VIDEO: Celebrating the 16th Anniversary of the Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz Superfight at UFC 47
By Evan Wolff
Through all of the classic main event fights in UFC history, one mega-showdown will always hold a special, singular place in the minds of MMA fans: Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz. These two superstars of the sport squared off for the first time at UFC 47 in a contest that kicked off a historical rivalry in the fledgling years of the organization. And with today being the 16th anniversary of that iconic matchup, it's time to revisit all the bang-bang action.
CHUCK. VERSUS. TITO.
If you somehow haven't had the privilege of watching one of the most hotly anticipated fights mixed martial arts has ever seen, it is an absolute must-watch. The UFC 47 main event kicked off a rivalry that drove narratives for Dana White and the UFC for years to come, and really brought fighting in the Octagon into the kind of worldwide focus that attracted new legions of casual fans. From Big John McCarthy reading out pre-fight instructions, to Joe Rogan going nuts as the Iceman landed punch after punch to knock out Tito Ortiz, it truly is one of the marquee moments in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
It was the first fight in what turned out to be a famous trilogy between Ortiz and Liddell. With the UFC currently on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's especially enjoyable to look back at one of the most famous fights in the history of the organization knowing what a milestone it truly was. Long live these two absolute giants of the cage!