Liddell and Mask Headed To UFC Hall Of Fame

King TE · 07-07-2009, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMAWeekly.com

As the historic weekend surrounding UFC 100 draws closer, the anticipation as to who would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame has come to an end as president Dana White announced on his Twitter page and via the UFC.com web site that former light heavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and TapouT founder Charles "Mask" Lewis would be inducted this Friday at the UFC Fan Expo surrounding UFC 100.

"Hey guys Chuck Liddell and Charles 'Mask' Lewis will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at the UFC Fan Expo this Friday at 6:30 p.m.," White announced on his Twitter page.

Liddell seemed to be a shoe-in for the UFC Hall of Fame after the stunning career the California native has had during his time with the promotion. With a championship run that included four-straight defenses, Liddell has been seen as the face of the UFC for several years, and his fighting skill has always backed up the hype for his celebrity.

Speculation has run wild recently whether Liddell would call it a career after a tough run in his recent fights, but on Friday night the "Iceman" will just look to celebrate as the UFC honors him as the latest inductee into its hall of fame.

There may not have been a bigger loss to the MMA world than earlier this year when TapouT co-founder Charles "Mask" Lewis lost his life after a tragic car accident. Lewis was a giant piece of the puzzle for TapouT, which is seen as one of the most iconic brands in all of MMA.

Lewis, along with the other members of the TapouT crew, supported the sport of MMA when there was no money to be made loving the sport of MMA, and he continued to be a vital part of the industry for years to come.

His passing was a monumental loss to the MMA community, but the UFC will honor the legendary TapouT founder on Friday night as he enters the Hall of Fame as the first non-fighter to be inducted.

According to the post on White's Twitter page, the induction will take place at the UFC Fan Expo on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. PST, 9:30 p.m. EST

Two very deserving inductees.

Sir Nicky Talent · 07-07-2009, 12:24 AM

Very deserving. Late in his career, I had my comments about Liddell, but the guy was a great fighter, a great man, and he helped put UFC on the map. He was the poster boy for the longest time.

Nice posthumous induction for MAsk as well. Very touching.

Zar · 07-07-2009, 02:26 AM

I think they both deserve it. But I wish Tanner was included.

King TE · 07-07-2009, 03:14 AM

I wouldn't be surprised if Tanner got in the future. 'But I also wouldn't be surprised if he didn't.

Dmac · 07-07-2009, 08:38 AM

Liddell is fully deserved but don't get me wrong, it's pretty touching that they're inducting Mask, but it's just because he died, he isn't even a fighter...

Conman · 07-07-2009, 10:06 AM

Nice to see Chucky get his hall of fame at the biggest UFC event ever, Also a very nice gesture with Charles Lewis aswell ...

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Quote:

by John Pretz
Although rock band Limp Bizkit was originally scheduled to perform at UFC 100 in the Mandalay Bay Events Center, it appears that Zuffa will be replacing their segment with a timely tribute to the ‘King of Pop’ – Michael Jackson who has recently passed away at the age of 50.

Jackson was known to be an avid mixed martial arts fan who secretly attended many UFC events. He was seen last seen at UFC 84 in May of 2008 concealing his identity to avoid gernering media attention, the president of the UFC Dana White praised Jackson for attending past UFC events and for his continuous support for mixed martial arts ;

I know Michael attended live UFC events a few times in the past. You know we lost a great ambassador for the sport and he truly help the sport grow, so offering a tribute is the least we can do.

White then announced a special post fight ceremony to be held where Michael Jackson will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

I know the hall of fame is more for the fighters, but Michael helped the sport grow so I think we can make an exception in this one instance.

Many fighters under the UFC banner were influenced by Jacksons music including current UFC Middleweight champion who himself expressed his interest in taking part in the tribute:

I first heard his music when I was very young. He touched me very much back then, I would love to perform ‘Thriller’ in honour of my idol. He [Jackson] deserves a good send off and I am happy that [the] UFC is paying their tribute to a legend.

Others influenced by Micheal Jackson included former Welterweight champion Matt Hughes,

“I know people think of me as just a country music fan, but his [Jackson's] music transcended all social bounds. I would have to say my favourite song of his was ‘Dirty Diana’. I can remember days when I didn’t feel like training and I used to put that song on and it would get me fired up.”

Sir Nicky Talent · 07-07-2009, 11:33 AM

UFC tributing Michael Jackson? Wow. Atleast Limp Bizkit won't perform.

I would have gone Evan Tanner over Mask for many reasons. One of them is that Tanner was a title holder. Another is that he had a knack for producing big fights. I think Mask should get in the Hall of Fame because he helped revolutionize MMA with fight gear, but the guy died of his own stupidity. I agree and disagree with the decision at the same time.

King TE · 07-07-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicky Talent©
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UFC tributing Michael Jackson? Wow. Atleast Limp Bizkit won't perform.

I would have gone Evan Tanner over Mask for many reasons. One of them is that Tanner was a title holder. Another is that he had a knack for producing big fights. I think Mask should get in the Hall of Fame because he helped revolutionize MMA with fight gear, but the guy died of his own stupidity. I agree and disagree with the decision at the same time.

Umm... they really both died under their own stupidity.

Sir Satan · 07-07-2009, 03:36 PM

This is great, Chuck Lidell definitely deserves a spot in the hall of fame. He's one of my favorite fighter. This is just great

Zar · 07-08-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King TE
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Umm... they really both died under their own stupidity.

Wasn't exactly stupidity for Tanner. His blog leading up to the trip made it clear he was prepared for the trip. But it was dangerous in nature, and things like that are dangerous because things can go wrong.

Also the man taught himself how to fight with instructional videos and became a champion. Poor guy was Tito's only KO win though.

Liddell and Mask Headed To UFC Hall Of Fame

This is a discussion on Liddell and Mask Headed To UFC Hall Of Fame within the MMA - Mixed Martial Arts forums, part of the Sports Forums category; Originally Posted by MMAWeekly.com As the historic weekend surrounding UFC 100 draws closer, the anticipation as to who would be ...