by Sherdog.com Staff
It was a stunning sight to see Chuck Liddell lying unconscious in the Octagon.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion had made a career of knocking out opponents, but he was the one beaten in September after Rashad Evans had connected with an overhand right in the second round of their bout at UFC 88.
The loss marked the third defeat in the last four fights for the future Hall-of-Famer. Much of the criticism following the Evans bout, however, was aimed at Liddell’s longtime trainer, John Hackleman.
In a recent video interview with Sherdog.com, Liddell defended Hackleman and took the blame for the loss.
“We had a good game plan,” Liddell said, “and I got overzealous. … [Hackleman] told me before we went out for the second [round]: ‘Don’t chase him. Just take your time. Make him come to you.’ I didn’t listen. How are you going to blame him when I’m not listening?”
Liddell, who will turn 39 in December, acknowledged that he has some bad habits that must be worked on. He also discussed with Sherdog.com whether there is a blueprint for beating him that his opponents are following as well as whether another title shot is still realistic.
Watch full interview here
It’s Not The Critic Who Counts
“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
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October 30th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Chuck, we appreciate you for just being yourself and not giving in to critic’s that just want to make noise. During times when people look for scape goats or look for others to blame, you accept responsibility and stare it in the face. You are a CLASS ACT and a set great example for us. Thank you.
Richard
Pit Ohana!
October 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Critics often pass judgement on topics that they have no experience in.It’s that simple.10th dan John Hackelman versus a jouralist?Any fighter knows that answer! With Respect. Dustan.
October 30th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Critics will always be around. But they never really know what goes on. John is a good trainer. Chuck is a great fighter. Critics suck!!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Unfortunatelly there will be always people talking about what they don’t know like they are experts,bunch of @£¥¿&.
Keep beeing yourself Chuck, a champion inside the cage and an example as a warrior to all of us, keep real and strong brother, you are a long way to step out of the game, can’t wait to see you back kicking some ass.
Alex, from Charlotte.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Is easy to get a pen and a piece of paper and write a bunch of bull@#$&.
I admire you Pitmaster for always beeing yourself and true to the real spirit of a martial artist.
You rock brother.
October 31st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Just invite some of these critics to one of our work outs ! The real story is known by all of the PIT MONSTERS, we admire John and Chuck for all they’ve accomplished up to now, and look forward to the future. Stellar interview Chuck, way to keep it real.