Story from sports illustrated
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/m ... index.htmlChuck Liddell won't fight Rich Franklin at UFC 103 in Dallas, Texas.
He won't consider fighting anyone, not until sometime after April 2010, the former UFC light heavyweight champion told SI.com.
Not quite three months since Mauricio "Shogun" Rua served Liddell his second knockout loss in a row -- making it three in five fights -- the 39-year-old said Friday he plans on sitting out "for at least a year or so, just to let my head rest."
Next week, while in Las Vegas for UFC 100 festivities, Liddell (21-7) said he would sit down with UFC president Dana White for the first time since a brouhaha broke out between White and Liddell's longtime trainer, John Hackleman, over the shape of the fighter's career. Until recently White was firm in his stance that "The Iceman" should hang up his gloves. The promoter has since backed off statements that Liddell's time in the UFC was at an end, but that remains his preference.
Said Liddell of retirement: "I haven't personally made a decision one way or the other."
"Hopefully my brain can heal over time," he continued. "The shot last fight is something that normally wouldn't hurt me. I think I need at least some time off from getting hit. I'm going to take time off sparring then. I'll train still. Still gonna roll. I'll probably do a little more jiu-jitsu than normal because I like it. It's fun."
