UFC Champion Chuck Liddell Graces ESPN the Magazine Cover

In one of many signs that the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has arrived as part of mainstream America, UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell is featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. The issue that is on newsstands now features both Liddell and his son, with the headline, "What's not to love about Chuck Liddell?"

The Business Wire preview of the story is, "As the toughest, most famous Ultimate Fighter, Chuck Liddell has transcended the sport and become a bona fide star. It turns out that the "scariest" man in the world's "scariest" sport is not that scary at all. Allison Glock reports." Liddell is known for his ability to take a punch, but his trademark strikes have dominated the sport in recent years.

It's no exaggeration to say Liddell is the most popular fighter in the world of mixed martial arts. To fans, he's the hardnosed, explosive and exciting champion who has been at the forefront of the MMA explosion in popularity over the past two years. To many in the MMA industry, Liddell is beloved for his tough work ethic and the fact he's still a down to earth guy. With out a doubt, the promoters of the UFC love Liddell's drawing ability as far as financial success goes. December's UFC 66 show remains the most successful show in the company's history. Chuck Liddell defeated Tito Ortiz via T.K.O. in one of the most exciting fights in 2006.

Many reports over the past several months have pointed to a deal between the UFC and ESPN that will increase the promotion's exposure on the most popular cable sports network. UFC has been featured in casual interview spots on ESPN News and even highlights from UFC events have aired on Sportscenter recently. It's believed the relationship will increase over the next year. Some believe in the future, it's possible there will be UFC shows on the network.

As for Chuck Liddell, he is busy training and promoting his upcoming title defense on Saturday, May 26th in Las Vegas. At UFC 71, he will defend the UFC light heavyweight championship against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. The anticipated fight is the main event on a major card for the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Jackson remains the only unavenged defeat in Liddell's career. Jackson defeated Liddell years ago in the Pride organization in Japan. Liddell tells anyone who will listen, "This is the last loss on my record that I have to avenge so I want to put that behind me and then look at new challenges."