasn’t fought the best there is but there is still something to be said about being 16-0-1 in this sport and being 6-0-1 in the UFC no matter who the opponent…is still impressive.
by Buster Bluth on Aug 27, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post Buster Bluth. I totally agree. I still think Chuck will win, but you are so right about that. It is a very bad move all together.
by enzo-enormous on Aug 27, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet contest!!! You can win a Hummer from Chuck. Ummm…the vehicle, that is.
by chefdaddy on Aug 27, 2008 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I clicked on the link for the contest and I don’t see anything about the contest. But I did find out that Machida has recently signed with IcemanRX…
Where on that site do you go to enter the contest???? If I were to luckily win that hummer, I would get a new paint job done faster than KJ Noons runs away from Nick Diaz. I wonder if there is some fine print legal mumbo jumbo about how you must leave the vehicle painted as is. Since its supposed to be a marketing tactic – you advertise for IcemanRX everywhere you go. If I was offered that hummer with that paint job for free, but had to leave it as is and drive it everywhere I go, I would DECLINE the offer. Anyone else?
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With how much gas costs, a free hummer would be more of a curse than a gift!
by khemtawe on Aug 27, 2008 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
W/e you guys are full of it, you’d take that hummer in a second. Besides I’d go on a Rampage and ditch the hummer, everyone would think Chuck went crazy this time.
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Aug 27, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Chuck and Rampage should both forget about the octagon, get into their respective behemoth vehicles and go at it in a demolition derby.
by PW on Aug 27, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
John: LOL!!!! I baked a bit this morning before heading into work.. but bro.. where does your mind go when you burn?? but I have to say Cyborg.. when she fought in that pinkish type skirt.. when she was in Blazer’s half guard.. her legs and butt looked ripe!!! Her butt did look like two ripe peaches..Her face.. hummmm. but her body.. woah!! hahahahahahahaha..
by PhilQNY on Aug 27, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol@ cogito, I WOULDN’T want the hummer! I’d sell it and take the cash! I already have a V8, and think hummers are really ugly. The only hummer I want is a) the one my wife gives or b) the old school ones that look like they just came off the battle field!
by kevin doesn't know shit on Aug 27, 2008 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the one BJ Penn has is tight.. the military official jump off.
by PhilQNY on Aug 27, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with Chuck getting a title shot…back to back wins against Wandy and Rashad for a former legend of MMA is not completely off base… Altough I think Rashad is going to win.
by Robert on Aug 27, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what the fuck is going on. at the same time, forrest and chuck would put on an amazing show.
by bradpittfightclub on Aug 27, 2008 1:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im starting to feel sorry for Machida. He defidently should be next in line.
by Amos on Aug 27, 2008 1:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That title shot line really is qeueing………..
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Machida is FOR SURE the forgotten man in this equation and it comes as no surprise to me. Its almost as if someone behind the scenes does not want Machida to get a crack at the title, hmmmmmmmm… It really stinks for Machida that Shogun is fighting Rampage (most likely). Because with a win, Rampage would get a title shot. They wouldn’t be able to give Shogun a title shot with that one win. UNLESS he absolutely annihilates Rampage like he did in Pride AND Forrest beat Chuck, then I suppose they could promote a rematch with a healthy Shogun. But more than likely, if Shogun wins, he would have to go through the winner of Machida/Thiago Silva first to get a crack at the title.
I have been imagining Chuck vs Forrest taking place at the end of the year for a few weeks now.
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana’s always talking about putting together fights people want to see. Someone mentioned a few months ago that Machida wasn’t going to get a fair shake because he wasn’t exciting enough for the casual fan. It seems like this is exactly what’s happening. I would love to see Forrest vs. Chuck. I think it would be a great fight, but I definitely think Machida is getting shafted and lost in the shuffle.
by DSmith on Aug 27, 2008 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DSmith, 100% agree with you. He is not exciting to the casual fan and therefore gets left out of the equation.
