Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: The Amateur Mathematics Of Linsanity

UFC 97: Shogun Rua KOs Chuck Liddell

By Michael David Smith - Lead Blogger

Mauricio Shogun Rua knocked out Chuck Liddell in the first round of their fight at UFC 97, perhaps ending the career of the Iceman, the most popular fighter in the history of American MMA.

UFC 97 Photos

    Chuck Liddell and Shogun Rua shake hands before their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Chuck Liddell, right, punches Shogun Rua during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Chuck Liddell, right, punches Shogun Rua during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Chuck Liddell, left, punches Shogun Rua during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Shogun Rua, right, attempts to punch Chuck Liddell during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Shogun Rua takes down Chuck Liddell during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Chuck Liddell and Shogun Rua battle during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Chuck Liddell and Shogun Rua battle during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Shogun Rua pounds Chuck Liddell during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC

    Shogun Rua pounds Chuck Liddell during their match at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 19, 2009 in Montreal, Canada.

    UFC



More Coverage: Silva Booed | UFC 97 Results | UFC 97 Morning After: Shogun Rua
UFC.com: Get Post-Fight Interviews

Liddell, who just a couple of years ago was by far the UFC's biggest draw, has now lost four of his last five fights, and three of those four losses were ugly knockout losses. UFC President Dana White said before the fight that Liddell would have to dazzle him to show that he still belongs in the Octagon, and Liddell certainly didn't do that.

Liddell drew an enormous cheer from the crowd in Montreal after the fight and was asked whether he thinks this was his last fight.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "I had a great camp. I was in great shape. ... We'll see. I don't know."

I don't know either, but I think there's a pretty good chance Liddell is done. Rua said it best after the fight: "Liddell is a legend of MMA," Rua said.

Read More: chuckliddell, shogun rua, shogunrua, ufc 97, ufc97, Chuck Liddell (MMA)

Do you like this story?

Recently on MMA Fighting

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting +1 updates

UFC on FUEL Sanchez vs. Ellenberger Weigh-In Coverage

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

My First Fight: Diego Sanchez

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

UFC on FUEL: By the Odds

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

UFC on FUEL TV Weigh-In Results

AP Stats Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.

AP Stats Scoreboard data copyright © 2012 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.

OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters • Odds Shark OddsShark