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Written by Brad Monahan and Chad Dundas
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Friday, 10 June 2005 |
 From Ninja Star.tv
How do you feel about fighting Jeremy
Horn, and how did the match come about? Was it a match you pushed for
to avenge your loss to Jeremy?
Chuck Liddell - It was
known that I wanted to avenge my loss and Dana asked if I would fight
him in August. I said yes, and it was that simple. I'm excited about
it, this should be a great fight for the fans and it's my chance to
avenge my first loss.
You’ve always made it clear that your ultimate goal in the UFC was
to win the light heavyweight championship. Now that you have the belt,
how does it feel?
CL - It feels great, but now I'm looking forward to the new challenges.
How have you been spending your time since winning the title? Are you still celebrating, or is it back to business as usual?
CL - I'm out promoting MMA and Xyience Supplements. I did take a few days to party and a few to go to Disney World.
Why did your second fight with Randy Couture go so differently from
the first one? What changed to allow your game plan to win out?
CL - John (Hackleman) worked on pivoting a lot and movement with me. Also, I was in a lot better shape.
Did you do anything differently in training to prepare for the second Couture fight?
CL - I did a lot more wrestling and running.
Do you think fans will get to see Couture-Liddell III someday soon?
CL - I think it's a good possibility.
If so, what would your strategy be to face Randy for a third time?
CL - Well, we'll see what John comes up with ... '.
If you had your way, who would be your opponent for your next title defense, amongst other UFC fighters?
CL - Whoever the UFC feels should get the title shot.
You’ve made it no secret that you want to fight Wanderlei Silva. What would be your strategy be for that fight?
CL - No surprises there, we'll punch each other till one of us falls down.
Have you seen anything in Wanderlei’s recent fights that makes him look vulnerable? Anything you could exploit?
CL - Just his flash chin.
Would you be willing to go to Pride to fight Wanderlei in the Pride ring? Or would you want to face him in the UFC cage?
CL - It wouldn't matter for this fight. I don't think there will be much ground fighting or a judges' decision.
You've been training with John Hackleman for a long time. Tell us a
little bit about what he's like and talk a bit about the Pit Fight team.
CL - John's a great coach and the pit fight team is more like a family than just a team.
For those fans who don’t know, can you talk a little bit about your background in martial arts?
CL - I started in koei-kan karate-do at 12, wrestling at 14. It was kickboxing after that.
At 35 years old, you’re at the top of your game. How long can you see
yourself fighting? Will you fight into your early 40s and beyond as
some guys, like Couture, are doing these days?
CL - Possibly if I'm still able to perform.
Can you give your fans an explanation of what your head tattoo is and why you got it?
CL - It says Koei-Kan which is the martial arts style I started in first. It means a place of peace and prosperity.
Thanks for your time Chuck and good luck at UFC 54.
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