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  - RANDY CAN RELATE, SUPPORTS CHUCK'S DECISION
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - by Steven Marrocco - MMAWeekly.com
There are a number of options for Chuck Liddell’s future, and former opponent Randy Couture supports all of them.
Couture told MMAWeekly.com he empathized with Liddell’s situation – the former light heavyweight champ is currently stuck in the middle in a war of words between coach John Hackleman and UFC president Dana White – though he hadn’t spoken to him personally in recent weeks.
Having been asked questions about retirement for much of his career, Couture can understand Liddell’s struggle.
“I’ve talked with some of his friends, and I know he’s struggling with the decision, he’s being pressured, and he’s not sure that’s what he wants to do,” said Couture. “I want him to do it on his terms, do what he wants to do, what’s in his heart. He’s a smart guy, and he’ll be able to rationally evaluate how he feels physically, how he feels mentally, where he’s at.”
White made the unusual decision to announce Liddell’s retirement after the former light heavyweight champ was TKO’d by Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 97. But Liddell never fully committed to the idea, despite White’s claims of a promise made to retire in the event of a loss, and he has yet to formally announce his decision.
Couture said Liddell’s losses to Rashad Evans and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua should not be factored into his decision.
“You almost have to in some ways throw the performances out the window,” he continued. “He’s got that kind of style anyway, that’s the fighter he’s always been. We’re just used to seeing him on the other side of it – landing the shot instead of taking the shot. He has to rationally evaluate all the other stuff: his lifestyle, his training, his spirit and warrior’s heart he has. All those things are the real factors.”
Couture notes the issue is further complicated by the friendship between Liddell and White. Because he has a relationship with both, he gets where they’re coming from.
“I see (Chuck’s) point,” said Couture. “It’s like, ‘you’re not going to fight for the UFC again, because we don’t want to see you do this anymore.’ That sucks. He should be able to make that determination on his own and still have the option to fight if that’s what’s really in his heart. But I understand too, him and Dana are very close, and Dana doesn’t want to see him get hurt, get knocked out. He has his own strong opinion and he’s willing to voice it.”
But as someone who’s struggled with the UFC over his destiny, he believes the fighter should have the final say on his future.
Should Liddell decide to retire, he sees an active future for the former champ.
“He’s still going to be a public figure for the company, an ambassador for appearances, for representing products and fights,” said Couture of the option.
“Could he get into training and helping fighters prepare? Absolutely. He’s got some great kids that he works with now that are in the WEC now. The UFC’s getting involved in this whole gym endeavor – that’s an area that Chuck could be of use for them, setting up curriculums and training regimens for striking and wrestling. There’s places for him for sure. Whatever he decides to do, I’ll back him.
“Maybe he’ll be the accountant.”
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