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Tito Ortiz vs Chuck Liddell - The History

In april of 2004 two of the UFC's biggest personalities came face to face in one of the most highly anticipated clashes in mixed martial arts history. Chuck Liddel, a certifiable knockout machine, going up against the obnoxious UFC bad-boy Tito Ortiz. A matchup of hardened veterans and superstars of the mixed martial arts world.

It marked the culmination of years of work trying to revamp the public relations nightmare that was the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A circus freakshow of human cockfighting that had been rebranded as a legitimate contact sport. These two fighters epitomized the new UFC. One was young, hungry and abrasive, the other a more stoic, wise and battle hardened veteran.

Liddell beat Ortiz by TKO in the second round.

This second fight marks the pinnacle of the new UFC. There are no two fighters that heve been marketed so vigorously by the organization. Ortiz is easily the most recognizable face in the UFC, and Liddell, the most popular.

The two began as early training partners and friends. Spending countless hours together in the gym. The only thing that came between them was the light heavyweight championship belt. Ortiz had it, Liddell took it, and now Tito wants it back.

As two of the most spectacular knockout artists you will ever see, the first fight was a slugfest from beginning to end, and this next matchup will be much of the same.

2006 is going to end in a bang, a loud one. Be sure to get in on the action at betUS, we have all the ufc action you need right here.

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Darren Cora is a freelance columnist and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room and BetUS.com Radio Show. To email Darren, send your comments to faceoff@betus.com.