Chuck Liddell with partner (Photo: abc.go.com)
The moment that MMA fans with morbid curiosities and ironic senses of humor have been waiting for is finally here. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is set to make his first appearance on ABC’s reality dance competition, Dancing with the Stars, tonight at 8pm ET.
It’s been known for some time that Liddell would be appearing on the show next to such moderately sized names as Donny Osmond, Kathy Ireland, and Mark Dacascos. Speculation has been abounding as to how well The Iceman would do in a dancing competition. MMA fighters attempting to so much as sway to music made for a more unfortunate MTV appearance than Jason Miller’s Bully Beatdown.
While UFC president Dana White has poked fun at Liddell’s decision to do the show in the past, White commented during the post-fight press conference for UFC 103 that Liddell has been very diligent in preparation.
“[Liddell] weighs like, 212,” White said. “He doesn’t weight 212 the week of a fight, so he’s taking this more seriously than he was taking the fight. I’m happy that he’s found something to focus on.”
Even though most MMA fans will be tuning in tonight as a lark, if at all, Liddell’s performance may leave a positive impression of his sport on people who’ve written it off in the past.
Whether Chuck missed his calling as a professional dancer or tries hard while stepping all over his partner’s feet, Liddell will provide a softer image than the imaginary thugs detractors of MMA describe as fighters.
Liddell’s first dance will be a fox trot. Fantasy MMA predictions currently favor Chuck stepping back with his hands too low a minute in and being knocked out.
Liddell preparing for Dancing with the Stars:
Comments