Fighter Profile: Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell

Overall Record: 21-6

UFC Record: 16-5

Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA

Height: 6’2”

Age: 39

Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is a mixed martial artist that specializes as a striker. He has background credentials in kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and kempo wrestling. The Iceman was also a former Division 1 wrestler at Cal Poly, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in business. He currently trains at “The Pit” under legendary coach/trainer John Hackleman.

Liddell began his MMA career on the big stage as a rookie with the UFC in 1998. He went 12:00 at that UFC 17 event to earn a decision victory over Noe Hernandez. Liddell also earned notable wins over fighters such as Jeff Monson at UFC 29, Kevin Randleman at UFC 31 and Vitor Belfort at UFC 37.5. With his early success, Liddell would earn a spot opposite Randy Couture as a coach on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

The popularity of the UFC and Liddell grew rapidly as The Ultimate Fighter became a success. The Iceman began to pop up on TV, magazines and internet sites around the United States. He became the face of the UFC along with Randy Couture. His success would continue in the octagon as well.

Liddell would go on to win UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with a win over Couture at UFC 52. He would defend the title 4 more times over Renato Sobral, Jeremy Horn, Couture, and Tito Ortiz. He was then defeated by Quinton Jackson at UFC 71 in May of 2007.

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The Iceman has not been the same since he lost his championship belt in 2007. He lost his second fight in a row at UFC 76 when Keith Jardine earned a split decision win. He did show impressive skills in his unanimous decision victory over Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79. His career was back on track and ready for another shot at the title until Rashad Evans knocked out Liddell at UFC 88.

The Iceman will go down as one of the most popular fighters in UFC history. He will be known mostly for his knockouts (13), but really has skills in all areas. Liddell has never been defeated by way of a submission in his career.

The 39 year old fighter's most recent fight was at UFC 97 against talented Brazilian, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. Rua scored a TKO victory over Liddell near the end of the 1st round.

Liddell's latest challenge is taking place on ABC's Dancing With The Stars. For updates on Chuck Liddell on Dancing With The Stars, stick around here at Pro Fighting Fans as we have weekly dance recaps for Liddell and partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Recent Chuck Liddell Headlines:

• Lost to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua by TKO at UFC 97 on April 18, 2009 - UFC 97 results

• 08/17/09: Chuck Liddell prepares to go Dancing With The Stars

• 09/22/09: Chuck Liddell takes on a whole new challenge with Dancing with the Stars - Liddell on DWTS

• 12/05/09: Named The Ultimate Fighter 11 coach opposite of Tito Ortiz

• Will face Tito Ortiz at the conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter Season 11

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
Published February 2009, Updated January 2010

Photo courtesy of UFC