Report: Chuck Liddell Chose Keith Jardine as UFC 76 Opponent
According to a recent report former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell was asked to choose from Keith Jardine, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Kazuhiro Nakamura, and Lyoto Machida. Liddell reportedly opted for Jardine based on his popularity but I’m sure his quick KO loss to Houston Alexander at UFC 71 helped make up his mind. Here are some quick notes about each of the potential opponents:
- Keith Jardine – 12-3-1 MMA record. 2-2 in his last 4 fights with wins over Forrest Griffin and Wilson Gouveia and losses to Houston Alexander and Stephan Bonnar.
- Mauricio “Shogun” Rua – 16-2 MMA record primarily in PRIDE. Has 4 straight wins over Cyrille Diabate, Kevin Randleman, Kazuhiro Nakamura, and Alistair Overeem.
- Kazuhiro Nakamura – 11-6 MMA record winning 3 of his last fight. Lost his last fight in December 2006 to Mauricio Rua.
- Lyoto Machida – 10-0 MMA record with 2 wins in the UFC over David Heath and Sam Hoger.
Of the above list I believe a matchup between Liddell and Machida and Liddell and Rua where the only real main event fights. A main event fight on a pay-per-view between two fighters who are coming off of loses doesn’t hold the allure it did just several months ago when Liddell was the light heavyweight champion and Jardine had won 2 straight fights While I don’t think the match between Liddell and Jardine is a main event caliber match I think the UFC can market it into one and it is still a fight a lot of fans are looking forward to. The fight should be a good brawl and could position either near the top of the light heavyweight division.
Tags: Chuck Liddell, Keith Jardine
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I would like to say that chuck is a b**** but realizing that he probably did not have free choice……up yours dana
I agree with the first comment.. I mean I still think dana should push for the Liddell vs Wanderlai fight.. eventhough silva pussed out. But look at it this way eventho jardine was knocked out by very skilled fighter in Houston Alexander, He could stand up with chuck in this fight..
But i am behind dana 100% but he had some good choices there but limited
dont knock this fight man…..didnt jardine shock the world when he KO"d forrest….dont count him out yet i give him a good chance at winning this fight…although thats a long shot in hell in tryna dominate liddell and if liddell was smart who would know by now that after the rampage fight that he cant throw those wild bombs like he used too….props to him for doing it as long as he did….but i cant wait to see how this fight plays out…id call it at 2nd round tko for jardine
Of course Chucks gonna pick no jaw Jardine.As much as we like to think of these guys as warriors they also wanta get paid and if you get your face smashed by Shogun’s knee or hit upside the dome with a round house by Machida there goes the money.
are you guys serious, jardine barely won, if it wasnt for the kicks he’d of bee n pummeled, plus hes gun shy liddell is still the man