Can’t blame Dana though, UFC is a business!
by WB on Aug 27, 2008 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re; WB’s post, the UFC is a business but that is kind of the problem, they need to be more of a governing body to preserve the integrity of the sport, the fact that they don’t have legitimate rankings and give deserving fighters shots when they’re earned is hurting the sport of MMA and giving critics ammunition. Imagine if the NBA just kept putting the Lakers in the finals because they are “exciting” or “popular”.If we expect MMA to be looked at as a legitimate sport then we need to expect it to behave like one. Giving Chuck a title shot if he beats Rashad would be a travesty, Rashad IS NOT a ranked fighter, he HAS NOT beaten ranked fighters, draw with Tito?(not top ten),split decision over Bisping?(not even top ten at MW), Jason Lambert?(nuff said), Sean Salmon?(who?)his best win was over Bonnar and that was a majority decision. Chuck beat Wandi, that fight was awesome, but he lost to Jardine, the only way he should get a shot is to beat someone at the top of the heap period. Silva, Machida, Rampage,Shogun, Henderson…
by The_Cannibal on Aug 27, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unlike the NBA, fighter rankings are highly subjective. The Lakers reached the Finals because they won three consecutive best-of-7 series. In MMA, if Fighter A beats Fighter B, Fighter B beats Fighter C, and Fighter C beats Fighter A then who gets the title shot? I suppose they could always come up with a mathematical ranking system similar to the BCS in college football that accounts for wins, stoppages, opponent’s record and opponent’s opponent’s records, etc. But governing bodies haven’t exactly helped boxing too much, and nobody wants the sae thing to happen to MMA. Well, except for the boxing governing bodies.
by PW on Aug 27, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree that we must be careful empowering people with regard to ranking fighters we definitely do not want another WBC,WBA,IBF,WBO, etc.. situation but a ranking system, like the BCS would not be a bad idea or we could just use common sense… for example, Jardine(A) beats Chuck(B) then Chuck(B) beats Wandi© then Wandi© beats Jardine(A), who gets a title shot… none of them, they don’t have consecutive wins, give it to someone more deserving, or if we have to use one of these three then you take the two people coming off of wins and rematch them for a title shot, in this case Chuck vs Wand for a title shot…it’s only as difficult as we make it, if you put together wins against ranked opponents you get a title shot, it’s not rocket science.
by The_Cannibal on Aug 27, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…assuming he wins his next fight. and if not i think Thiago silva should get it.
by Amos on Aug 27, 2008 1:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
whats interesting is that I read an interview wit THiago Silva and he said that the reason he took the Machida fight was because a title shot was promised to the winner. No one wanted to fight Machida, Dana promised a title shot so Tiago stepped up.
But nopw there is talk of Chuck being next in line with a win. wTF?
If they screw over the winner of Machida/silva they will have some pissed of Brazilians on their hands and rightfully so!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
john-
The UFC would rather push their poster boys (Chuck/ Griffin) than give a deserved a title shot to the winner of Machida/Silva.
Don’t be surprised if Chuck is fast tracked to a title shot before one of the Brazilian Badasses!
by OJR on Aug 27, 2008 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys are such hypocrites… Machida has not lost yet that is great… he has also not beat anyone.. I mean Tito Ortiz is his big win… plz you are the same people saying Ortiz is washed up and nothing so he doesn’t even get any credit for that… like this guy really deserves a title shot.. maybe if he beats a big name like chuck or wandy or shogun or rampage or forrest I could see him getting one, but as of right now that’s a joke that he deserves one
by Kory on Aug 27, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
damn OJR and John…hes actually right…machida is a very good and well on his way to top fighter status…but having 3 wins against very bad low rankers and a wins over a soukudjou who is still inexpereinced and a win over a washed out tito..and fighting a guy like thiago whos beat a bunch of one dimensionals and low rankers…both od these guy with a win at ufc 89 will definetly get them very close to a title shot…they both need a real top contender big name before escalating to title shot…lets face it griffin beat shogun an rampage and lidell will have wins over wanderlei silva and possiblty evans…evans and a top 5 guy yet. but he is definetly there with machida if not..fartrher up the latter than him.
by santiago69us on Aug 27, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do not believe that the winner of this fight will get a title shot. If Machida wins, I’d say that he deserves it with his impressive win streak.
