At most UFC pay-per-view shows, while other fighters usually make their appearances dressed to the nines in expensive suits, the fighter known as "The Iceman" tends to show up in his trademark t-shirt, blue jeans, and work boots.

That was how the Santa Barbara native presented himself when he broke into the game and was making $100 per fight, and he's still that way now, even as he collects on six-figure fight fees and seven-figure endorsement contracts.

"I'm a fighter, man," said the 38-year old Liddell. "All this other stuff, this celebrity stuff, I mean, don't get me wrong, it's good making some money now, but I'm the same person I always have been. Nothing that comes along is going to change me."

This type of focus has well-served Liddell, who has reigned as champion since a knockout win over Randy Couture at UFC 52 on April 16, 2005.

At the moment, the mixed martial arts world is abuzz with chatter about The Iceman's potential future fights, whether it be an announced-but-not-yet-finalized clash with PRIDE middleweight champion Wanderlai "The Axe Murderer" Silva, or a rematch with red-hot former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

But before any of this pans out, Liddell has a big test on his hands Saturday at UFC 62. Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout Renato "Babalu" Sobral has won 10 consecutive matches since his last loss, a first-round knockout suffered when he found himself on the wrong end of a nasty Liddell kick to the head at UFC 40 in 2002.

So for now, Liddell is leaving most of the talk about Silva, who will face Mirko Cro Cop in the semifinals of the PRIDE Grand Priz open weight tournament in September, and Ortiz, who is expected to face Ken Shamrock in a televised rematch in October, to others.

"It (the proposed Silva fight) is all speculation right now," said Liddell, who is on a five-fight win streak, with four knockouts and one TKO. "I've got other things to worry about, and Wanderlai has a couple fights on his hands. If you have to know, I like my chances with him. I think I match up well with him. I want to go toe-to-toe with him and I hope he brings it, because I plan on knocking him out. But right now, I'm thinking about Babalu."