Chuck Liddell And Tito Ortiz Have Signed Contracts To A Third Fight
Ortiz is looking for redemption 12 years after their last encounter.
As first reported by ESPN, Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell have signed a contract with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions to conclude their trilogy, with a fight scheduled for later this year. The event will mark the former champion boxer's first foray into promoting the sport of MMA, with the exact date and venue for the event still yet to be confirmed.
Two of the biggest stars of MMA in an era where the sport was still on the fringes of mainstream recognition, Ortiz and Liddell had a storied rivalry during their time in the UFC. Initially, the pair were training partners and friends, but that all changed when then-champion Ortiz appeared reluctant to fight Liddell. The two would eventually go on to meet twice in the cage, at UFC 47 and 66, with Liddell emerging victorious via knockout on both occasions. The two were scheduled to meet a third time in 2010, but an injury to Ortiz meant Liddell fought Rich Franklin instead.
Both men are now in the twilight years of their careers, with Ortiz aged 43 and Liddell 48. If recent form is anything to go by, it would appear that Ortiz has the advantage, The Huntington Beach Bad Boy last stepped in the cage in 2017 during a successful stint with Bellator MMA where he went 3-1. Liddell, on the other hand, hasn't fought since way back in 2010 when he retired after being knocked out in his final three fights.