Chuck Liddell, former UFC light heavyweight champion, was knocked out by newcomer Rashad Evans 1:51 into the second round at UFC 88 Saturday night in Atlanta, GA.
Evans delivered a one punch knockout to Liddell’s jaw, sending him crashing face-first to the canvas for several minutes.
38-year-old Liddell, a key figure in the rise of the sport, has lost three of his last four fights, two by knockout, but isn’t talking retirement.
“I’m fine. A guy caught me,” Liddell said after the loss. “What you want me to say?”
“I’ll decide in the gym whether or not to retire. Not after a fight,” he said.
Evans, 28, who got his start on Spike TV’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter,” is currently unbeaten, setting up a likely championship bout with light heavyweight title-holder Forrest Griffin late this fall.
View UFC 88 Chuck Lidell vs. Rashad Evans fight video below.