In recent months, it was speculated that UFC legend Chuck Liddell would be making a announcement on his future. Our Fight Hub TV cameras caught up with the former 205lbs champion a few months back in which Liddell told us he would meet with UFC president Dana White to decide his future. It seems he has finally made up his mind as he announced today that he is officially retired from UFC.
“I love this sport, and I’m ready for a new chapter in my career,” he said. The new chapter will involve the former champion dealing in the operation aspects of the company as he was made Vice President of Business Development.
“He’s now on level and on par with all the top executives,” UFC president Dana White said at today’s pre-UFC 125 press conference at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Liddell, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Business School graduate will be involved with the development of the UFC and will attempt to spearhead the company’s expansion internationally.
“He’s seen this sport evolve and he’s going to be very involved,” Said UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta
Liddell leaves behind a legacy of helping the sport move more into the mainstream. With a professional record of 21-8 record, including winning the light-heavyweight title in 2005 16 wins in the organization remain a UFC record, and the peak of his popularity coincided with the UFC’s move into the mainstream.
Liddell, who turned pro in 1998, made his MMA and UFC debut at UFC 17. He won the UFC’s light-heavyweight title in 2005 against Randy Couture and made four consecutive title defenses before losing the belt to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 71.
