The Iceman is heading to Dublin on July 18 for a very special event so we caught up with the UFC legend to talk Tito Ortiz, the big UFC visit to Dublin and people dressing up as Chuck Liddell.
It’s not every day you get to talk to a bona-fide sporting legend so we were thrilled to chat to former UFC light heavyweight champ and all round MMA legend Chuck ‘The Iceman’ Liddell. Here’s what the great man told us.
JOE: Firstly Chuck, will the trip to Dublin in July be your first time in Ireland?
Chuck Liddell: No, I was in Ireland a few years back, just for a couple of days though. I had a great time then and I’m sure I’ll have a great time in Dublin.
JOE: So you are hosting an event on July 18, the night before the big UFC card in Dublin. What can people expect when they head along to CityWest to see you?
CL: It’s a meet and greet and we’re doing a Q & A too. I’ll be there to give out autographs and take pictures, just whatever the fans want.
JOE: And if there is one question you really don’t want to be asked, what would that be?
CL: Oh man, I get tired of questions about Tito (Ortiz). I really just want him to disappear. Did you see his last fight? It was kind of funny. He just fought a guy (Alexander Shlemenko at Bellator 120) at 170. That’s two weight classes below him [laughs].
JOE: [Ahem] So is there any chance of you getting back in the Octagon with Tito?
CL: I wouldn’t mind fighting him but I’m retired. He could never beat me but I don’t know why people would want to see it again. I’ve already done it a couple of times so…
JOE: Sounds like you are done with Tito?
CL: Yeah…
JOE: Of course, the night after your event, the UFC hosts its massive card in Dublin at the O2. What do you make of the line-up?
CL: It looks great to me. I like watching Conor (McGregor) fight so I’m excited to see him and I know Ian McCall (who fights Brad Pickett), he’s a good friend of mine so I’m excited to see that too.
JOE: Conor faces Cole Miller in the big one in Dublin. How do you see that fight going?
CL: I think Conor has a great shot. He’s got great striking and I’m hoping to see a war out there.
JOE: Is Conor as big in the US as it is here?
CL: It is hard for me to say but the way he fights means that he is going to be. He is fun to watch.
JOE: Neil Seery is also on the Dublin bill and Cathal Pendred is starring in TUF right now. Can you see more and more Irish fighters making it in the UFC?
CL: I can definitely see more Irish guys coming in. The sport just keeps growing all over the world.
JOE: Okay, before we let you go we have to ask you which current UFC champion would you like to get in the Octagon with?
CL: [Laughs] I think that’s a pretty easy question. (Jon) Jones is the only fight that would really interest me. I think styles wise I match up well with him. In my prime I don’t think it would have been a hard fight for me.
It would be interesting, he figures out people and he goes out there and he does a good job of picking them apart and doing what it takes to win. But I still have a hard time watching a guy run for the last 30 seconds of a fight. If they have you winning every round and then you run for the last 30 seconds of a fight…
JOE: Finally, we saw the superfan who dressed up in a fantastic Chuck Liddell costime at UFC Fight Night 40 the other week. Where can we get one?
This @chuckliddell costume has to be one of the coolest costumes ever! #UFCFightNight pic.twitter.com/AIjysLNH7Q
— UFC (@ufc) May 11, 2014
CL: That was crazy. The guy told me he was going to be wearing it and it was pretty funny. Some of my friends were at the fight and took pictures with him and sent them to me. It was pretty funny.
JOE: It was a pleasure to speak to you Chuck and we’ll catch up with in July when you are over in Dublin.
CL: I can’t wait to get there.
Liddell will be in CityWest for ‘An Evening with Chuck Liddell’ on July 18. General admission is just €30 but if you want to get up close and personal with the man himself, silver and gold packages can be purchased which will include a chance to meet the man himself and get a photo and signed merchandise.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at this link and for all the latest news on the event, keep it with JOE.
