Report: Chuck Liddell & Tito Ortiz Sign Bout Agreements For Third Fight
It would seem like the never ending rivalry between former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz will never come to an end, because a third chapter is about to be added to said rivalry.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto is reporting that Liddell and Ortiz have both signed a bout agreement to meet later this year under the Golden Boy MMA banner.
Oscar De La Hoya says that the rivalry help put MMA on the map and the third fight could mark the final chapter of the war between both men.
“I’m proud to announce we’ve signed a deal for the fight between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz,” De La Hoya said. “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.”
Liddell won the first two matches between he and Ortiz, with those victories coming at UFC 47 and UFC 66.
The former light heavyweight champion is happy to get another crack at Ortiz, especially since he never gets tired of punching Ortiz in the face.
“It feels great to sign a deal, to be honest with you. It’s as exciting as I knew it would be,” Liddell said. “Golden Boy offers something different. We’re partners in this. And I never get sick of punching Tito.”
Ortiz claims the rivalry is worse than it has ever been, which is why Liddell is the only person he’s interested in fighting right now.
“I’m only interested in fighting Chuck at this time,” said Ortiz. “If anything, the rivalry is worse than it ever was. This isn’t made for TV. This is as real as it gets.”
An announcement is expected soon as to when and where the historic third encounter between Liddell and Ortiz is happening.