Liddell v. Rua – The Staff Debate

On the eve of particularly compelling matches, I like to gather my charges about me to discuss the various elements which may have a bearing on the outcome of said bout. I find these little chats a comfort as they tend to make me feel more in touch with our ‘younger generation,’ as it were.

- Pikey

Pikey: Gentlemen, I have gathered you here together today to consider the upcoming Chuck Liddell versus Mauricio “Shogun” Rua contest scheduled for April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Canada. After spending the morning nursing a delightful Irish coffee and consulting the Googletron Device for information regarding the two combatants,  it is my considered opinion that this fight should be handily won by Gentlemen Chuck Liddell. I believe his unlimited reserves of striking power will result in his delivering a sound thrashing to the exotic Mr. Rua early on in what should be a most excellent bout.

Hudson: Well, setting setting aside for the moment the information you’ve obtained during your “Googlations,” I think you’re completely wrong about this. Rua, in his third round TKO victory over Mark Coleman in Dublin, looked like the real deal to me. He’s 17-3 now, and 1-1  in UFC fights, so I don’t see the fight as the complete walkover for Liddell some of my fellow pundits seem to think it will be.

Mace: Dude, you’re completely out of line and I got to go with Pikey on this one.

Hudson: That comes as no surprise, and as usual your nose is so far up the bosses’ ass you can see what he had for breakfast. Give me a couple good reasons why you think Liddell, at this stage of his career, is a lock to take Rua out.

Mace: Okay, I give you a couple reasons. One Rua’s knee was completely blown up when he lost by submission to Forrest Griffin in 2007. Two, Chuck is one bad mother and he’s got to be pissed that he’s hit a bad patch and he’ll be itching to get back to the top.

Pikey: Well Lad, as much as I am now considerably less certain of my choice for the winner in this bout after hearing your selection, I still favor the loutish Liddell. It is my considered opinion that the dusky Rua’s knee does indeed seem likely to collapse again under assault from his most worthy opponent.  If one of you gentlemen could kindly refresh my coffee, I would be most pleased. It seems, as you well know, to be the most effective balm for my dispepsia.

Hudson: I’m not saying it’s beyond the realm of the possible to think that the Iceman can recover his form from a couple years ago. I just think it’s unlikely. You just don’t see fighters come back from a string of tough losses, especially when they’re getting up there in years. I think the Iceman has achieved nearly everything he wanted to in the game; he’s got lots of endorsement money, he’s essentially an icon in MMA and I would think it’s tough to generate the proper motivation when you know you’re nearing the end of the string.

Pikey: As usual I find our chats to be most instructive, and though it appears once again we differ as to the expected outcome, I’m certain our readers will find our discourse instructive as well.

Mace: Hey Whitey, you got some inside information that we don’t know about here?

Hudson: The way Rua looked against Coleman was completely different to the way he fought and lost by submission to Forrest Griffin in September of 07. Coleman is a tough guy and getting a TKO against him took some doing. I just think Rua has the goods and possibly, Liddell might be past his prime.

Pikey: Notwithstanding the misgivings I have upon accidentally concurring with our young Mace, I believe I shall stick with my selection. Would you, Mr. Hudson, be willing to wager a few shillings on the outcome of this bout?

Hudson: You got that right. Let’s call it a bonus. What did you have in mind?

Pikey: What say we make it 5 pounds sterling to also include the purchase of a fresh bottle of Jameson for the medicine cabinet.

Hudson: Done… it’s one bet I wouldn’t mind losing a little cash just to see The Iceman’s legend restored a bit.

Rua v. Jackson