The "Iceman" returns for Week 2 of "Dancing with the Stars"

Chuck Liddell receives praise for his hard work and performance in week 2 of DWTS

Chuck Liddell and his 28 year-old partner, Anna Trebunskaya surprised many by surviving the first round of cuts and advancing into tonight’s second week of competition. During the first week of dancing, which saw Macy Gray (singer) and Ashley Hamilton (actor) fall by the wayside, Liddell performed the foxtrot earning scores totaling 16/30. This week Liddell and his Russian partner performed the Tango, finishing in trademark “Iceman” fashion.

The longtime UFC veteran began his routine wearing only dress pants and suspenders as his partner Anna slowly pulled his suit jacket over top of his shoulders. At the conclusion of their routine, performed to White Stripes “Seven Nation Army,” the Iceman struck his customary Iceman “X” as his partner removed the jacket from his frame. Similar to last week, Liddell performed with choppy moves, however Liddell looked considerably better than last week.

The fans again gave Liddell one of the loudest and longest applause and the judges were complimentary of Liddell, although his scores were again near the bottom of the group totaling 19/30. Snowboarder Louis Vito and actress Melissa Joan Hart accompanied Liddell at the bottom of the list with scores of 19.

This week, Chuck took the stage in the third position after swimmer Natalie Coughlin and actress Hart. Australian director/producer/writer Baz Luhrmann, who was filling in for regular Len Goodman, finished his comments by saying, “I thought it was fantastic.” Fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba was complimentary for the second straight week adding, “The dance had impact,” continuing by saying, “I love that you fully committed to it . . . it was sexy but kind of scary, which is I guess kind of good.”

The best was saved for last as regular judge Bruno Tonioli summed it up best by saying, “I can say I see the work you put into this. You really worked very, very hard. You did all the steps OK, they were not perfect. But you are really a competitor. I really want you to stay in this. Please vote for this guy, he’s amazing.”

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Last week, head judge Len Goodman was the one that challenged Chuck to get in touch with his “feminine” side after a not-so-great foxtrot. Liddell ignored the advice when performing the straight forward tango, figuring to be right up “The Iceman’s” alley. Liddell agreed saying before his performance, “The Tango is as close to my world as possible.” “If I can hit all my moves, it’s going to be down for the count.”

If you would like to see “The Iceman” continue to improve and stay on the dance floor please contribute your 8 votes by calling 800-868-3402 or by logging on and voting on ABC.com.

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer