The UFC today officially announced that UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell will face Rich Franklin in the main event at UFC 115.
Contrary to Liddell’s recent statements that he was set to face opposing TUF coach Tito Ortiz, the Liddell vs. Franklin bout becomes official as rumors of the matchup have been circulating for weeks.
“Fans and media have been asking me for weeks what is happening on The Ultimate Fighter Season 11, saying things like ‘is Tito off the show, is Chuck fighting Rich,’” said UFC President Dana White. “Today, I’m officially announcing that Chuck Liddell will fight Rich Franklin at UFC 115.
“I wish I could tell you why, but everyone’s just going to have to watch The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 on Spike TV. What I can say is that these are two UFC legends, and they give everything they have in every second of a fight. Both of these guys are looking to get back to the top of the light heavyweight division.”
Liddell, who as early as a week ago assured fans that he would be fighting Ortiz, posted to his Twitter account last night in regards to the many questions on why the Ortiz fight is now off.
“I had no choice and I haven’t known for 3 months when I started the show with that pussy I was assured he’d fight me at the end I was pissed and have done as little interviews as I could since I knew,” Liddell wrote.
Ortiz also took to Twitter to explain the assertion’s made that he would be fighting Liddell.
“I haven’t lied to anyone. I was told not to say “Anything”! Having a chance to be sued for $5 million was not a chance I wanted to take. So watch TUF 11 and see what happens. I was just doing what I was told, for once. Sorry!”
In later posts, Ortiz claims that the fight with Liddell will indeed happen. However, no word has come from UFC officials on whether the fight will take place at a future date.
UFC 115 takes place on June 12 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
A full listing of fights scheduled for the event can be found here.
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