Perhaps the third time will be the charm for former UFC light heavyweight champion, Chuck Liddell, if he can get another crack at current 205-pound titleholder, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
But not if Jackson has his way ...
With two dominating wins over the "Iceman" at PRIDE: "Final Conflict" and UFC 71: "Liddell vs. Jackson," Rampage says enough is enough, according to FightNetwork.com.
Here's a snip from the champ:
"I don't know if I want to fight Chuck again. I beat him twice and I'm pretty sure he's going to try and fix his mistakes. He might try and take that number I got on him a third time. I might call it quits while I'm ahead. I don't want to fight Chuck any more. I fought him twice."
Rampage is set to battle Dan Henderson this Saturday, September 8, for the unified UFC and PRIDE FC 205-pound title at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Liddell, on the other hand, will headline UFC 76: "Knockout" on September 22 when he looks to get back to his winning ways against Keith Jardine.
UFC President Dana White has mentioned in previous reports that Liddell will need at least two wins before he get another crack at reclaiming his strap. In addition, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is believed to be next in line for a championship opportunity if he gets passed Forrest Griffin in his Octagon debut later this month.
Having said all of that, Rampage and Liddell would have to meet at some point next year if both fighters continue to win. Not to mention UFC 71 was a huge financial and marketing success for the organization, which is a factor (money) that trumps virtually any personal desires -- champion or not.
Note: This report also reveals that Jackson fractured his wrist three weeks before the rematch with Liddell in May.
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