After Dana White went on the record to tell CBS Sportsline that UFC light heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell would “most likely” face Quinton Jackson at UFC 71 it now looks like the fight may be in doubt.

After appearing very drowsy on a television show the truth came out that Liddell was suffering from pneumonia. Steve Sievert at the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the fight may be in doubt due to the illness. Here is part of the article on Chuck’s condition as well as his potential status for the May 26th fight:

“The hectic pace caught up with “The Iceman,” and the illness has put his planned May 26 bout with Quinton Jackson at UFC 71 in doubt.

“Chuck is supposed to be the headliner for that event,” said UFC President . Dana White. “This thing is growing so fast and Chuck Liddell is biggest star we have. The guy’s not stopping. He was with (UFC co-owner) Lorenzo ( Fertitta) and I three weeks ago, and he was sick then.”

Prior to the sickness, Liddell was still on the mend from torn ligaments in both a knee and finger and had yet to resume his normal training schedule.”

This may actually play into UFC’s hands given that Jackson was seeking at least one more tune up bout before taking on Liddell for the championship. “Rampage” owns the only unavenged defeat of Liddell so the match is more than intriguing. If the fight is moved from May 26th to a later fight the event loses much of it’s luster. It is currently planned to be a double main event with Liddell facing Jackson and Tito Ortiz taking on Rashad Evans.

Here is the rumored card for UFC 71:

Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
Keith Jardine vs. TBD
Karo Parisyan vs. Josh Burkman
Ivan Salaverry vs. Terry Martin
Chris Leben vs. Kalib Starnes
Eric Schafer vs. Sean Salmon

Technorati Tags: ufc, mma, UFC 71

Tags: Chris Leben, Chuck Liddell, Eric Schafer, Ivan Salaverry, Josh Burkman, Kalib Starnes, Karo Parisyan, Keith Jardine, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, Sean Salmon, Terry Martin, Tito Ortiz