Couture ready to back Liddell

Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champions Randy “The Natural” Couture insists he will back Chuck Liddell, “whatever he decides to do”.

Liddell’s future in MMA has become a public spectacle due to the argument between UFC president Dana White and Liddell’s long-term trainer John Hackleman.

The 40-year-old has just 1-4 in his past five fights, but has been tight-lipped about his future.

Couture told MMAWeekly.com: “He should be able to make [the decision to retire] on his own and still have the option to fight if that’s what’s really in his heart. But I understand too, him and Dana are very close, and Dana doesn’t want to see him get hurt, get knocked out.

“He’s still going to be a public figure for the company, an ambassador for appearances, for representing products and fights. The UFC’s getting involved in this whole gym endeavor – that’s an area that Chuck could be of use for them, setting up curriculums and training regimens for striking and wrestling. There’s places for him for sure. Whatever he decides to do, I’ll back him. Maybe he’ll be the accountant.”

Tags: Chuck Liddell, Dana White, UFC