If it feels like only yesterday that Tito Ortiz was jawing at Chuck Liddell about a big fight in the UFC, that’s because it was. And now Liddell has answered back.
Speaking with TMZ Sports on Wednesday, Liddell responded to Ortiz’s claims that he come out of retirement for a trilogy fight between the two Hall of Famers, saying it was great news, if Ortiz stays true to his word.
“That would be awesome,” said Liddell. “I hadn’t seen that. Somebody said something about it but I hadn’t seen it.
“I’ll believe it when I see it, when he actually signs the contract, and then I’ll believe it again when he actually shows up to the fight.”
Liddell and Ortiz have fought twice before with Liddell earning TKO victories on both occasions. Usually fighters don’t have a trilogy bout when one competitor wins the other two fights decisively but Liddell and Ortiz began talking about the possibility of a fight recently, after Ortiz shut it down last year. Earlier this week though, Ortiz changed his tune on the potential fight and even took a shot at Liddell, suggesting he only wanted the fight because he needs money. But perhaps that bit of trash talk didn’t get the reaction Ortiz was looking for because Liddell laughed the claim of “favors” off.
“I’ll take it,” said Liddell. “However he wants to give it to me, I’ll take it. If he wants to do me a favor, I’ll take it.
“[But] I have a hard time believing [he’s serious]. He pulled out the last time. It is what it is. If he actually signs to do it, I’ll be happy.”
With both fighters seemingly on board, at this point there’s only one major impediment to this proposed fight happening: getting the okay from a commission. Ortiz says he doesn’t think anyone will sanction Liddell to fight given his age (48), that he hasn’t fought in almost a decade, and that he was been knocked unconscious in four of his last six fights.
Liddell says that’s just wishful thinking from Ortiz though and he would be shocked if he wasn’t sanctioned to fight again.
“I don’t know why I wouldn’t be,” said Liddell. “I’ve had medical exams for my mountain climbing show and I cleared with everything there so I should be just fine. We’ll have to see. If they don’t clear me, I’d be shocked. They’ve cleared a lot of people in a lot less shape than I am.
“I’ve already beat him twice. He’s probably hoping that I’ve really declined and he’s able to take advantage of that, that’s what he’s hoping for. If he actually shows up, it’s gonna be bad news for him.”
So with both parties ready and willing to fight, it’s just a matter of setting the thing up and not to be outdone with enthusiasm, Ortiz also seems excited that this might actually happen.
And it begins! Chuck Liddell: I Got Proof UFC Docs Will Clear Me to Kick Tito Ortiz's Ass Again https://t.co/083fY5Y6Cv via @TMZ @ufc
— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) February 21, 2018
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VIDEO STEW
Free fight.
This is excellent work.
Imagine telling someone in 2014 that Paulie would be a continuing story in MMA in a few years.
Dana and Ben.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands. Discussing UFC Austin and previewing UFC Orlando.
Bushido Talk. Discussing and debating the role and rules of PEDs in MMA.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
We’ll see if this gains any traction.
Project Spearhead is proud to announce that Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA ) has volunteered and will serve as the Association’s Interim Secretary/Treasurer, along with Interim President Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF ) & Interim VP Kajan Johnson (@IamRagin). #ProjectSpearhead
— Project Spearhead (@ProjSpearhead) February 21, 2018
Self-promotion.
Don’t worry ill hold my own open work out going to be
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) February 22, 2018
Vick.
Yeah show me the money and I'll take that fight in a heart beat! @ufc @seanshelby @danawhite https://t.co/40PDZDRZUX
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) February 22, 2018
I highlight reel 3 guys in a row. Then win a decision over a tough veteran but out land him 3 to 1 and haters say I ran the whole fight pic.twitter.com/tmRZPKECD9
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) February 22, 2018
Andre the type of dude who will always have his boy’s back no matter what it seems.
Cutting 30lbs during fight week although it can be done is absolute ridiculous.
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) February 22, 2018
As a small lightweight I find it shit that I could face someone who’s cutting 20% of their BW in the same division.
The health implications have got to be huge post career.
Well done @ufc https://t.co/YcgH5zTKpP
He was water loading when they weighed him. Prob just finished 2 or 3 gallons. He always makes weight. Pretty unfair for my bro. He has a family to feed.
— Andre Soukhamthath (@AndreSoukMMA) February 22, 2018
If Shorty Torres isn’t competing at UFC Chicago I would be shocked.
Here’s our campaign to get Rob n Big in #UFCChicago Help us petition to have both @RazorBlaydes265 and I fight at the United Center June 9th for #UFC225 Please like and share to help some of Chicago’s own fighters! #WeCan #WeWill #Together #WeAre #TeamShorty #TeamBlaydes #Chicago pic.twitter.com/b7lc6CqgOC
— Jose Shorty Torres (@ShortyTorres125) February 21, 2018
Heart-felt.
I was grieving over my loss this weekend the last few days. Today I’m driving someone to a detox center in Staten Island with my #AA sponsor the @NYCsobercoach... stuff like this always puts things into perspective. Things could be worse. #grateful #sober
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) February 21, 2018
This has a 0% chance of success.
Duck duck Michael bisping, I hear you but we both know you’re ducking. We saw what the WW did to you! ☕️ https://t.co/m2xxG6kfYT
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 22, 2018
Tommy Toe Hold.
We sent @tommytoehold to Australia as @YoelRomeroMMA went to check on the recovering @RobWhittakerMMA and a wild @chrisweidmanUFC appeared outta nowhere! https://t.co/8Wv0icocgI
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) February 22, 2018
Look at it.
Devin Powell has found his niche and he’s staying in it.
Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail. And sometimes @JoeLauzon knee is the hammer and your balls are the nail. @ufc https://t.co/z4mEW4IQA2
— Devin Powell (@DevinPowellMMA) February 21, 2018
Machida.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mike Pyle (27-13-1) vs. Zak Ottow (15-5); UFC 222, March 3.
Rousimar Palhares (19-8—1) vs. Aliaskhab Khizriev (11-0); Fight Nights Global, March 30.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2014: Ronda Rousey earned her first TKO victory, knocking out Sara McMann with a knee to the body at UFC 170.
Also that night, Daniel Cormier made his light heavyweight debut, battering Patrick Cummins in 79 seconds, and Robert Whittaker lost for the last time, getting knocked out by Stephen Thompson.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
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This fight totally happens this year, doesn’t it?
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