Who will be Chuck Liddell's next opponent?

Question

During Dana White's most recent interview he stated that he was working on bringing in someone special (made it sound like he was signing someone from Pride). It has been widely speculated that the UFC has sign both of the Nogueira brothers (world famous BJJ experts from Brazilian Top Team) and if those rumors are true it seemed likely Chuck would face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira but just days after the interview Nogueira suffered his first KO loss resulting in a medical suspension by the NSAC, meaning he cannot fight until may 11th. So do think Dana will hold off until May? or do you think they will bring in someone else? What about Rashad Evans has he done enough to deserve a title shot? Please discuss.

Just saw a even more recent interview (after Pride 33) where Dana said that either both Rampage and Chuck will have another fight and then fight each other or Rampage will have another fight and and Chuck/Rampage II will happen in August. But other than Rampage who do you think Dana will bring in to fight Liddell?

the interview: http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=522444&highlight=dana+white+interview

Answer 1

I heard the rumor about the Nogueira brothers, I do think that would be great to have them in the UFC but for some reason I don't think they will be coming over. I think big Nog wants another crack at Fedor and little Nog has probably lost a little luster after his KO loss.

I would like to see Ricardo Arona come to the UFC. His style would translate well in the UFC and hes definitely a legitimate contender holding a win over Wanderlei Silva. That could also set up a Rampage-Arona rematch.

As for Rashad, I think he needs to have maybe 1 or 2 more fights against some tougher opposition before he gets his title shot. The problem with the 205 lb weight class is that there are the two top dogs (Liddell and Rampage) and then a lot of guys that are very close in skill level. Definite up and comers but not ready for a title shot IMO. I say if Machida beats Griffin then they should have a Evans vs. Machida fight. And if Rashad wins that then give him a crack at the belt.

There are a lot of other factors to weigh in. For example depending on how Bisbing and Jardine progress they could set up a #1 contender fight between those 3.

Answer 2

Well I just saw an article regarding Chuck's next matchup, and I believe it said that hes not going to be fighting until May anyway. And honestly, the UFC ranking system isn't exactly as complex or as accurate as the top boxing ranking systems. It may get there as the sport continues to progress, but if you have Anderson Silva enterting the UFC ranking system and getting a title shot after 1 win, then I wouldn't take the matchup/ranking system THAT seriously. Take another example: Randy Coutore vs Tim Sylvia for the Heavyweight Championship. Randy has been in the light-heavyweight division for the past few years, he officially retired, yet they call him up and ask to take on the big man for the title. I mean, Randy and Tim are both awesome, but the UFC is similar to pro-wrestling in the sense that they will put together an EXCITING matchup before they will put together two fighters that are equal in rank-statistically. Thats not a bad thing, but again, you cant take the ranking system seriously in the UFC.

That said, pretty much anyone can get a title shot in the light-heavyweight division against Liddel. The division is heated up, and its got some pretty talented fighters. Rashad has been destroying people left and right, is undefeated, and he definetly deserves a shot at Liddel for the title, that goes without question.

Despite Forrest Griffin's last loss, I believe that he should be just a couple IMPRESSIVE wins away from a title shot. He knocked out Elvis, beat Stephan Bonnar up twice, easily tapped out Bill Mahood, barely lost a split decision to Tito Ortiz at UFC 59, and was winning the fight against Keith Jardine until it went to the ground and he got KO'd. Again, if he wins another 2 more fights in impressive fassion, I believe that he should get a shot at the champion by the end of the year.

Lyoto Machida has only had 8 MMA fights total, with just one(win) in the UFC so far, so he should be out of the question for some time. Keith Jardine should be pretty close to a title shot, and Jason Lambert shouldn't be too far behind. Jason Lambert's done an ok job so far in the UFC with 3 wins, but his knockout loss to Rashad should knock him back a few notches.

Statistically, these are the top contenders for the light-heavyweight title and Rashad Evans near the top. Rampage should be out of the question for a title shot at this point. He beat Marvin Eastman in a grudge match so far, and Eastman has 3 fights and 3 loss' in the UFC so far. Big deal.

In my oppinion, Rampage should next take on Vitor Belfort, which would be an excelent test for Quinton. If you know Vitor Belfort, you know this could be an exciting matchup. Both guys are 28, and both have good standup skill.

Personally, I think Andre Arlovski should step down to light-heavy to challenge Chuck(after Andre wins another couple fights).

Answer 3

Besides Rampage there's not a lot of contenders in that weight class. Rashad Evans is not there yet. After Cro Cop wins the Heavyweight belt I'd like to see him fight Chuck. Liddell would have to add a lot of muscle for that match to take place though.

Answer 4

I think that Rampage Jackson vs. Liddell would be a great match up...Didn't Rampage beat him in Japan last year?


...put that on a ticket w/ GSP vs. Diego Sanchez and thats a pay-per-view made in heaven.

Answer 5

Kevin Jarvis

Answer 6

i imagine so! I nevertheless can not get over the actual shown truth that Rashad Evans beat Stephan Bonnar. Now I see that they are promoting yet another Griffin Bonnar wrestle, yet Rashad in simple terms beat Bonnar.