Retirement? Don't go there

My guess is that for purposes of procuring that 'juicy' story, but many outlets have peppered Chuck Liddell with questions on whether he's considering retiring from MMA, or if he should have awhile ago. Alright, maybe the Iceman has lost three out of his last four fights - two on the receiving end of spectacular knockout punches.

But like in boxing, there's a big difference between getting beat and getting beaten up. Liddell's recent efforts and desire has been questioned, but when you break down those defeats, two were when he simply got caught and the third was to Keith Jardine, an opponent who on his best night can drive anybody nuts. It's amazing how everyone forgot that his win came against Wanderlei Silva and after that fight they proclaimed "The Iceman is back!" This is what happens when you're 39 years old and measuried against you're own standard of excellence.

Here's why Liddell is far from finished: On February 4, 2006, 42-year-old Randy Couture was knocked out by Liddell in Round 2 of the rubber match of their three fights, his second KO loss to the Iceman in under a year. Couture came back 13 months later to defeat Tim Sylvia to become the UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Even after losing to Brock Lesnar at UFC 91, The Natural said he's still becoming a better fighter and blamed his loss on a bad performance, not his age.

That's where Liddell is at. I spoke with him exclusively last night about his bout with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua Saturday night in Montreal for a story running on MMAJunkie.com this week. When I asked him, one with a reputation for enjoying the Vegas nighlife, about if he's in the best shape of his life, he replied, "It's probably the first time I've ever said that." The 'R' word was neither raised nor discussed. Why should it be? He has a fight this Saturday, so let's table that until there's a reason to, like if Liddell is beaten up by a fighter finally healthy after two knee surgeries and trying to find his footing in the UFC.

Liddell has no intention of letting it get that far. Within a year or two, he intends to hold the light-heavyweight title aloft one more time. If Couture can do it, why not Liddell?