One of MMA’s biggest fan-favorites delivered a violent performance 23 years ago today.
When it comes to the biggest entertainers, knockout artists, and overall best fighters in UFC history, no discussion can take place without the inclusion of Chuck Liddell.
‘The Iceman’ is seen as one of the mixed martial arts pioneers, having debuted in 1998 and gone on to thrill fans with memorable performances under the UFC and Pride banners.
Among Liddell’s violent finishes on the sport’s biggest stage was one devastating head kick that came in the co-main event of a crucial card in the context of the UFC’s rise to mainstream prominence.
- LATEST NEWS: Jake Paul quotes Muhammad Ali while revealing how he plans to beat ‘chinny’ Anthony Joshua
Chuck Liddell flattened Babalu Sobral in one round with a head kick at UFC 40
On this day, November 22, in 2002, the UFC 40 pay-per-view took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Headlining was a light heavyweight title clash described as the biggest fight in the promotion’s history at the time.
Before Tito Ortiz’s 78-second knockout against Ken Shamrock in their rematch, ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ broke the record for most successful title defenses at 205 pounds in their first fight. Ortiz won a 15-minute war with ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ that was described by referee John McCarthy as a turning point for the UFC’s growth.
But that was not the only big result in the division 23 years ago today, as Liddell secured his first opportunity to fight for UFC gold in the co-main event with a brutal knockout against Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral.
After three straight decisions brought his active winning streak to nine, Liddell added a tenth by returning to his violent finishing ways at the Brazilian’s expense.
Liddell sent Joe Rogan into a frenzy on commentary after connecting with a perfectly timed head kick to drop Sobral. He then swarmed with ground-and-pound to end the fight after just two minutes and 55 seconds.
- LATEST NEWS: Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria? UFC star blown away by rival as fan vote crowns the true P4P king
While ‘The Iceman’ would go on to fall short against Randy Couture, he eventually found his way to the throne, and his reign included a rematch with a familiar foe.
Liddell knocked Sobral out at UFC 62, needing just 95 seconds to finish the Rio de Janeiro native the second time around.
Dan Hooker names Chuck Liddell the best UFC fighter of all time
While Liddell often gets overlooked in the GOAT debate and discussions over who sits on the MMA Mount Rushmore, that isn’t the case when it comes to Dan Hooker.
Before his UFC Qatar main event against Arman Tsarukyan on Saturday, ‘The Hangman’ took part in a segment called ‘The Best’ with TNT Sports.
After Hooker named Israel Adesanya the best current fighter in the UFC and gave his picks for topics such as trash talk and striking, the New Zealander picked Liddell as the promotion’s best-ever competitor.
While plenty of fans berated Hooker’s selections during the game, he received praise for recognizing ‘The Iceman’ as an all-time great.