In his tenure as UFC® World Light Heavyweight Champion, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell has sent a legend into retirement (Randy Couture), avenged a defeat (Jeremy Horn), and annihilated his number one challenger (Renato Sobral). But when the man standing across the Octagon™ from Liddell is his former training partner and friend Tito Ortiz, all bets are off. When these two 205-pound stalwarts collide on December 30, the New Year's Eve fireworks are going to begin one day early this year. The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization proudly announces UFC 66: LIDDELL vs. ORTIZ 2 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Dec. 30.
“The fans demanded it, the fighters demanded it, and I'm excited to finally announce the rematch between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz,” said UFC President Dana White. “A lot has changed since Liddell and Ortiz first fought in 2004, and not only in the Octagon, where both fighters have looked unbeatable in compiling a combined 10-0 record. These are two fighters who went from being MMA standouts to becoming worldwide superstars in the space of two years, and I can't think of any fight anywhere in the world that has more heat behind it than this one. I have no doubt that this will be the most watched UFC pay-per-view of all-time.”
UFC 66: LIDDELL vs. ORTIZ 2 features the championship bout between Liddell and Ortiz, the No. 1 Contender. Liddell, (19-3-0) fighting out of San Luis Obispo, Calif., is a devastating striker with an incredible takedown defense. He is the reigning UFC World Light Heavyweight Champion and has knocked out his last six opponents including Ortiz, Randy Couture (twice), Vernon White, Jeremy Horn and most recently Renato “Babalu” Sobral in August. Liddell is considered by many to be the most recognized mixed martial arts fighter in the world, earning the reputation by delivering incredible knockouts and dominating the UFC light heavyweight division. He has no fears of facing Ortiz a second time, stating that he will fight the Huntington Beach native any time, anywhere and walk away with his title intact.
“I’ll fight whoever the UFC puts in front of me,” said Liddell. “They decided it’s time for a rematch with Ortiz. I’ll knock him out just like I did last time, except this time I’ll probably do it in the first round. It’ll be fun beating him up again.”
Ortiz, (16-4-0) fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif., is known for his strength and tenacity as a submission fighter. He returned to the UFC last April to take on rising star Forrest Griffin, winning by split decision in one of the best three-round fights ever to take place in the Octagon. Ortiz has made a swift comeback, defeating Griffin and then facing Ken Shamrock in back-to-back fights. He scored a first-round KO over the veteran fighter on both occasions. Ortiz has earned a new attempt to capture the light heavyweight crown, and has stated publicly that he will be new the champion after he faces Liddell.
“I see Liddell putting up a good fight, but at the end of the night, it will be my hand raised in the Octagon,” said Ortiz. “I can’t wait to get my belt back.”