Chuck Liddell became one of the early breakout stars of the UFC in a completely different era of the sport.
'The Iceman' was included in the pioneer wing of the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009 and played a crucial part in the history of the promotion.
Together with his rivalry with people like Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture, Liddell's All-Action style helped to bring many eyeballs to the Octagon.
MMA has changed a lot since his active years with Liddell and credit 'The Ultimate Fighter' as the moment that everything changed that the first season had coached in 2005.
He believes that one of the changes that the sport has undergone is the kind of competitors that you see in the UFC with Liddell who a colleague -for example, slightly heavyweight champion credit champion as a hunter who would fit in his era.
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Chuck Liddell says that Alex Pereira's attitude makes him one of the last 'real hunters'
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Chuck Liddell spoke about how fighters have changed as the UFC has continued to grow.
He believes that when he was an active competitor, the schedule consisted of boys who liked to fought and were able to earn a living.
Now, with the sport so much bigger and more financial rewards, there are many more athletes who step into the Achthoek.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Liddell believes that although there are many athletes who have proven themselves, they would not necessarily call them “real hunters”.
When asked to name an active hunter that fits in with the more old school mentality that Liddell and so many others brought on the table, he came to one answer.
The old friend and training partner of Liddell, Glover Teixeira, helped to convert one of the most dangerous strikers in the world into an elite mixed martial artist, whose mentality has made him a huge star.
“Oh, there are quite a lot about it,” Liddell said. '[Alex] Pereira is one of my favorites, but he is clearly coming from Glover [Teixeira]. But I love his attitude towards fighting. He is a beast, man. So if I had to choose one, I think [it’s Pereira]. “
Chuck Liddell sees Alex Pereira as one of the few “Real Fighters” who left today's MMA:
“I like his attitude towards fighting. He is a beast, man. So if I had to choose one, I think, I think [it’s Pereira]. “pic.twitter.com/kouv2fdhks
– MMA Fighting (@mmafighting) 27 May 2025
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Alex Pereira's attitude helped to produce one of the most memorable years that every UFC hunter has had
The attitude that Chuck Liddell talks about in reference to Alex Pereira, was completely visible in 2024, where the star status of 'Patan' continued to climb all year round.
Pereira was already a star on the way to the year, but a combination of his performances and willingness to step in and save the day, raised his popularity.
Alex Pereira's 2024 Opponentsevent & Datoeresultjamahal Hillufc 300, April 13 – Round 1jiri Prochazkaufc 303, 29 June TKO – Round 2khalil rountree Jr.ufc 307, 5tko – Round 4
His title rule may have ended earlier this year at UFC 313, but the time of Pereira as the light heavyweight champion will always be a great chapter in the history of the promotion.