Chuck Liddell: sports star out of time

Perhaps, it will not be a mistake to say that the leading positions in the world for mixed fights in the past and now belong to the American fighters. One of the real titans of the Octagon, the man who passed the bloody "meat grinders" of the battles, is Chuck Liddell. About his fate and sports career will be discussed in this article.

The appearance of the light

The future champion and member of the Hall of Fame UFC was born in California, the city of Santa Barbara. It happened on December 17, 1969. He was brought up by his mother and grandfather, who became the first mentor of a guy and his sisters in boxing. From the age of 12 Chuck began to study Koe-Kahn (by the way, to this day there is a tattoo on his head, paying tribute to this combat). Studying at school, the young man was the captain of two teams at once - in wrestling and in American football. It should be said that he was also quite hooliganistic, as he was often involved in scuffling.

Studying at the University

After graduating from school, Chuck Liddell entered the California Polytechnic University. In the educational institution he was made a tempting offer: he should lead a wrestling team in exchange for receiving a scholarship. As a result, the student went to meet the leadership of the university and safely for four years was captain of the national team of wrestlers.

Sport life

After receiving a bachelor's degree in economics, Chuck Liddell continued to engage in martial arts, choosing for this kickboxing. His coach was John Hackleman. Under his leadership, an ambitious American became a two-time winner of the national championship. Chuck's professional record is 20 wins and 2 losses. Liddell also practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The mentor in this direction was John Lewis. By the way, it is noteworthy that later both coaches became regular seconds of the fighter in his corner during fights in the octagon.

It is worth mentioning the technique of striking. Professional kickboxer Chuck often carried his arm quite far when swinging, while the non-standard were the angles of application. But what has always been stable is the stiffness and penetration of all its blows.

Transition to mixed fights

The debut in MMA for the American was very successful. On May 15, 1998, he made his first appearance at the UFC, defeating Noah Hernandez's decision. But in his second fight Chuck is defeated by the hands of Jeremy Horn.

In December 2000, Liddell defeated Jeff Monson, and in six months knocked out former promoter champion Kevin Rendelman.

Contesting contest

In June 2002, Chuck Liddell held a duel with the Brazilian Victor Belfort. The winner of this fight was entitled to a championship match. There was a real fight in the cage. Successful moments were for each of the fighters. But in the end, the decision went to the American.

Attempt to climb to the top

After winning the "Phenomenon" Liddell was given the right to meet with then-champion UFC Tito Ortiz. However, the owner of the belt refused to speak against the "Ice" (the nickname Chuck). Leadership of the promotion found a way out: the head of the organization announced the holding of a fight for the title of interim champion, in which Liddell and Randy Couture will have to meet.

The opposition of these two fighters can be called epic. In the first five-minute session, Couture managed to translate Liddell beautifully into the ground. However, Chuck was able to get to his feet, and the fight continued in the rack. In the second round, Randy becomes more active and more often gets his hands on. But his wrestling experience has done its job, and Liddell is again on the floor. Couture conducts the finishing from above, and the referee stops the duel, thereby awarding the victory to "Straight".

PRIDE Championship

The mma fighter, Liddell, in June 2003, had a duel with the Dutchman Alistair Overeem for the right to win the title of Japanese promotion. For the American athlete, the battle was more than successful - a bright victory by knockout.

After this triumph, Chuck met his compatriot - Quinton Jackson. Unfortunately, for the "Ice" this meeting was fatal, as he lost by knockout.

Holder of the UFC belt

Member of the team Pitfight team Liddell in April 2005 again met with Couture. This time the best was Chuck, ahead of time defeating his longtime opponent. Within four months, "Icy" had his first defense, in which he defeated his former offender Jeremy Horn. And the victory was bright: Horn refused to continue the fight in the fourth round.

Lost title

After the merger of the UFC and Pride, fate again brings in the cage Liddell and Quinton Jackson. And this time Taran was stronger. In this battle, the original stand of "Ice" let him down. After his unsuccessful attack, Liddell ran into a counter-attack and found himself on the floor of an octagon. Jackson struck with blows from above, as a result of which Chuck was knocked out.

Life outside the cage

After completing his sports career in 2010, Liddell became vice president of business development at the UFC. In addition, he acts in films, takes part in various television shows. He also owns a gift shop. Chuck is the father of two children.