Caught with his hand in the “Sugar” bowl

UFC 88 main event Chuck Liddell was a matchup that was sure to not disappoint fans with the explosiveness capabilities of both fighters.  Rashad’s pre fight interviews were tauntalizing as he called Chuck “old”.  His taunts didn’t end there.  Rashad Evans continued to show off and taunt Chuck Liddell in the octagon in the first round.

While Round 1 seemed to be setting up the infamous style of Rashad Evans’ recent fights with his “hit and run” tactics that seemed to be putting the fight into an eminent decision status.  InfiniteX here at MMA Chump’s terms were “chicken sh*t”.  I disagree.  I think Rashad was gaining confidence as stated by Rogan throughout round 1.  Every time Liddell missed and Rashad moved, it gave Rashad the confidence needed to throw punches.  Round 1 ended with a toss up on who you would give it to, setting me up perfectly for my split decision prediction.

In Round 2, Liddell started with a slight cut on his right eye and it was clear that Rashad felt more comfortable in this round.  Exchanges were more frequent and looked as though the action we were waiting for was soon to come.  It was soon to come but probably from the opposite side than most of us thought.  Chuck leaned in for a left hand uppercut while Rashad came with an overhand right.  Chuck’s uppercut missed while Rashad Evans landed his haymaker clean on the Iceman laying Chuck Liddell out for the count.  Liddell fell motionless on the mat without an ounce of movement.  Herb Dean quickly called the fight after Liddell hit the mat.

Where does this leave Rashad Evans?  Well it clearly puts him at the top of the list to fight Forrest Griffin.  Dana White had been quoted saying a win from Liddell would get him a title match against Forrest but will the same be true for Rashad?  With his undefeated record it’s hard to deny him a shot.

Where does this leave Chuck Liddell?  This is a question that will remain up in the air.  Many are already saying that it’s the end of Liddell’s fighting career.  While retirement might be the way he should go, Liddell is a fighter and I think we’ll see him in the ring again.  Against who is still up in the air.  Losing his last 3 of 4 fights, it does put him in a situation for a “must win” against whoever he fights next.  Personally, I would love to see Liddell vs Rampage again but that could be setting up the Iceman for 2 straight losses.

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