But the fact of the matter is that neither of those two fighers have ever fought someone that is ranked in the Top 5 of the division. Machida is in most Top 5’s and Thiago Silva is just starting to appear in the Top 10 on most people’s lists. His most impressive win to date is against Houston Alexander…
There are just sooo many marketable fighters in the LHW division that the UFC is finding it very difficult to offer an unmarketable fighter a shot at the title. Do I agree with them holding down Machida? NO, but I do understand their reasoning.
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand, but I dont like it! This is a sport, and excitement should take a back seat to “DESERVING”! For years I had to watch the boring Spurs in the NBA finals and NOBODY watched those games. But its a sport so thespurs played for the title because they deserve it.
Machida is the Spurs of the UFC. Let the man fight for a title. Dont over look his win over SOKO! At the time Soko was a top 10 LHW, although Machida made him look ametuerish!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And they say Anderson Silva is the Michael Jordan of MMA!!!…I totally disagree though about what Mike Goldberg said, that Travis Lutter is “Jordanesque” in his jiu-jitsu skills. That title belongs to Big Nog for now I think….Or let’s say Gracie is the MIchael jordan[old school] and Big Nog is Kobe Bryant[new skool].Hehehe!!
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol to the Gracie Jordan comment cause its true, on his return he got schooled by Hughes.
Anyway enough joking, Machida is being saved by the UFC. Imagine if he fought for 5 rounds everytime. I think it’d be harder for him to make it to decision hence him getting KTFO. I think I might be in the minority here but Machida definetly deserves a shot at the title after Thiago but he did not deserve a shot before that. Also IMO he’ll lose to Thiago so he won’t deserve a shot period… you guys can think what you want but this is what I see happening and nobody will have much to say afterwards when it looks like the UFC made a good decision in not giving him a title shot. Also everyone complains about the fighters not being marketable, it is up to the fighters to do this. I personally don’t think Tito was great during his title reign but he sold himself like a champ. Talk some trash, maybe call some people out, or try to make a fight exciting. All of these things can be done to improve your marketablilty and the UFC doesn’t hide that when you give to the fans they give to you. Fighting not to lose and fighting to win are two different things and fighting on your opponents level usually means fighting not to lose. Machida needs to do what he did against Soko to Thiago if he really wants a title shot. Best of luck to both of them because niether is overrated but both of them don’t sell, maybe one can make a highlight reel of the other.
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Aug 27, 2008 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Jordan wasn’t that great either after his second or third unretirement, so the comparison is apt.
by PW on Aug 27, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks PW, thats the reference I was making. It was the Gracie return during the Hughes fight, much like when Jordan came out of retirement.
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Aug 27, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jordan is the greatest of all time. These comparisons are not only inapt but muddy at best.
When Jordan unretired the 2nd time he was knocked out of the playoffs by the Orlando Magic who then went on to lose to the Houston Rockets.
He then led the Bulls to 3 consecutive championships.
He unretired the 3rd time and came back as a Washington Wizard.
He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free throw line. Even though he turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times.
On February 21, 2003, Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 43 points in an NBA game.
Class dismissed.
by OJR on Aug 27, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, nice stats there. Kudos!…I’m just stating what John Anik[about Silva and Jordan]and Mike Goldberg said, hehe!!
