In MMA, it’s a rarity that legendary fighters stick to their first retirements. Randy Couture came out of retirement to win the UFC heavyweight title once upon a time. Tito Ortiz retired after losing to Forrest Griffin a second time, only to return to the sport two years later for Bellator. Even Georges St-Pierre, one of the savviest and most self-aware fighters ever to grace the octagon couldn’t resist the pull of the cage and will be returning later this year. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that a man who practically had to be dragged away from fighting by Dana White, former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, is possibly thinking about a return.

Rumors started about a potential Liddell resurgence when his longtime friend Jay Glazer posted a video to Instagram showing Liddell working some vicious elbow strikes in the gym.

Talk then began picking up when Liddell posted a photo to Instagram showing himself in phenomenal shape, and arguably looking better than he did during much of his career.

In deep thought A post shared by Chuck Liddell (@chuckliddell) on Apr 25, 2017 at 9:38pm PDT

And while Liddell has remained silent about a possible return, his trainer John Hackleman did talk about the subject on the latest edition of the Anik and Florian podcast. Hackleman said that while nothing has been offered, if Liddell approached him about returning, he would consider training “The Iceman” for another bout so long as it was the right opponent.

“Just like when they first wanted him to quit and he wanted to keep fighting, everybody was thinking I was trying to push him to keep fighting, which isn’t true. But like I always said, it’s whatever is in his heart. 3 million bucks? Who is gonna tell someone, ‘No. I’m not gonna allow you to make $3 million, which is more than most people make in three lifetimes.’

“It would all depend upon - this sounds so bad. Seriously, the people who know me know what a terrible mother hen I am when it comes to matching my fighters, but it would depend on the match. It would all depend on the match. I’m not gonna name who I would let him fight - well, it’s not up to me to let him fight or not - but who I would okay and who I wouldn’t.”

Liddell is 47 years old and hasn’t competed since June of 2010. He retired after losing 5 of his last six bouts, 4 of them by vicious knockout. And though Hackleman admits Liddell is his own man, he believes that even a lofty payday wouldn’t be worth it for Liddell to return unless the opponent was reasonable.

“But even $3 million, I don’t think that would be enough to put his life at risk and his legacy at risk. Because his legacy, not only for his own self-esteem but his legacy for his future earnings as well, could be worth a hell of a lot more than $3 million and tarnishing it to a certain degree, that might not be worth it. So it would all depend on the opponent.”

Perhaps it’s time to see the Iceman cometh back.

MUST-READ STORIES

Bon Voyage. Anderson Silva says he will retire if the UFC doesn’t book him vs. Yoel Romero for an interim title.

Fight. Cris Cyborg and Megan Anderson would like to fight each other at UFC 214.

New projects. The Fertitta brothers have launched a $500M investment firm.

Boxing. Antonio Tarver says Conor McGregor couldn’t beat Nate Diaz in boxing match.

Beef. Dominick Cruz thinks “mental strain” of Team Alpha Male beef will cost T.J. Dillashaw against Cody Garbrandt.

EXTRA CREDIT READING

Just Bleed. Tim Bissell interviewed the Just Bleed guy for a surprisingly captivating read.

VIDEO STEW

Miocic-JDS preview.

I’m looking forward to the next one of these.

TTTHS.

Dana gonna be on Snoop’s show.

Hackleman posts vids like these a lot apparently.

LISTEN UP

Severe MMA. Chats about the Nam-Ali Bags KO, boxing, and Gaethje in the UFC.

Brit Pack. The boys get in on the Joshua-Vlad match from the weekend.

CME. Listener mail and idle chatter from the CME team.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Hell of a career.

Sounds like he doesn’t want a tune up.

Am I goin to sign? The question is is he going to sign. Love how he made it sound like he's backing me into a corner https://t.co/xk6ycgHV9U — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 1, 2017

Sholler out of nowhere!

@JonnyBones @dc_mma looks like I might need to step in and break you two up again. I've been deadlifting. #IBack pic.twitter.com/IG0sX4wqPh — Dave Sholler (@DaveSholler) May 1, 2017

Do any of y’all have a problem with this?

This is insane! Silva is 1-4 in his last 5. Bisping been active why would there even be an interim??? https://t.co/oTFovoV5XH — Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 2, 2017

This math checks out.

Wait, everyone knows I currently hold the interim MW TITLE!!! https://t.co/lQtPpcWuur — The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) May 1, 2017

Feels like the champion shouldn’t be the one chasing but what do I know.

@GeorgesStPierre @hayabusacombat Are we still gonna fight? Let me know when you're ready. I'll take it easy on you I promise. — michael (@bisping) May 1, 2017

Cyborg-Anderson.

These are the 145lbs world rankings! If @IronLadyMMA is out of our #ufc214 fight who would my fans like to see me fight #UFCAnaheim July 29? pic.twitter.com/j0y90F71v5 — #UFC214 #LetsGoChamp (@criscyborg) April 29, 2017

Interesting so much drama for a division with 2 people @ufc #Megan4UFC https://t.co/LPJtoEkfcF — Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) April 29, 2017

Good guy Cain.

Thanks for having me out @georgelopez. Great to help #GeorgeLopezFoundation raise funds to send kids with kidney disease to camp. #chingon pic.twitter.com/LPclBqKA8B — Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) May 2, 2017

When is Nate getting one?

Sunday, May 7th at 2:09 PM we honor @ufc star and #StocktonCA native @nickdiaz209 with a bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans! pic.twitter.com/kDEtrMbv2L — Stockton Ports (@stocktonports) April 29, 2017

Lol.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Valerie Letourneau (8-6) vs. Emily Ducote (5-2); Bellator 181, July 14.

TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2014: Joe Warren won the Bellator interim bantamweight championship at Bellator 118 when he won a unanimous decision over Rafael Silva.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With Vitor about to retire, maybe Liddell can join the legends league and throw overhand rights at Tito one more time. But seriously, I would assume Chuck is just training to train and not thinking about returning, but if there was one guy in MMA history who would try and make a comeback after 7 years off, it’s gotta be him right?

Anyway, enjoy your Tuesday’s MMArmy and we’ll be back tomorrow. Take it easy and Conor bless.

If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy it.