Liddell: ‘I Just Want to Fight’

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.