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems like no one is giving Rashad a chance. I want Chuck to win but I am not going to count out any fighter…. especially an undefeated one.
by RyanHobbs on Aug 27, 2008 1:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol, i love your nicknames for chuck “the icy one” “man of ice”
machida is not an entertaining fighter, although he wins, he reminds me of tim sylvia
if machida actually engaged tito could have even beaten him
sadly hes the only other contender, besides chuck or even possibly evans
by mitt romney on Aug 27, 2008 1:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you watch Round 1 of Tito vs Machida? 30 more seconds on that clock and it would have been a TKO loss for Tito.
by Sean_M on Aug 27, 2008 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya machida got that and that nice knee in the 3rd round i think
but tito came to put on a show for his last fight under the ufc, and machida back peddled most of the fight, hes supposed to be a better striker and better on the ground, but he wouldnt engage, he did have parts of the fight where he did damage, but otherwise very boring
in another article he had the nerve to say he fights aggresivelly, when everyone damn sure knows he doesnt, its better to lose a fight and put on a show for the fans, then to win and be boring
just my opinion
by mitt romney on Aug 27, 2008 3:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mitt, I think tito was the one not pushing the pace.
by linx on Aug 27, 2008 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is truly a JOY to watch the t3echnical abilities of Machida. Watching a fighter avoid being hit for 15 minutes will tagging up his opponent is very impressive and fun to watch!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree john, a lot of people might find him boring, but I love watching him work.
by Toms Bombs on Aug 27, 2008 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have come to the conclusion that in most cases, definitely not all, that the people that enjoy wathcing Machida fight are people that have been a fan of the sport for a loooong time. And the people that hate on Machida’s style are still rather new to watching MMA.
Being someone that watched the initial UFC tournaments back in the day, I have come to love Machida’s style. Any fighter that has a style that can not be emulated instantly grabs my attention!
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I confess to liking Machida’s style because I am a big boxing fan as well. His style in MMA is reminiscent (sp?)of the Sweet Science at its best. Float like a butterfly (elusive) and sting like a bee (counters) !!!
by OJR on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toms, VM, and OJR: I am in complete agreement!
VM: u made a great point and I feel the same way. I think the newer fans dont apreciate Machida’s game. For a while, you and me didn’t either, in time we learned to appreciate what OJR, refers to as the Sweet science that is Machida! I too love fighters with styles that can not be copied. THis guy is an amazing fighter, his english is improving. He is a highlight win or two away from becoming an accepted mainstream star!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ViolentMike, I have to agree with you. When I am watching with any of my friends or family that are watching an event, simply because I paid for it, they all say “this guy [Machida] is boring” or “why do you like this guy?” but mostly, “where’s the guy with the mohawk?” So I try my best to explain what he’s doing and why. I am usually not succesful. I for one, love watching that kind of fighter. Machida is bringing a different type of offense to the cage, and has proven to have been succesfull so far.
by Jrandolph on Aug 27, 2008 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Machida is the prodotype of the stand up MMA fighter of the next generation along side Anderson Silva.. Some of todays elite MMA fighters (BJ Penn, GSP, Urijah, Torres, Fedor.. are going to help inspire breed a new batch of fighters in the years to come. I believe that.
by PhilQNY on Aug 27, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so many rumors ,so little time .
What about that super card with
bj penn vs gsp
W.Silva vs Q.Jackson
A.silva vs C.Liddel
What Happened to that rumor.
by B.D.W FAN on Aug 27, 2008 1:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brazilian bruiser Anderson Silva is happy to fight British bulldog Michael Bisping in his own backyard.
Silva says he would be happy to travel to these shores and defend his UFC world middleweight title against ‘The Count’.
It’s the kind of mouth-watering match-up that will give Bisping even more of an incentive to beat Chris ‘The Crippler’ Leben at Birmingham’s NIA on October 18.
Silva said: "I would like to fight Michael Bisping in his home country in front of all of his own fans.
"That is the kind of challenge I would like to take on. I would enjoy going somewhere overseas like Britain to fight."
Silva is one of the most feared men ever to climb into the octagon, winning all of his seven contests since joining the UFC just over two years ago.
