Chuck Liddell 101

mannywankenobi · 01:51 PM

While Chuck Liddell is all the rave, I'm gonna speak my piece and let the chips lay where they fall.

Babalu

Babalu is still a great fighter. So was Couture, and many other people that Chuck has KOed. Everytime Chuck wins in dominating fashion, knuckleheads try to downplay Chuck's accomplishments by acting like his opponents are not great fighters or something. Stuff like "Couture is too old", "Babalu is just a grappler", "Horn was too small", "Tito was poked in the eye", blah, blah, blah... Whatever, people. Those guys are all upper-tier. Chuck is just that good, folks. Quit making lame excuses.

Chuck vs. PRIDE

So Chuck hasn't defeated PRIDE's best, therefore it's still debatable on whether he's #1. OK, there's some validity to that argument. But guess what? That goes both ways. Silva hasn't defeated UFC's best. Just like everyone likes to bring up the "what if Chuck faced Rogerio, Shogun, Arona, etc.." How about "what if Silva faced Tito, Babalu, Couture (before he retired)?

"Why does everyone stand and trade with Chuck?"

I keep reading this over and over again. Don't you guys get it by now? It's Chuck's game that causes folks to stand and trade with him. Nobody is stupid enough to just shoot in on Chuck because they know he has some of the best takedown defence in the world. So they have to be hesitant with him or he'll punish them if they fail a takedown attempt. That means they're forced to stand with him some. And then the way Chuck purposely leaves his hands down creates the temptation to try to tee off on Chuck. The problem is, Chuck has a granite chin. So he'll let you come in and you might even get a punch or two in on him. The problem is, once you're close enough to punch Chuck, he's close enough to punch you. And when Chuck punches you, it's nap time. So that's the reason folks. Nobody in their right mind wants to stand with Chuck. But Chuck is so good at what he does, he makes them have no choice.

Chuck vs. Fedor

Chuck has been my favorite fighter since way back when everyone thought Tito was god and hardly anyone even knew who Chuck even was. So it's been very pleasing for me to see him rise to the top. But c'mon guys. Fedor? Credit where credit is due. Fedor is the most dominant fighter in the world today. Chuck is close in "the most dominant department". Maybe 2nd. But Fedor as #1 should be no question.

How to beat Chuck

Obviously, you want to get Chuck down. But nobody is gonna take Chuck down if they keep letting him lure them in and trading wildly with him. Does anybody study Chuck's fights? Babalu made the exact same mistake Couture did. Chuck is a counter fighter. Stop being the aggressor. Fight fire with fire. Play the counter fighter right back at Chuck. And let Chuck chase you instead of vice-versa. That will open up your oppurtunity to take Chuck down. How do I know this? Easy. Watch the Rampage fight. Rampage laid the blueprint on how to beat Chuck.

Chuck's evolution

Speaking of the Rampage fight, you're blinder than Stevie Wonder blindfolded if you can't recognize that Chuck has improved by leaps and bounds since his loss to Rampage. So Silva can improve since his fights with Vitor and Tito. But Chuck can't improve? Baloney! Objectivity folks. Do you have any?

Chuck vs. Silva

Honestly, I think Chuck would take it. I know you Silva fans will attack me just saying that. But Chuck is the ultimate counter-fighter. Silva is the ultimate-aggressive fighter. Chuck feeds off that aggression. I see Silva looking for an oppurtunity to go after Chuck. Chuck giving Silva what he's looking for by leaving his hands down. Silva going for it, because it's in his nature as an aggressor. Silva landing a few shots but not connecting hard enough to KO Chuck because of Chuck backpeddling so much. And then "BOOM!" Yet another, well placed, awkward looking, crazy, but pinpoint accurate punch that would drop a horse by Liddell.

Too bad that fight might not happen. But regardless, give Chuck his due. He is an elite. Possibly #1 at 205. One of the best in the world.

