Chuck Liddell and the 'getting caught' myth

In a recent interview Chuck Liddell repeated his view that he 'just got caught' in his recent knockout loss to Rashad Evans. This talking point by Liddell and his camp is starting to build a myth around Chuck Liddell's recent slump.

After re-watching UFC 88 (online) the 'getting caught' statement appears to be a mythical event perpetuated by Liddell. The first round Liddell clearly won, however that doesn't take into account Rashad Evans being a notoriously slow starter. Still Liddell won the first round by controlling the action however he inflicted little damage while receiving a bruise under his eye and early indicator to Evans' power that night.

Round two started with Evans shifting gears by staying in the pocket throwing left hooks and jabs. This action would later set up that strong right that finished Liddell. After Rashad stood in the pocket and won the exchanges he would circle out to and reengage. Liddell though kept stalking with his hands down and looked uncomfortable with the strategy. The killer blow came after a left jab. The overhand right hit Liddell and knocked him out cold. While Liddell did throw an uppercut, it came right after that initial left jab. Chuck had been set up up by Rashad's previous punches, not caught by a sudden movement.

One point that isn't often discussed is that a fighter's game plan is often not discovered until the fight is over or entering the third round. This is the case with Evans at UFC 88. The movement in the first round clearly frustrated Liddell and Evans' corner called for more. The second saw Evans using his left to set up the right while circling out of contact after his combo was thrown. Evans controlled the initiative of the fight in the second round, fighting where and how he wanted. Liddell didn't adapt or recognize what was occurring instead he stalked and looked for the big punch. This constitutes being outfought, not 'getting caught'.

If Liddell wants to perpetuate the 'getting caught' myth he does himself a great disservice because he is not acknowledging the real mistakes he made in the fight. Instead Liddell is watering down the result into mere cliché. By doing this, he is hindering his growth as an MMA fighter something that every fighter needs to do. As I wrote before the real reason Liddell lost to Keith Jardine was his inability to shift gears. Jardine relied on the leg kick while he circled out, Liddell needed to respond with takedowns as opposed to force contact.

One of Liddell's most powerful weapons on his winning streak was the fear associated with him. That fear has now evaporated with three losses, two to TUF alums. Liddell's fighting style needs to adapt and evolve, especially when fighters alter their style for him. Remember going into UFC 88 everyone thought Evans would simply shoot and try to wrestle Liddell. Instead Evans altered his style and out fought Liddell.

Let this be an end to the Liddell just 'getting caught' myth.