Video: Chuck Liddell Talks About How Tough It Was to Retire

(Video courtesy of YouTube/StocktonHeyBuddy)

Chuck Liddell was on the latest episode of Fox Sports’ Barfly alongside actor and BJJ black belt Ed O’Neill (AKA Al Bundy) and host and author Mark Kriegel. Besides talking about the rise in popularity of the UFC in comparison to the drop in popularity of boxing, the trio touched on the former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall-of-Famer’s recent retirement, which is when Chuck got a bit emotional.

Liddell said the decision was one of the hardest ones he ever had to make and that he realized it was time to hang up the gloves when he could no longer take a punch like he used to. In spite of being in the best shape of his career and as ready for his last fight with Rich Franklin, Chuck admitted that it was his weakened chin and concerns for his neurological health that pushed his hand following a string of vicious knockouts. According to “The Iceman” although he wishes things played out differently, he has no regrets and he went out swinging.

“I went out the way I fought. I fought my way. People say I should have changed and I should have tried to wrestle more,” the UFC VP of business development explained. “I went out my way. I went out the way that I fight. I went out on my shield. That’s it. Done.”