Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz agree to third fight under Golden Boy banner
Well, it looks like MMA legends Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz are slated to throw down once again as, according to ESPN, the pair have signed on with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions for a bout expected to take place later this year.
After some rumblings about a potential trilogy fight over the past several months, the pair looks to have indeed signed promotional agreements with Golden Boy, which would be the promotion’s first foray into the MMA world.
According to Oscar De La Hoya in a statement to ESPN, “I’m proud to announce we’ve signed a deal for the fight between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. 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.”
The bout is expected to take place in a cage and at 205lbs, the weight class where the pair’s first two fights took place. Though the official date and venue of the fight is yet to be finalized and is expected to be announced soon.
Although the bout will almost certainly be a financial success, Liddell competing again at 48 is particularly a concern as he hasn’t fought in almost 10 years and his last few fights he suffered brutal knockout defeats.
Ortiz, on the other hand, actually looked pretty good in his last few bouts, going 3-1 with wins against pretty good fighters like Chael Sonnen, Alexander Shlemenko, and fellow UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar.
Expect more updates and details on this one to be released soon as venues and dates are yet to be finalized.
