Chuck Liddell has spoken out about concerns raised by MMA fans over his health, specifically addressing brain damage concerns and explaining what's behind his speech change.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion holds a 21-9 professional record and took on some of the biggest names in the sport during his career.
What happened to Chuck Liddell's health?
Liddell captured the UFC light heavyweight title but was forced into retirement in 2010 after suffering three consecutive knockout losses, including a loss to Mauricio Rua on June 12, 2010.
He made a brief comeback eight years later, facing Tito Ortiz again, but a first-round KO loss convinced him to step away from fighting for good.
Why the concern over Chuck Liddell's speech?
For years, clips of Liddell speaking have popped up online, sparking concern from fans about how his speech has changed over time, with some footage showing him slurring his words or appearing disoriented.
But the 56-year-old recently tried to calm those worries by explaining an injury he had not mentioned before, stating he damaged his vocal cords and neck.
What's behind Chuck Liddell's speech change?
Speaking on the Love & War podcast with Dominick Cruz, Liddell said: “I’ve seen people show videos of me before and after, but the problem is, I damaged my vocal cords and my neck, either from the surgery or after it.”
Liddell believes that some footage showing him slurring his words or appearing disoriented can be misleading and is not necessarily a sign of a head injury, as he noted on the podcast.
And Liddell thinks that fans should not jump to conclusions based on short clips of him speaking, as they do not tell the whole story.
So he wants to reassure fans that he is doing okay, despite his speech change, which he says is due to his vocal cord injury.
What comes next for Chuck Liddell?
As Liddell continues to deal with the aftermath of his fighting career, he remains a prominent figure in the UFC MMA world, with a legacy that includes his 21 wins, including 13 knockouts, and his reign as UFC light heavyweight champion from 2005 to 2007.
Liddell's story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by MMA fighters, and the importance of prioritizing their health and well-being, both in and out of the octagon.
But for now, Liddell is focused on sharing his story and raising awareness about the importance of brain health and injury prevention in MMA, as he discussed on the Love & War podcast.