Chuck Liddell lost his second straight bout this weekend at UFC 76 to the always tough Keith Jardine. Jardine, always known as a veteran mid-tier fighter, put on a show for the crowd that literally shocked the MMA world. He was able to beat Liddell at his own game, outlast some onslaughts, and utilize the one piece of his game that has always stuck with him no matter what happens in a fight, his leg kicks. Using some very good striking and all of the previously mentioned skills, Jardine was able to squeak out a split decision over the legendary Chuck Liddell. A fight to remember purely on the fact that it was the first time Liddell had ever lost twice consecutively, and probably more memorable because of the climax of stories that came about regarding whether or not Chuck Liddell would retire. Retirement for Chuck Liddell? Are they serious? Is he serious? For me, a writer who isn't a fan of Chuck Liddell's fighting style, but as a fan of his persona in the mixed martial arts world, I say "Nay" to the idea that Chuck Liddell will retire anytime soon.

Retirement party?

What are the benefits if Chuck Liddell retires at this moment in his career? There really isn't any benefit. Let's take a look at a few factors that Chuck may be thinking about. The number one reason in my book would be his age. Chuck is currently 37 years of age, and will be 38 on December 17th. In a sport like mixed martial arts, age is everything unless you are somehow able to freakishly continue to perform at an elite level like Randy Couture has been doing for some time now. But Randy Couture may be that one man who can defy those odds when it comes to age in such a cause-meets-effect sport. Age causes excessively more danger to you. Age also directly contributes to a reduction in skill. Even a fighter like Couture will tell you that he has had to change his game in certain ways because of his age. Strategizing and working gameplans becomes much more the norm later in your fighting career.

If age puts you in possibly more danger, it'd be beneficial to Chuck Liddell's well being to put the gloves up now, especially after he has exposed his weaknesses and hasn't executed a gameplan that he's wanted to in two straight fights. Do you really think Liddell cares? I doubt it. From the numerous interviews he has done over the years, the man can't live without the game always being there. It would be like taking General George Patton away from the battlefield during his rush to Berlin. He lives to fight, and I don't think we will see any kind of consideration for his own well being just yet.

Is Chuck rethinking his gameplans, his MMA skillset, or his overall fitness as a fighter? It's possible. I have always believed that Liddell's game would be exposed by another brawler/striker because he was fighting a lot of guys who just didn't have the type of standup game that he had. Once Rampage Jackson came along, I knew it would be lights out, and it eerily became true. I felt that during the Jardine fight, my presumption was that Chuck would overwhelm Jardine early. That almost became very true except Jardine's dodgy movements were his savior in the first round. Was there a real difference between this fight and his previous matchups? I think Liddell was more hesitant to take a knockout during his fight. He had multiple chances during the first round to put Jardine away, or at least pour it on and possibly win by a stoppage of some sort. But can I really compare any battle with his most recent performance? I could, but all we would find is small differences. The real differences would show in the following matchups. I think we will see the end of the one-dimensional fighter in Chuck Liddell, and then the question is asked... Would Chuck actually add more skills?

Bad for UFC

At 37, I feel that Chuck's skill is lacking. Lacking for such an experienced fighter who has fought many of the best fighters in the world. But overall, Chuck Liddell has consistently won in his career. But what are the real cons of Chuck Liddell retiring?

First, the UFC's revenue would suffer and a great story may not unfold. I could sit here and quote a Kevin Iole article about the potential numbers that Liddell brought in over the years, but we will never really be able to quantify his impact on those events. We do know that he had an impact of some kind on the UFC revenue streams over the years. He is the face of the UFC, the celebrity that most people associate with the UFC. Randy Couture could be considered in that tier of guys in the UFC that people who don't watch the sport religiously could point out, but Liddell has been a mainstay at that level for quite some time. I think losing Liddell now would potentially set up some sinking cards if the UFC happens to stack too many cards and leave one open. Much like UFC 72, which didn't have a major built up main card.

Secondly, Liddell's presence in the division is still very significant. It is even more significant now because "Shogun" Rua also lost his battle with Forrest Griffin. In fact, he is now down in that tier of PRIDE fighters that are on that cusp with the fans. The cusp of fans that Dana White has now been touting as PRIDE fanboys, but are probably one of the highest demographic of fans paying good money to Dana White's production. Liddell has some unbelievably great matchup potential. The fact that Dana White has already stated that Wanderlei Silva vs. Chuck Liddell was just not meant to be is absurd and one of those thoughts that really makes White look very green in his duties as the President of the UFC. It would have been better to just say nothing at all. But, here are my thoughts on the division with a beaten Liddell in the mix.

1. Chuck Liddell vs. "Shogun" Rua --> Forrest wasn't considered in the top-tier of light heavyweights, and Shogun lost to him. Shogun goes down into the mid-tier and so does Liddell. Pit them against each other, it's possibly a redemption for Shogun Rua to show his worth and then set up a potential comeback to the top-tier of fighters, and it's a chance for Chuck Liddell to set up a possible showdown with Wanderlei Silva. If Chuck wins, promote the hell out of a Chute Box rivalry. The whole comeback trail angle always works to.
   
2. Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva --> One of the biggest MMA fights in the history of man. The striker vs. the counter striker. Power vs. Power, aggression vs. composure, it could be an unbelievable fight that brings in millions and millions in PPV revenue. This is also Chuck Liddell's chance to regain ground again in the division, possibly setting up the "always loved by the UFC" rematch with Jardine.
   
3. Chuck Liddell vs. Keith Jardine... again, or a possible Rampage matchup depending on where Jardine, Griffin, Machida possibly are. If some big upsets happen, we may see Liddell right back in the middle of the pack if we see a Jardine loss or Griffin loss. Machida is the X-Factor. He's such an elusive fighter as Joe Rogan has already mentioned a million times during his broadcasts, but it's very true. Machida would be perfect for Evans/Ortiz winner and then a Griffin or Jardine bout.

There are so many matchups he could be up for. Machida interests me the most, but not for a Liddell matchup. He interests me more as a guy who can really mix up the matchups later on. I fully believe Machida would dominate Liddell. He's just too elusive and he plays the whole Liddell counter game better and with very good kicks. I think Liddell's real worth is in the Chute Box fights. Shogun and Wanderlei Silva, two big name fighters who would sell PPV buys like crazy. There are just too many great matchups to pass up.

Last, the UFC would lose the face of their organization for the last seven to eight years. Not only was he a promotional dream for the UFC, but he was and will always be a fighter that the fans enjoy to watch fight. Sure, he could be replaced with TUF Finale winners and the always great Randy Couture, but it wouldn't be the same. We will be seeing Chuck Liddell soon enough, he sure isn't going to suddenly become an accountant like he previously was setting out to do. He loves to fight, and I don't see him staying away from it at any length.