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UFC 97: Shogun Rua KOs Chuck Liddell

By Michael David Smith
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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




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.

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