Though UFC President Dana White stands by his recommendation that former champion Chuck Liddell remain retired, the company’s head honcho acknowledged the possibility of a return bout Saturday night.
Speaking at the UFC 102 press conference, White said that Liddell texted him repeatedly Saturday about fighting; the UFC President anticipates a discussion about a return fight when Chuck is “done dancing [on “Dancing with the Stars”].”
White is nonetheless uninterested in a fourth Chuck Liddell vs. Randy Couture battle. While White believes Couture, who recently signed a six fight extension, could still be a “monster” at Light Heavyweight, he appeared unconvinced that a battle with Liddell is the right Couture fight at that weight class.
Couture, who was happy with his display, the crowd reaction and the quality of the UFC 102 main event despite losing to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, said that he has yet to make a decision on his next fight. “I’m interested in interesting fights,” said Couture, who said there are intriguing potential opponents at heavyweight and at light heavyweight (he did not reveal their identities).
— Though the epic Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira stole the show, it was not the only major fight on the card. Nate Marquardt improved his Middleweight status with a big knockout victory over Demian Maia, one he called the best victory of his career.
Nonetheless, Marquardt, who was unwilling to call Maia his toughest challenge to date, did not demand an immediate shot at Anderson Silva’s UFC Middleweight Championship (he and Dan Henderson are viewed as the top contenders), instead claiming that he will be excited for any bout he is given.
— Jake Rosholt, who defeated Chris Leben via arm triangle submission, acknowledged the role crowd-pleasing plays in shaping a fighter’s game plan. Rosholt admitted that despite his clear wrestling advantage, he wanted to stand to demonstrate his striking ability for the UFC and its fans. When push came to shove, however, Rosholt ultimately went for a third round takedown that helped him seal the deal on Leben.
— Dana White said that UFC’s next event in the Pacific Northwest will be a Seattle show; he anticipates returning to Portland after that event.
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