Liddell's dream fight finally a reality <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>A dejected look crept over Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell's face after he lost a split decision to Keith Jardine this past September. He had lost more than just a fight, and the entire Anaheim crowd knew it, too. With the loss, Liddell (20-5) missed out on an opportunity to get right back into the light heavyweight title picture and reclaim the Ultimate Fighting Championship crown he'd lost to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson a few months earlier. After dominating the competition from 2004 to 2006 — with seven knockout wins in seven appearances — Liddell suddenly had a two-fight losing streak hanging over his head for the first time in his career. But something else was on Liddell's mind. One month earlier, the UFC signed former PRIDE champion Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva (31-7-1). For years the entire mixed martial arts world clamored to see Liddell and Silva go toe-to-toe. With Silva's signing, it seemed the stage was finally set for two of the most exciting and decorated fighters in MMA history to square off. Both men had entered the same PRIDE tournament in 2003, but Liddell suffered his first of two losses to Jackson before he could face the Brazilian. The biggest tease came in July 2006; the fight was announced and the two stood inches apart in the octagon for a spine-tingling stare down. Once again fate intervened, this time in the form of a contract dispute with PRIDE management. Even though Silva's signing removed the political obstacles, Liddell's loss put the superfight in jeopardy. However, that disappointment soon melted away when the UFC nonetheless decided to make the fight with Silva, who has a two-match losing streak of his own. The two legends will finally meet at UFC 79: Nemesis on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas. "I thought I'd lost this fight" Liddell says during a recent media conference call, adding that he was "very excited" when the UFC proposed the match with Silva. That might not sound like much of a reaction, but you can hear the enthusiasm in the voice of the usually laid back San Luis Obispo, Calif., native. Now that the fight is finally happening, there are those who wonder if it's too little, too late. Liddell turned 38 years old on Dec. 17, and more than a few people are starting to wonder if Liddell has lost a step, particularly after he lost a three-round battle with Jardine fought almost exclusively on the feet, Liddell's strong area. Former welterweight champion Matt Hughes — who squares off against Georges St. Pierre for the interim 170-pound title at UFC 79 — is one person who hasn't jumped off of the Liddell bandwagon. "If you haven't had two losses (in a row), you haven't fought the right people," Hughes said, adding that "The Iceman" matches up well with Silva. The doubters certainly haven't affected Liddell's mindset, and he's confident that he can still compete at a high level. "That's why I'm still fighting," he says. Liddell adds, "When I feel like I've slowed down (to a level) where I can't compete anymore, I'll retire." One could argue Liddell lacked motivation going into the Jardine fight. His MMA legacy was already secure, with several UFC title defenses to his credit. On top of that, Jardine had been knocked out by then-unknown Houston Alexander in his previous fight. Although Liddell does admit that he felt a bit "off" on the night he faced Jardine, he says the he didn't have a problem getting motivated to face the former "Ultimate Fighter" reality show participant, and that he still has the desire to once again become the champion. Motivation won't be an issue when he faces Silva. "I'm thinking about knocking him out" and getting back into the title picture, Liddell says. Liddell knows that the winner of this fight will still be in the thick of things in the light heavyweight division, despite their recent setbacks. Conversely, a loss would mean going perilously close to the back of the line. It may be the biggest fight of his career, but Liddell isn't letting the stakes overwhelm him, calling it "another day at the office." Living up to his nickname, Liddell might actually be calmer than all of the fans, fighters, and promoters who will watch the fight unfold on Dec. 29. For those who have been waiting for years to see Liddell and Silva trade blows, they know that this fight is anything but typical.</div>
