© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com

On August 20, 2005, Chuck Liddell will be putting his world light-heavyweight title on the line against Jeremy Horn at UFC 54: Boiling Point, in what many are tipping to be a very tough match.

Liddell has never been a man to dodge an opponent, so not surprisingly, it was Chuck who brought this showdown about. "The UFC were looking around for who I was going to fight next, and I suggested Jeremy. I think he's a great fighter and I don't believe he's been getting the exposure he should be getting. I don't think he's had the shots or had a break in a little while. Plus I'd like to avenge a loss (UFC 19: Young Guns) that I had several years ago," says Liddell.

Chuck has been extremely busy in the past year, with his winning the UFC Light-Heavyweight Title over Randy Couture, and his coaching of half the competitors for The Ultimate Fighter series. And Liddell says he would consider coaching for a future event: "I had a good time doing it. I'd do it again if everything were right. I think Rich Franklin and Matt Hughes just got done filming the second one."

While there were a number of "reality fighting" programs that went to air recently, The Ultimate Fighter shows were easily the most successful. And Chuck agrees these events are great vehicles for promoting his sport to the general public. "Yeah. More people get to see what we do. They let them know about the training, everything that goes into it, the personalities and stuff…"

With the second series of The Ultimate Fighter being advertised for free-to-air TV on August 6, the general public is becoming more aware of the skills involved in being an MMA fighter. At the same time, they are also realising the limitations of just being a boxer or just practising one martial art. But Chuck believes UFC champions are not yet getting the recognition champion boxers receive.

"Not quite. We're definitely not getting paid as much. And I don't know if we're getting quite the recognition, but things are changing, and we are getting a lot more attention now."

Meanwhile, Liddell is putting all his attention into defending his title on August 20.

Chuck, will Jeremy Horn's strategy be to take you down?

"Yeah, I'm sure it will be. He's going to try to take me to the ground and mix it up a little bit. But for the most part, he's going to be happier on the ground than standing up."

Are there any other old scores you'd like to settle besides this one?

"Well, of course, Quinton Jackson. But the guy I'd really like to fight is Wanderlei Silva."

Last time we spoke, you said you didn't think PRIDE would let that happen.

"I don't see it, though I hope some day they'll work it out. But they don't want to let their fighter lose his title to a guy from the UFC."

After you fight Jeremy Horn, will Randy Couture be your next fight?

"Well it all depends on whether we both win these next two fights. But if we do, there's a good chance, yeah – probably around January or February."

How are you going to beat Jeremy?

"If I have my way, I think it would make things interesting if I knocked him out. He's had over 100 fights and he's never been knocked out. And that's what I want to do."

Chuck, is there anything you'd like to add?

"Check out the fight: It should be a good one."

Your sponsors?

"Xyience Sports Supplements, Cobb 28, Tap Out, and Sinister Clothing."

For more on Chuck Liddell – www.iceman.tv or www.icemanmma.com

For more on UFC 54: Boiling Point – www.ufc.tv.

See www.knucklepit.com for more great mixed martial arts articles.