The 23-year-old has been thinking of moving up to the light-heavyweight division but is now likely to stay a very considerable force in the 185lbs ranks.
He makes the next defence of his title against American Patrick Cote at UFC 90 in Chicago on October 25.
Silva is a firm odds-on favourite to win, but Cote insisted: "I think I have the best style to beat this guy.
"I have a good chin, I’ll go forward and I won’t be scared of him like many of his opponents have been."
Meanwhile, Marcus Davis, the American of Irish descent, will be aiming to make it a hat-trick of wins over Brits in his next fight in October.
The former professional boxer tackles fast-rising Scouser Paul Kelly on the UFC 89 bill topped by Michael Bisping in Birmingham.
Top British UFC fighters Jason Tan and Paul Taylor have both failed to go more than a round against Davis.
But Kelly said: "Beating Davis will really get me noticed in the States and underline I am here to stay.
"I fear nothing and nobody and I always come to fight."
by Tony on Aug 27, 2008 1:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sure do love seeing posts where i learn somethin, buuuuuuuuuut if bisping and silva do go at it. we all know what will happen
by medecine balls on Aug 27, 2008 3:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fighting in england shouldnt be a big deal. Silva comes from the english based organization, Cage Rage. He has had numerous fights in England. UFC should capitalize on that match up. That match up should help them profit in England, something they havent nailed to a T yet!
by john on Aug 27, 2008 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony, did you copy / paste that from somewhere? because the age for Anderson is transposed.
Andrson vs Bisping… LOL
by ViolentMike on Aug 27, 2008 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bisping still has to get by Leben!
Think that fight is going to be a war, both dudes love to swing.
by WB on Aug 27, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
first Bisping lost to Rashad…second Cote is from Canada….nice cut and paste hijacker…
by jintao on Aug 27, 2008 1:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well bisbing right when the bell would ring against silva would be no cuaght lol
by shawnizzle on Aug 27, 2008 1:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it would be a well deserved title shot if you ask me, who has machida beat that is title contention level so far?? Nobody, maybe once he beats Thaigo (if that is the case)he might then have a shout!
theres no way chuck would duck machida if he was champ, and theres no gain for chuck to fight him right now, its kinda lose/lose situation to fight machida!
I see chuck becoming champ and maybe rampage v machida for no1 spot. Or wandi v rampage 3 and machida could face the likes of Henderson/Franklin2/shogun (would they fight?). either way theres loads of opportunities, machida has to earn his title shot though, just cos hes undefeated doesnt mean he deserves a title shot, exactly the same as Rashad and thiago. None of whom have beat top 6 opponent as yet!!!!!!
by mo on Aug 27, 2008 2:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anderson Silva has gotten so good he has figured out how to travel back through time and is now only 23. Eat your heart out Fedor.
by Amos on Aug 27, 2008 2:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya I noticed that too. Last time I checked he was 33 but Silva continues to amaze us all with what he can do in and out of the octagon.
by GSP4Prez on Aug 27, 2008 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The old man pushes everyone out of the way with his barley gut and gets a shot at forrest. Thats almost as shocking as Kimbo fighting some geriatric flabby titted Shamrock. You have ur day in the sun but eventually u will have to fight someone who matters. Then u will lose and maybe fight a bunch of tuf rejects and get another shot at the title. I told u he would NEVER fight anderson silva.
by Harry Triangle on Aug 27, 2008 2:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
when did the title shot turn into the DMV? chucks great, dont get me wrong but a title shot? NO. hes not first in line! give lyoto a shot so when he wins it there will be a real challenging title holder. someone the rest of the weight class, actually needs to look up to.. like silva or pierre. it seems to me dana just wants chuck to be champ and is screwing over better fighters to get it!
by medecine balls on Aug 27, 2008 3:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. But its not a secret that Dana has a soft spot for Griffin, Chuck and Rampage.
by OJR on Aug 27, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, it’s a hard spot. Ewwww, I just grossed myself out!
by PW on Aug 27, 2008 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want to see this fight, but I do agree, in that there are other guys due for a shot.
by Jrandolph on Aug 27, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is pretty obvious the winner of machida vs thiago deserves it more, but chuck is getting old, machida and thiago can wait..
by shamo84 on Aug 27, 2008 4:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dana and chuck or good friends . If your good friend wanted a title shot you’d better hook him up ASAP. Thats what friends do for eachother .