Imac27 · 08-27-2006, 01:35 PM

well said

ermolnar · 08-27-2006, 01:36 PM

awesome. too bad no one will care because people on sherdog blindly hate chuck

you make a good point, though...and even though chuck hasnt faced Pride's best in Wandy and little nog, he fought overeem, mezger, and rampage, with a 2-1 record, two by KO.. Wandy has fought UFC fighters in Vitor and Tito and lost on both counts.

While morons will say that Rampage beat chuck and would beat him again, they also cling to the fact that wandy's losses dont count and Wandy has improved tenfold..

in a match up between the two of them, someone will get TKO'd or KO'd. there is no doubt in that. I lean towards Chuck but I tell you I wouldnt put money on either fighter.

**Q mystic** · 08-27-2006, 01:39 PM

Good post. But...

How to beat Chuck? You do still need to be the aggressor tho. Only very slow and methodical stalking will do it. Think long term not 'this' round. I know it is a cliche but like Fedor.

mannywankenobi · 08-27-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q mystic

Good post. But...

How to beat Chuck? You do still need to be the aggressor tho. Only very slow and methodical stalking will do it. Think long term not 'this' round. I know it is a cliche but like Fedor.

I agree. Just like Rampage did. But Chuck is like the serpent in the garden of Eden. He makes the apple too tempting to resist by leaving his hands down. And then "Kapow!" He puts you to sleep.

But yeah, you're right. Patience is the key to beat Chuck. But then again, the Horn fight comes to mind. So you still have to be careful with Chuck.

**Q mystic** · 08-27-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ermolnar

awesome. too bad no one will care because people on sherdog blindly hate chuck

you make a good point, though...and even though chuck hasnt faced Pride's best in Wandy and little nog, he fought overeem, mezger, and rampage, with a 2-1 record, two by KO.. Wandy has fought UFC fighters in Vitor and Tito and lost on both counts.

While morons will say that Rampage beat chuck and would beat him again, they also cling to the fact that wandy's losses dont count and Wandy has improved tenfold..

in a match up between the two of them, someone will get TKO'd or KO'd. there is no doubt in that. I lean towards Chuck but I tell you I wouldnt put money on either fighter.

Nothing to take away from Chuck, as he does seem the one to beat but it is deceptive imo regarding the fighters in Pride. Guys like Rampage, Silva and Shogun do seem to have good striking to where they will get him down. Styles make fights and I think those 3 have the styles. Not saying they would win but I don't tthink it is definite that Chuck is better.

W.A.S.P · 08-27-2006, 01:46 PM

just watched the fight via youtube.. wtf is babalu stupid, i'm gonna try and outstrike liddell wtf i thought for sure maybe he would take his chance getting caught shooting for a double leg but oh nooo he had to trade well he got what he gets

**Q mystic** · 08-27-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannywankenobi

I agree. Just like Rampage did. But Chuck is like the serpent in the garden of Eden. He makes the apple too tempting to resist by leaving his hands down. And then "Kapow!" He puts you to sleep.

But yeah, you're right. Patience is the key to beat Chuck. But then again, the Horn fight comes to mind. So you still have to be careful with Chuck.

Nice, I am embarassed that I didn't even think of Rampage. Good eye.

Seems like Chucks recent opponents got a little too excited and 'got in there' while Chuck was still fresh. Horn seemed to go well that way but just didn't have the power or takedown ability that some top 205ers have to do the stalking.

W.A.S.P · 08-27-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q mystic

Nothing to take away from Chuck, as he does seem the one to beat but it is deceptive imo regarding the fighters in Pride. Guys like Rampage, Silva and Shogun do seem to have good striking to where they will get him down. Styles make fights and I think those 3 have the styles. Not saying they would win but I don't tthink it is definite that Chuck is better.

the rampage that beat chuck was a different rampage and a diferent chuck same with vitor and wandy so lets forget about it

mannywankenobi · 08-27-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W.A.S.P

just watched the fight via youtube.. wtf is babalu stupid, i'm gonna try and outstrike liddell wtf i thought for sure maybe he would take his chance getting caught shooting for a double leg but oh nooo he had to trade well he got what he gets

You should read my point under "Why does everyone stand with Chuck".