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Dayton Daily News MMA Insider: Like Griffey, Liddell Retirement Talk is Premature

451 views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  cabby 
#1 ·
I guess I sometimes forget just how lucky I am to have a website that allows me to post on a moment’s notice. The way information flows in the world of mixed martial arts, a story can become outdated in a matter of hours.

I must mention that little caveat before I link up this week’s column in the Dayton Daily News.

In the hours after Chuck Liddell’s split-decision loss to Keith Jardine this past Saturday at UFC 76, fans (and many MMAjunkie.com readers) concluded that it was time for Liddell to retire. They said he lost a step, no longer had the passion, and simply couldn’t compete at the level we all expected.

The whole situation reminded me greatly of my time in baseball. For those who didn’t know, prior to working on MMAjunkie.com full-time, I spent seven years working for the Cincinnati Reds front office in a couple different marketing- and creative-related management roles. My employment coincided exactly with Ken Griffey Jr.‘s, so I’ve witnessed first-hand “Junior’s” transition from the game’s best player to a solid (if not less-effective) veteran.

So when I read the comments about Liddell no longer being the fighter he was, I couldn’t help but think of Griffey’s plight in Cincinnati. When he came to the Queen City, the expectations were astronomical, and when he delivered less, jaded fans voiced their displeasure. Injuries, a dip in performance, and a sometimes-sour relationship with the local media didn’t help matters. (Neither did the fact that Junior and I haven’t seen a winning season in seven years.)

However, despite all that baggage, I still loved to watch the guy play. No one had a sweeter swing, and no one can leave other professional ballplayers in complete awe the way Griffey does.

Looking back, it’s easy to see that it would have been a complete shame and a total waste of talent for Griffey to retire simply because he lost a step.

I can’t but feel the same way about Liddell. Sure, maybe he’s no longer that knockout-artist champion we all remember, but if I’m about to pony up $400 for seats or $50 for a pay-per-view, I still want to see Chuck.

Until Liddell’s presence in the cage is no longer entertaining — or worse, a danger to himself — I don’t want to see the guy retire.

Unfortunately, as you may have read here on MMAjunkie.com or at partner site Yahoo! Sports, Kevin Iole reports that Liddell is contemplating retirement. I just hope he doesn’t go through with it.

To read the full column, head over to DaytonDailyNews.com.
 
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#2 ·
Why should he retire? He was still competitive in that fight and mangled Jardine's face. The guy still has the ability to bring it. Just because hes not going up against tailor made opponents for him and unbeatable anymore doesnt mean he should go anywhere. I love me some Chuck and I still look forward to him fighting in the future.
 
#3 ·
Wise said:
Why should he retire? He was still competitive in that fight and mangled Jardine's face. The guy still has the ability to bring it. Just because hes not going up against tailor made opponents for him and unbeatable anymore doesnt mean he should go anywhere. I love me some Chuck and I still look forward to him fighting in the future.
Ditto here. I hope Chuck stays in the game. I still want the Silva fight. He'll be back. It's not like the Liddell-Jardine fight was the only upset on the card.
 
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