![UFC FIGHT TEAM ZIP THROUGH [STRETCH LIMO]](http://www.ufcstore.eu/img/product/resized/355/00431120-285355_catl_200.jpg?k=f2fddf0f&pid=431120&s=catl&sn=ufcukstore)
![UFC GROUND GAME T-SHIRT [STRETCH LIMO]](http://www.ufcstore.eu/img/product/resized/343/00431107-285343_catl_200.jpg?k=cfa0dc74&pid=431107&s=catl&sn=ufcukstore)
Chuck Liddell Retires from UFC® Competition,
Joins UFC as Executive Vice President of Business Development
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – UFC President Dana White started today’s live press conference for the lightweight title fight between champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard at UFC 125 with a surprise announcement regarding one of the sport’s most respected icons. In front of assembled media and fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, White broke the news that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck Liddell, a true pioneer and legend in the sport, is retiring from competing in the UFC.
White’s announcement however, was not about the end of a career, but rather just a change in Liddell’s future, because White also announced that Liddell is UFC’s new Executive Vice President of Business Development.
“Chuck is the perfect example of a UFC athlete, someone who is smart inside the Octagon and smart in business,” White said. “With his background and expertise, Chuck is exactly the guy we need to work with regulators in existing and new jurisdictions, and work with all of the UFC athletes, as we grow this business around the world.
“Many people helped get us to where we are today,” White continued. “But there has been one guy that really stands out, as a great fighter, a great champion, a great partner, and a great friend. So I am thrilled to announce that Chuck is now one of our top executives.”
At today’s live press conference for UFC 125, Liddell took to the podium to express his gratitude for the support shown by the UFC, his fans, family, and friends during his career. He also spoke of his desire to make an immediate impact in his new role by helping UFC continue its global expansion.
“I love the sport and I’m excited to go into a new stage in my life and keep promoting something that I love,” Liddell said. “I’ve enjoyed everything about being a professional athlete and a UFC champion. At this point in my life though, the real challenge for me is to continue helping the UFC become the global powerhouse that we all know it will become. I look forward to working with everyone at the UFC, especially all of the fighters, to make the UFC the biggest and most successful sports organization.”
UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta noted that Liddell’s duties will include work on fighter relations and government regulation throughout the U.S. and internationally, but that Liddell’s main focus would be on developing new business for the company.
Liddell began fighting in the UFC in 1998 and is a legend in MMA with a career that has included a stellar run as a world class athlete, gym owner, trainer, and Coach on Seasons 1 and 11 of The Ultimate Fighter®. In addition, Liddell graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an Accounting degree. So, Liddell’s combination of business acumen and athlete spirit makes him perfectly suited to work at UFC, the fastest growing sports organization in the world.
Chuck Liddell Retires to Boardroom
Read below for more on Chuck Liddell's retirement from MMA as an active fighter and his new role in the UFC
Check out this tribute to Chuck Liddell including his greatest moments in the Octagon
Check out this tribute to Chuck Liddell including his greatest moments in the Octagon
Sunday, May 26
3:00 AM
BST
Las Vegas, Nevada
Media
Recent
Popular
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 24: UFC 160 Official Weigh-ins at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino on May 24, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
May 24, 2013
Heavy hitters Junior dos Santos and Mark Hunt weigh in and face off ahead of their slugfest at UFC 160.
May 24, 2013
Heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva get up close and personal at he UFC 160 weigh-in.
May 24, 2013
Watch the official weigh-in for UFC 160 on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
May 24, 2013
N. Diaz vs. R. Lawler, N. Diaz vs. K. Oishi, and D. Sanchez vs. B. Gassaway are featured in this episode of UFC Unleashed.
Oct 31, 2005
UFC commentators Kenny Florian and Joe Rogan preview the two heavyweight bouts atop the UFC 160 fight card: Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva and Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt.
May 3, 2013
From pre-gaming to post-fight interviews, get an all-access look at the action inside Newark's Prudential Center for UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen.
Apr 28, 2013
See some of the fastest fight finishes in UFC history!
Jul 21, 2011
Comments