Chuck Liddell Officially Retires From MMA

Chuck Liddell

(photo courtesy Zuffa/Josh Hedges)

Former UFC light heavyweight champion and fan favorite Chuck Liddell has officially retired from the sport of mixed martial arts.

Liddell stood before the media and the fans today at the pre-UFC 125 press conference, emotional from the decision, but also very thankful to all the fans and supporters he had over the years.

Though Liddell’s run in the UFC 205 lb. division may be over, his involvement with the company is moving forward. UFC President Dana White announced today that “The Iceman” would be taking over the role as Executive Vice President of Business Development, stating that Liddell is “on par with all the top executives.”

When asked if Liddell’s longtime rival Tito Ortiz was made a similar offer, White chuckled and asked for the next question to be asked.

The 29-fight veteran’s career, which began over a decade ago, has been one of the more illustrious and notable ones in the history of mixed martial arts. Liddell earned the UFC light heavyweight title against Randy Couture at UFC 52 and defended it four times after that victory. However, when he lost five of six, including four devastating knockouts, White pressed for Liddell to retire, and it seems “The Iceman” has finally come to terms with work outside the Octagon at the age of 41.

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