Great news for MMA fans! “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz — two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts history — will be throwing down this year in their third fight.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN that the two MMA legends will be going toe-to-toe later this year for his promotion:
I’m proud to announce we’ve signed a deal for the fight between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. This will be huge for sports fans around the world. Ortiz and Liddell are two of the most recognized fighters in MMA history. They are legends in the sport.
Everyone remembers their rivalry helped put the sport on the map, and we’re excited to host the next and final chapter of this historic rivalry.
Ortiz and Liddell fought each other at UFC 47 and UFC 66. Liddell won both matches, the first via second-round knockout and the second via third-round TKO.
The Iceman, however, has not fought in a professional MMA bout since 2010, when he lost via first-round knockout to Rich Franklin. Liddell ended his MMA career on a three-fight losing streak.
Ortiz has been far more active in MMA this decade. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion joined Bellator back in 2012 and has won three of his last four fights. His last win was over former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight title contender Chael Sonnen.
Despite having been out of MMA for eight years and being two years short of 50, Chuck Liddell is still exited about his upcoming opportunity to take on Tito Ortiz for the third time.
It feels great to sign a deal, to be honest with you. It’s as exciting as I knew it would be,” Liddell told ESPN. “Golden Boy offers something different. We’re partners in this. And I never get sick of punching Tito.”
As of now, there is no official date for the third fight between Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.
