Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell is apparently signing a multi-fight, multi-million dollar deal with Bellator MMA according to Chris Taylor of BJPenn.com.
Liddell would be returning to competition for the first time in almost seven years, as his last bout was a knockout loss to former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin at UFC 115.
The former UFC star had been teasing a return to action in the last few months, hinting at potential bouts against Chael Sonnen and a retired Tito Ortiz.
It has been over a decade since Liddell captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Title by knocking out Randy Couture at UFC 52. Liddell would then defend the gold twice before losing it to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 71.
A formerly retired Liddell will enter Bellator MMA on a three bout losing streak, dropping bouts to the aforementioned Rich Franklin, Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans. It has also been over a decade since Liddell last won a fight, with that victory coming over Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79.
There has been no formal announcement made yet by either Bellator MMA or Liddell and there is no time frame as to when that could be coming.
