By Rafael Bandayrel
After eight years away from the Octagon, UFC legend Chuck Liddell has announced that he will come out of retirement for a couple more matches.
“The Iceman” said he is targeting long-time rival Tito Ortiz before facing off with former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Liddell appeared on an episode of The MMA Hour and told Ariel Helwani that he “never stopped missing” his in-ring career.
“In my mind, I’d like to fight two good warm-up fights then I’d like a shot at Jon Jones. I’m serious I’d like a shot at him, but we’ll see,” said the former light heavyweight champion.
“I think style wise – in my prim – I would have matched up with him perfect. Right now, I don’t know but I would like to take a shot at it.”
Liddell, 48, then mentioned that he is hoping to return to the UFC by this year, possibly in November.
Jones, meanwhile, welcomed Liddell’s challenge and said he’d take the match as soon as possible.
Old Chuck has been calling me out for years! I get it, I hold pretty much every record in the division. I normally try to respect my elders but if you want it come get it. Id literally fly you out to Albuquerque this weekend.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 14, 2018
Liddell will turn 49 in December which is why he does not blame the critics for doubting his decision to unretire.
“If you don’t like it, don’t watch. Go watch the old films of me, it’s okay. It’s okay with me,” he told the MMA Hour.
Liddell last fought professionally in June 2018, when he was knocked out by Rich Franklin – tallying his fifth defeat in six fights.
