© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com
December 14, 2007
On December 29, 2007, Chuck 'Iceman' Liddell will be going to battle with Wanderlei 'The Axe Murderer' Silva. And this war has been a long time coming.
For Wanderlei Silva, it will be his first UFC fight since UFC 25, when he lost to Tito Ortiz by unanimous decision on April 14, 2000. But there have been plenty of victories in Wanderleis 31-7-1 career, with his most recent bouts fought at Japans PRIDE FC.
And the Iceman is no stranger to the Octagon, having first competed at UFC 17: Redemption, when he won a decision over Noe Hernandez after competing in a gruelling single round, 12-minute bout on May 15, 1998.
With UFC 79: Nemesis being held on the eve of New Years Eve, both men will have to take it easy with the eggnog on Christmas day, but Chuck may also have to postpone his 38th birthday celebrations (Dec. 17) until after the fight. And if all goes to plan for Liddell, a win against Wanderlei will just be more icing on the Icemans cake.
But right now, its December 14, and Chuck is resting at home. "I just got back from a workout and Im hanging out at the house. I did swimming and sparring, and Im doing wrestling and conditioning later on tonight," says Liddell.
Things seem to be going to plan for Chuck, who admits hes thus far pleased with his preparation. "Yeah, real happy. I feel a lot sharper than I have in a long time and Im looking forward to getting back on track – winning. Its a fight Ive been looking forward to for a long time."
Chuck, is there anything youll be focusing on specifically for Wanderlei?
"Just the way I train for all opponents. We match up well together and it should be an exciting fight for the fans. I fight the way he likes people to fight and he fights the way I like people to fight. It should be a good clash."
Were you disappointed that the split decision with Keith Jardine went against you?
"I think I left it too close to really complain about it. I think I was off that night, and with the performance I gave, I dont think I could complain about the decision."
I believe theres been talk from UFC that youve been living the lifestyle of a rock star. Is there any truth to that?
"I dont know what theyre talking about or what they consider… Ive been training just as hard for every fight. I stay home for three months when Im training. I dont know if theres a motivation for their saying that, but things happen. I was off that night a little bit, but I dont think it has anything to do with my training, and theyre always going to make excuses. But when youre winning, nobody says anything."
Are you mainly working with John Hackleman for this upcoming fight?
"Yep."
You and Wanderlei are both coming off back-to-back losses and its not a title fight. Are you surprised that the fans are treating it as though it were a title fight?
"I think fans have been waiting for this fight for a long time, and obviously it would be nicer for it to happen when we both have titles, but theyve still been waiting for it to happen between the two fighters for quite a while."
It should be a great match either way.
"Yeah, I think so."
Do you believe Wanderlei will be out to prove a point for his UFC return?
"Im sure he will be, and hell be going out there to win, as he should. Ill be trying to prove that same point: that Im better than he is."
If you win this fight, will it place you in good standing for a challenge to recapture your belt?
"I think so. The winner of this fight should be right back in the mix."
Apparently theres been talk on the net that the tests for illegal substances are more stringent for UFC fighters than for fighters at other organizations, and that some of the athletes coming from other organizations havent been up to expectations when theyve competed in the UFC. Can you comment on that?
"I dont think it has anything to do with tests – I think it has more to do with talent, and the best guys should win."
So you dont think it has anything to do with other fighters being on "the juice"?
"I dont know, and I dont know any of them personally… Thats not my area of expertise either."
Youve fought a lot of five 5-minute rounds. Will the three-round fight suit you against Wanderlei?
"I dont think its going to make it through three anyway."
What do you expect Wanderleis strengths to be?
"What they always are: aggressive attitude, heavy hands, and heavy knees. I think theyre his strengths."
Youre both known as strikers. Can you see a possibility of the fight being won by a submission, or is that out of the question?
"Nothings ever out of the question. He goes after arm bars and Ill go after a choke if its there, but for the most part, I think this is going to end by someone hitting the other one."
What do you see as being your strengths?
"Obviously I have heavy power in both hands and Im good when people come after me. I like to counterfight."
Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva, and Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes; what do you think of these matches for the UFC to end the year?
"I think its a strong one, and I believe Matt Hughes vs. Georges St-Pierre is going to be a better fight than Serra vs. Hughes, because I feel Matt Serra doesnt match up as well with Matt Hughes, and I think he would have a lot of trouble keeping Hughes from taking him down."
I read youll be having your usual after-fight party for Iceman fans. Where is it being held?
"At Studio 54 in MGM, Las Vegas."
Will it flow over into the New Years Eve celebrations or will you be having a siesta between parties?
"No, I go home for New Year's. Theres less crowd and its more relaxed. People go crazy on New Year's."
Sponsors?
"Tapout and Sinister Clothing."
Chuck, is there anything youd like to add?
"Not really, man. Just come on out and watch this fight. It should be a good show."
For more on Chuck Liddell:
www.iceman.tv and www.mmajacked.com
To attend the Icemans after-fight party call 702 891 7279.
For more on UFC 79: Nemesis www.ufc.tv.
See www.knucklepit.com for more great mixed martial arts articles.