But Yeah Machida should be the #1 contender after he highlight reels thiago silva.
by B.D.W FAN on Aug 27, 2008 4:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i want chuck to win, but im going to bet on Rashad, well if i lost my money then im happy anyway that chuck wins this one.
by mad_drummer on Aug 27, 2008 6:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the jinx is on…chuck loses decision due to Jackson camp gameplan
by McArthur on Aug 27, 2008 7:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know this is a bad way to look at things but…. Rashad is only undefeated because Tito grabbed the fence and got a point reducted. Otherwise he has a loss to Tito, who Chuck has dismantled. I know, its all about match-ups. I’m just a Chuck fan and biased, lol.
by bassy on Aug 27, 2008 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Or Tito doesn’t grab the fence, Rashad takes him down at will and pounds out a TKO or gets a 29-28 decision.
by PW on Aug 27, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i am so glad you pointed that out, everybody is always saying of if tito didnt grab the fence he would have won but in reallity your right tito would have been on his back getting pounded on for the rest of the round on his was to losing the decision to rashad
by matt on Aug 27, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
UFC loves to create another american hero: comeback story of iceman! just like what they did with randy
by KAS on Aug 27, 2008 8:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am a fan of both Liddell and Machida. I believe both fighters are deserving of a title shot. Liddell was the most dominant lhw champ, received 2 losses, and beat Pride’s most dominant champion w. silva. If Liddell beats evans who is undefeated, I think he is a deserving contender. Liddell has always has entertaining fights.
Machida is very dangerous and very technical. I thought his fight vs. ortiz was entertaining and really showed how good he is. I think the fans win, whether liddell or machida fight forrest for the title. The obvious choice for ufc management will be Liddell for the $. I’m happy either way.
by Paul on Aug 27, 2008 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
obviously machida would get the winner of the lidell vs griffin fight probably next year in may
by bryant on Aug 27, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you’ve got 2 be kidding! there’s alot of other fighters that deserve a title shot & CHUCKY CHEESE is not one of them! the one & only reason he’ll get this shot is because he’s danas BITCH!! it’s time 2 let other top fighters a chance at the gold!!
by neon on Aug 27, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IF this fight does go ahead & Chuck were to win would Forrest be the shortest reigning LHW Champ?
by UKmmaBOY on Aug 27, 2008 9:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You must be drunk…Have a toke…!;)
by TheNegation on Aug 27, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys realize that chuck has beat Wanderlei Silva prolly in the top 5 and Evans in the the top 10 lhw’s. I say beating two top 10’s is a really deserving thing to get a title shot. Just my 2 cents. And by the way I say if Machida destroys Thiago give him next shot but if he pulls of another descision make him fight one of the top Light hevies.(RAMPAGE, SHOGUN, WANY) Something that can set him up perfectly.
by Jared on Aug 27, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He also lost to Jardine.
Jardine has beat Forrest and Chuck, thats two top 10 LHWs, so maybe he should get a title shot before Chuck?
Who has Machida lost to?
Who has Thiago Silva lost to?
Chuck has not earned it, he is #3 or #4 in LHW rankings as far as I’m concerned.
