As Jon Jones prepares to defend his light heavyweight title to Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 this weekend, the man doing the best promotion for the bout might be Chuck Liddell. The UFC Hall of Famer turned executive hasnt been obscure on his homerism for former training partner Teixeira, but Liddells posture on Jones borders on hostile. On Monday Liddell chided Jones for failing to compete at UFC 151 in 2012, a decision that called for the event to be cancelled. He also remarked that Jones unanimous decision victory over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 was a draw at best. Speaking with Fox Sports, Liddell now says he believes he could have finished the champ in his prime. I think I would have been a horrible matchup for him, said Liddell. I would have walked through his punches and he wouldnt have caught me with anything. I would have found a way to hit him and I hit too hard. Although technically not undefeated, Jones was rarely tested prior to Gustafsson dragging him into deeper waters. Liddel, who credits his trademark power to training under famed coach John Hackleman, says Jones still hasnt developed that ability. I think its too early to tell, Liddell said. If he finds his punching power -- a good straight [cross], a good hook -- then well see. I mean, not only score with it, but hurt somebody. Then were talking. As far as predictions go, Liddell doesnt see Jones making it to the championship rounds. I think [Glover] either hurts [Jones] with a punch and he shoots and submits him, or knocks him out, Liddell said on Mondays edition of The MMA Hour. Im not sure which one, but its one of those things. Doesnt get past [round] three. Sour grapes or not, Jones has already surpassed many of Liddells deeds in nearly half the time, including consecutive UFC wins (10-7), title victories (7-5) and successful defenses (6-4). Tied at seven, Jones edges Liddell out again this Saturday by competing in his eighth UFC title bout. 5 MUST-READ STORIES Signal to noise. The best and worst moments from UFC on FOX 11. Strong words. Wanderlei Silva calls Chael Sonnen a racist for his comments on Brazil. Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas recaps UFC on FOX 11, covers a UFC 172 preview, answers your questions and more in this weeks live chat. Outbid. Holly Holms coach says World Series of Fighting offered more money, but that the bantamweight is holding out for the UFC. Nothing to hide. Glover Teixeira isnt sweating being randomly tested by the Maryland Athletic Commission. Ill tell you three things I take right now: I take fish oil, and I take multivitamins and a protein shake... MEDIA STEW Fight Motion for UFC on FOX 11. UFC 174 mini presser with Tyron Woodley, Rory MacDonald and Demetrious Johnson. TTTHS. Jon Jones on Regis and Kathy Lee Kelly and Michael. Im sorry. Tyrone Spong thinks he could be out three to six months with his broken shin. BJ Penn says his third fight with Frankie Edgar means more to him than a title fight. Long watches. UFC Fight Flashback: Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson ... Countdown To UFC 172: Davis vs. Johnson ... UFC on FOX 11: Fight Club Q&A with Frankie Edgar TWEETS Its Bisping season. @bisping @danawhite @ufc @UFC_UK @ParadigmSM Ha — Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 22, 2014 @LukeRockhold Ive won many fights. — michael (@bisping) April 22, 2014 @LukeRockhold so now after calling me out all that time you dont want to actually back it up? Yeah thought so. — michael (@bisping) April 22, 2014 @LukeRockhold well best of luck. Maybe we talk after Saturday. — michael (@bisping) April 22, 2014 Helpful. @wandfc would like to get this tweet out. He has no followers, so lets help him. #teamnoapologies pic.twitter/A5s9Tv53pJ — chael sonnen (@sonnench) April 22, 2014 Small world. That awkward moment when u and your opponent find yourselves alone in hotel gym doing cardio pre... t.co/95kBzD0tQF — Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 23, 2014 Encouraging. Trying to punch @TheDomin8r is like trying to walk on water... impossible
Posted on: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:23:08 +0000
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