Liddell has sights on title shot

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder Chuck Liddell takes on undefeated Rashad Evans in the main event of UFC 88 from the Philips Arena in Atlanta on Sept. 6. And, with a win, Liddell hopes to move back into title contention and earn an opportunity to regain the belt against current champion Forrest Griffin.

Liddell's been in mega-fights before with the likes of Randy Couture, three times, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson twice, Tito Ortiz twice and former Pride Fighting Championship middleweight title holder Wanderlei Silva.

Questioned whether he can get up for a match with Evans, Liddell told MMAWeekly, "I don't find it hard to get motivated for fights. I love fighting and I want to get my title back. I want to get my title back, so I'm highly motivated for that."

"I'm ready to fight again," added Liddell. "I'm excited about this. I can't wait to get in there ... I'm 100 percent.

Liddell's faced wrestlers in the past and has been extremely successful against the stylistic match up knocking out Couture twice, Ortiz twice, Renato Sobral twice and Kevin Randleman.

Asked what Evans brings to the table different than his previous opponents with a heavy wrestling background did not, Liddell commented, "He has a different shot than they do. He's a different fighter in general. He has better stand up than either one of them."

Liddell expects to render Evans unconscious and move one step closer to the title. "People have to respect my power," said the popular mixed martial artist. "But a lot of times you don't get that respect until you actually hit them a couple of times."

With Rashad's undefeated record and Liddell's drawing power, the winner of this bout will most likely get a title shot against Griffin. Liddell wants to return to champion status while Evans looks to maintain his undefeated record and take out one of the biggest name in American MMA."