But he is #1 in PPV sales so that means a lot more to the UFC than winning fights.
by DirtyML on Aug 27, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am glad people are starting to talk about the Machida/T. Silva fight. I really believe this will be fight of the year. Both these guys are the two most underrated fighters in the LHW division. And i personally do not find Machida to be a boring a fighter at all. He is extremely intelligent and patient and that’s why he is undefeated. I think a Machida/Liddell fight would be great.
by silva/fedor on Aug 27, 2008 10:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If you want to enter to win the IcemanRx Hummer H2 go to amazon.com and buy 1 unit of IcemanRx and you will automatically be entered to win!
by IcemanRx on Aug 27, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If I take that stuff will I increase my knockout power?
by Chadx23 on Aug 27, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it will increase the number of young blonds you party with
by medecine balls on Aug 27, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chuck liddell is gonna get his belt back!
by Sir_alan on Aug 27, 2008 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chuck’s going to get his aura back after running through Rashad, Forrest, and Machida(maybe)!! Its kind of weird because Chuck was Forrest’s coach on TUF1. They’re practically friends. Also, Machida’s sponser is icemanRX. The chuck symbol is on his gi! I can’t believe they’re already planning this fight before the Rashad fight is not over with yet! HAHA! I don’t care if he gets a shot! He’s a highlight reel artist! and we need more of those!
by kama kaze on Aug 27, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wouldnt you take free money too?? Seriosuly though, I’m really hoping that Chuck can deliver a spectacular KO once again after waiting for so long and no KOs…I’ll admit I did really enjoy the fight with Wanderlei, but I want to see a KO (Wanderlei to Jardine style)….and I expect nothing less from Chuck in this fight. I hope he comes out hungry because last time I expected Chuck to KO someone..(Jardine), he made me look like a fool and got beat split decision
by Chadx23 on Aug 27, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that Jardine loss was devastating. basicly… anybody who doesn’t want to see trademark Chuck at his best, knocking fools out swinging fully automatic, is not a fan of mma. just because he didn’t KO wand, doesn’t mean he forgot how. it just means wand has a good chin. rashad is another guy with a good chin. no offense to him, but I hope Chuck puts him down in the usual fashion!
by kama kaze on Aug 27, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
id have to agree 100% Chuck is the highlight man
by Sir_alan on Aug 27, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After chuck gets the belt back i say chuck fights chuck norris and we see who the real chuck is.
by Sir_alan on Aug 27, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yawn.. selling PPVs apparently makes you #1 for a title shot now.
Yawn.. selling PPVs apparently makes you #1 for a title shot now.UFC should just admit they arent serious about finding out who the best is, or take Chucks nuts out of their mouth.
by DirtyML on Aug 27, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a stupid prize, a stupid hummer. You have to be making a lot of dough to be able to afford to drive that beast, apparently you only get 3 miles to a gallon, that’s right a gallon!
by Danny on Aug 27, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
bla bla bla bla bla……. the amount of shit talkers on here is beyond a joke! seriously! Yous spout shit and back it up with hes dana’s pal hes not #1 contender. Get f#‘#’#ng grip chuck liddell has beat more top ten fighters than any other ufc fighter fighting today!!
Machida cant possibly be #1 as he hasnt yet beat a credible top ten opponent, until he beats, wandi, rampage, shogun, liddell, griffin,thiago (IF???) he beats him…. he is not deserving and thats the facts lads!! Liddell is as deserving as rampage was if not more, if beats rashad so stop the bullshit spouting and grow up!!!!!!!
by mo on Aug 27, 2008 5:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree mo, chuck has beaten more top 10 fighters then most in that division, or in the whole ufc. If he does beat rashad come sept 6th, then i agree he should get that title shot, he is ranked third in the world, beating number 5 silva, and beating an undefeated fighter 16-0 in the lightheavyweight division sshould give him that shot. On the other hand that division is so mixed up right now that its hard to determine who should get that shot. To me Chuck is the number one contender, next to him would be lyoto machida. Makking chuck and lyoto fight would just be too long of a wait to see a lightheavyweight title match. It would be almost like the show. But this is just my opinion you know what i mean. If chuck loses to rashad evenas, chuck will prolly drop to number 7th or even 10th on the ranking list, but honestly guys do we see this happening?
by Sir_alan on Aug 27, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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