During a recent teleconference Sherdog.com quoted Liddell, who still believes that Franklin is a bigger threat then Tito Ortiz and will pay dearly if he does not treat him like a threat.
“I respect Rich and I think he’s a bigger challenger for sure, so that motivates you more to get into the gym and I’ve gotta be prepared,” Liddell said of changing tracks for former middleweight champion Franklin during a Friday teleconference call. “I’ve got to show up ready to go or I’ll pay for it.”
Recent pictures popped up on Liddell’s Twitter account showing the former light heavyweight champion in great shape, with a ripped up abdomen and without his normal goatee. Some fans could barely recognize Liddell in the picture because he looked so different and that’s because the “Iceman” says that is because he is in great shape.“My timing’s on. I’m in great shape. I’m ready to go,” said Liddell, who’s lost four of his last five bouts. “I’ll let you know after the fight if I thought I had ring rust. I don’t see it being a problem. I think that’s psychological for some guys.”
When asked what the next step he envisioned for his career, Liddell did not want to look ahead beyond Franklin and their fight at UFC 115 this weekend.“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,” said Liddell. “At the end of the fight, I’ll decide what I want to do next. I’m planning on making another run at the title — that’s what I want to do, so we’ll see what happens.”
Liddell will be looking to get back in the mix in the light heavyweight division and he will need to beat Franklin in order to do so. Liddell also has made it no secret that he wants to fight Tito Ortiz upon his return, and with a win he can fend off Dana White’s retirement demands and stick around long enough to make his adversaries return unpleasant.Who do you have in this fight, Chuck Liddell or Rich Franklin?
Props: urdirt.com
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