Posted on 12/30/2006 12:52:16 PM

UFC 66 Fighter Profile - Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell

By Darren Cora

If you look back at the carreer of Chuck Liddell, you'll notice one very significant consistant characteristic.

He goes to where the fights are.

And it doesn't matter where you start looking, he has left behind him a trail of defeated superstars all over the globe.

If you scan thoroughly the record of this current UFC Light heavyweight champion, you will also see a significant number of TKO victories. A unique stat, but considering the unique nature of his fighting style, somewhat appropriate.

Imagine for a moment you yourself were in the octogon, and you were facing another savage mma ass kicker...and you were dreaming. Think of the coolest way to win this fight. Would it be a rear naked choke? A triangle? Arm bar? Or, would you take the Rocky way out. Would you swing for the hills? Imagine having the ability to hurl wild punches, as hard as you can. The kind of punch that you only see in video games and movies. The overhand left that starts behind you, at waist height, and proceeds to knock your opponent right out of his shoes and flat on his ass.

Well, meet Chuck Liddell.

 

To say say his ability to strike is superhuman would almost be an understatement. There are countless fighters that could be considered amazing strikers in the UFC. Fighters whose power, accuracy and speed can systematically dismantle any defense. But that conventional technique is rarely considered spectacular, even in the mixed martail arts world of almost negligent gloves and startling knockouts.

Liddell is an anomole.

He fights like its a dream, like he will actually land a barrage of flailing fists and elbows. Its unnatural. As a conventional striker, I see his success with this technique as an impossibilty. Going against every fundamental I have known about tight, accurate controlled punching.

This guy is an animal.

Tito Ortiz found out the hard way in 2004. He trained with Liddell but I'm certain never experienced what he is capable of unleashing in even the most heated sparring sessions.

In their first fight, when Chuck eventually began unleashing on Ortiz, it was game over. Tito - or anybody for that matter - cant hang with Chuck Liddell's striking ability. UFC 66 will undoubtedly end the same as the first bout between these two. Tito needs to get the fight to the mat, but Chuck's sprawl and takedown defense are second to none. Tito might have been a decorated collegiate wrestler...but so was Chuck. Tito might have an advantage with his intense ground and pound, but good luck getting Liddell to give that up to you. Tito, for the majority of this match, will have to bang with Chuck.

And that's all bad for the bad boy.

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Darren Cora is a freelance columnist and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room and BetUS.com Radio Show. To email Darren, send your comments to faceoff@betus.com.