Chuck Liddell confirms he “will fight again”, eyes showdown with Jon Jones

On Monday, former UFC light heavyweight champion and bona fide MMA legend Chuck Liddell appeared on The MMA Hour to address widespread rumors of his return to competition.

The 48-year-old left no doubt. The comeback is happening.

“I will fight again,” he told host Ariel Helwani on the show (h/t Shaun Al-Shatti).

Chuck Liddell leaves no doubt on #themmahour: "I will fight again."

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 14, 2018

Not only does Liddell say he will compete again, but he is also shooting for the stars, and is aiming for a fight with former UFC light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound frontrunner Jon “Bones” Jones in the near future. He’d just like a handful of tune-up fights first.

“To be honest, in my mind, I’d like to fight two good warm-up fights, then I’d like a shot at Jon Jones,” Liddell said, before clarifying that he’s not joking. “I’m serious. I’d like a shot at him.”

Chuck Liddell: “To be honest, in my mind, I’d like to fight two good warm-up fights then I’d like a shot at Jon Jones. I’m serious. I’d like a shot at him.” #themmahour

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 14, 2018

When it comes to “tune-up fights,” it sounds like Liddell’s first will probably be a rematch with fellow legend and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz. All signs point to this controversial trilogy bout occurring in Oscar De La Hoya’s new MMA promotion.

Chuck Liddell is very confident that Liddell-Ortiz III is happening. Says they're looking at either California or Las Vegas. #themmahour

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 14, 2018

While Ortiz is the most likely opponent for Liddell’s comeback fight, however, Liddell assured that his comeback doesn’t depend on Ortiz’s involvement.

“It does not hinge on Tito’s participation,” Liddell said.

Finally, Liddell also addressed the widespread criticisms that surround his potential comeback, which are bound to get even louder after his comments on The MMA Hour.

“If you don’t like it, don’t watch,” Liddell said. “Go watch the old films of me, it’s okay. It’s okay with me.”

Chuck Liddell on critics of his comeback: "If you don't like it, don't watch. Go watch the old films of me, it's okay. It's okay with me." #themmahour

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 14, 2018

So, why is Liddell so keen to return to the perilous world of cage fighting after so many years away? Because he misses it. It’s as simple as that.

“I miss it,” he said. “I’ve never stopped missing it.”

Chuck Liddell has not fought since June of 2010, when he was knocked out by Rich Franklin. He was also knocked out in his two previous bouts, succumbing to punches dealt by future UFC champions Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Rashad Evans. He’s 21-8 overall.

Will you be watching Chuck Liddell’s comeback fight?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/14/2018.