Chuck Liddell Vs Wanderlei Silva

One of the most anticipated fights in the short historyfor the "Ice Man".
of mixed martial arts is Chuck Liddell versus WanderleiChuck Liddell needs no introduction to mixed martial
Silva. Since 2003 this on again, off again match up hasarts and especially UFC fans. He has defeated two
teased fans of both the UFC and Pride fightinglegends of the sport twice each. With big wins over
championships, but now it looks like the fight may beRandy Couture and Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell
on again.established himself as the UFC's top light heavyweight
UFC 79 on December 29th, 2007 is the rumored dateplayer for much of the last three years. However,
for the fight to take place. The venue is in Las VegasChuck is coming off of two losses. The first was a
and the anticipation could not be any higher. It's trueflash knockout loss to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson,
that both Wanderlei and Chuck are coming off back towith that loss the belt changed hands and Quinton
back losses, but when you look at those losses andbecame the new light heavyweight champ.
the quality of opposition it's clear that both of theseChuck's second loss is more interesting. It came to
guys are still at the top of their game.Keith Jardine, now most MMA fans would argue that
Wanderlei Silva has fought an absolute who's who ofJardine is strong and tough, but Chuck went into that
205lb mixed martial artists and won the vast majorityfight as the favorite. The fight was close and the
of those battles. He's defeated Quinton Jackson twicejudges gave the decision to Jardine. There wasn't a
in dominant fashion, defeated Dan Henderson, Ricardosingle take down in the fight meaning that Chuck,
Arona, Kazushi Sakuraba, but has yet to face the bestformerly the most feared striker at 205lbs has been
of the "new" UFC. How will Wanderlei match upbeaten twice in a row, both time on his feet.
against Chuck Liddell, Keith Jardine, Houston AlexanderIn the fight with Wanderlei Silva, if Chuck can keep his
or Forrest Griffin? I personally think that Wanderlei'scomposure and land some big straight shots inside of
strength, power and aggression is difficult for anyWandy's wild looping punches he can make a short
fighter to deal with. He has a wild style that could eithernight's work. Chuck hits very hard, but most of his
make it a very easy night for Chuck, or the worst nightreally hard shots seem to be looping overhand rights, I
of Chuck Liddell's career.don't think those will be particularly effective against
Wanderlei likes to throw looping heavy punches, muchWanderlei Silva; Chuck needs to throw straight. Also,
like Chuck does, although Chuck's are just a touchChuck Liddell should avoid the clinch with Wanderlei at
straighter. The difference is in the clinch and groundall costs, if he needs more incentive he should watch
game where I believe that Wanderlei Silva has aWandy's two fights with Quinton Jackson.
distinct advantage over Liddell. If Wanderlei gets ChuckLet's all just hope that this fight happens as the rumors
in at close quarters it will be a very tough night forstate on December 29th. I'm not picking a winner or a
Liddell and three losses in a row may spell retirementfavorite in this fight, I just want to see it happen.