UFC News 2016: Dana White Thought Legend Chuck Liddell And Ex-Champ Jon Jones Would Brawl In Stands At UFC 196
For the past few weeks, former UFC light heavyweight champion and Hall-of-Famer Chuck Liddell and another ex-205 pound world champion Jon Jones have been going at it through social media.
In fact, the most recent episode between "The Iceman" and "Bones" featured the former challenging the much younger fighter into a fight. The 46-year old Liddell retired in 2010, after being knocked out by former middleweight champion Rick Franklin.
In his interview on Inside MMA last Friday, Liddell says it does not matter if he is no longer in his prime.
"It's funny: Somebody asked me a question, 'Would you beat him in your prime?' Shoot, of course I'd beat him in my prime," Liddell said. "Dude, you have my phone number," Liddell continued. "If you ever see an interview and you're worried about it, call me and we'll talk it out. If we have a problem, trust me. If I have a problem with you, you won't have to look for me. I'll show up."
Both Jones and Liddell were at the same venue on the night of March 5th, when UFC 196 took place. Jones even made a post on Instagram, showing a photo of him and Liddell in a face off in the stands, bearing the caption "Glad I had the chance to talk things out with Chuck tonight".
Apart from a seemingly controversial image that could very well spark up some talks for a fight, nothing major transpired between the two men. But according to Liddell, UFC president Dana White actually thought a brawl would go down between him and Jones.
"He thinks we're gonna fight. Dana, c'mon," Liddell said. "You know me better than that. I'm not that guy."
Liddell also challenged Jones, saying that the latter should direct the trash talk towards him and tag him, so he would be able to issue a response.