I can’t imagine it not being fun to watch.”Īfter years of high-wattage lights and high drama, Liddell holds a formidable record in the sport with 16 wins from 23 fights, including four successful light-heavyweight championship defences. “Those guys should have a war and it will be a fun one to watch. On paper, it’s a match made in heaven for the fans. “I’m an Aldo fan for a lot of years, and I’m a big McGregor supporter too, and they match up well for a great fight. “I can’t wait to see it,” the 45-year-old says.

McGregor meets Aldo in Vegas on December 12 in what has been billed as the biggest fight in UFC history, and Liddell believes the hype is justified. If he keeps fighting with that style then he can do what he likes.”

“The nice thing about Conor is that if you have someone with a mouth like him who can produce fights, and actually fights the way he talks, then that’s awesome. He brings a casual observer to the sport and they get to see a great fight. “Conor talks a lot and comes out and fights a lot,” Liddell tells Sport360° when asked about UFC’s new main man. There have even been reports of him bringing a leopard on a lead into a press conference.īut to Liddell, the man whose stage McGregor has inherited, the fundamental factor for the Irishman’s famed showboating is that he is backing it up with inspiring performances in the octagon. He sports canes, top hats, straw hats, pocket watches and wears sunglasses like Karl Lagerfeld. McGregor is seen as the key to really igniting the popularity of UFC in Europe. Then came indestructible grappler Ronda Rousey – now with 13 straight wins – before a cocksure Irishman named Conor McGregor began to take centre stage. Jose Aldo was the man to win the affections of South America, with the Brazilian now unbeaten since 2005. Pierre and Randy Couture stood at the pinnacle of their sport, and were household names in America.īut despite the impressive knockout punches and submission moves, UFC’s ticket numbers, pay-per-view figures, and interest levels were still relatively low – only hardcore fans paying attention away from its US heartland.Īt times all it takes is one athlete to spark a trend and turn an organisation into a machine of worldwide popularity. Liddell – a former light-heavyweight champion – was UFC’s poster boy and widely credited as playing a key role in bringing mixed martial arts into the mainstream of US sports and entertainment.įigures like Liddell, George St.

Chuck liddell the iceman