Chuck Liddell next fight at UFC 96 likely; unlikely against Keith Jardine
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell is more than likely going to return to the Octagon at UFC 96 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 7, as first reported here; however, a rematch against Keith Jardine does not appear to be in the works.
Liddell recently called for another crack at “The Dean of Mean,” who upset him at UFC 76: “Knockout” in September 2007 via unanimous decision.
UFC President Dana White recently shot down that plan at the UFC 92 post-event press conference. He did confirm, however, that Liddell would more than likely headline the card or at least have a spot in the co-featured fight of the night.
But if not against Jardine, then who?
Cameras caught Liddell visibly distressed sitting ringside at “The Ultimate 2008″ when Quinton “Rampage” Jackson throttled Wanderlei Silva with a vicious first round knockout. Perhaps because Liddell just witnessed two big money matches go down the tubes — Jackson now seems poised for a title shot and Silva won’t be ready in time for a March rematch after serving a mandatory medical suspension that expires in February.
White revealed that Mauricio “Shogun” Rua could be a possible opponent. The Brazilian — who is among the top 205-pound fighters in the world — is set to take on Mark Coleman at UFC 93: “Henderson vs Franklin” on January 17.
That could be a short turnaround, however. Rua is returning from a major knee injury and could need more than six weeks to recover.
Of course, the loser of the fight between Franklin and Henderson could also be possible because the winner will more than likely earn the position as coach opposite Michael Bisping on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). But, again, a lot will depend on how much damage either fighter suffers during the fight and whether or not he can return so soon.
Therefore, it appears that the promotion has adopted the “wait and see” approach when it comes to finding a suitable opponent for one of its biggest stars. Unfortunately, the window is small and the list of notable challengers is short.
Unless, of course, Brandon Vera, is ready to boogie.
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