Chuck Liddell retired, but would fight Jake Paul if he offered enough money: ‘He has no chance’

Chuck Liddell is done fighting, but will “never say never” to a comeback.

‘The Iceman’ has already made an ill-advised return from retirement in 2018 after an eight-year absence, suffering a forgettable first-round loss to longtime rival Tito Ortiz. In 2023, there is no question of returning…unless provoked by Jake Paul, YouTuber turned boxing star.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has done the unthinkable in the first two weeks of the year, signing Paul to a one-off mixed martial arts (MMA) contract that will see ‘The Problem Child’ debut. Liddell doesn’t foresee himself being Paul’s welcoming MMA opponent, but he’s open to it.

“Sure, MMA? He wants to fight me in MMA now, I’d be up for that,” Liddell told Inside Fighting. “He doesn’t want to fight me though. It’s okay. Good luck.”

“I’m retired, I’m 53, man. Come on.” he continued. “But again, he has no chance. For sure [I’d sign a contract]. If he offered enough money, of course.

Paul, 26, is undefeated in his six professional boxing matches so far. Going up against MMA fighters is nothing new, as he recently earned a unanimous decision nod over 47-year-old MMA legend Anderson Silva in October 2022 (watch highlights). Paul’s previous three matches against Silva have seen him beat fellow former champions Tyron Woodley (twice) and Ben Askren.

Paul’s next specific appearance has yet to be determined, but he’s still expressed an interest in setting up a matchup with free agent superstar Nate Diaz. Despite Diaz’s veteran status as a member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) team for 15 years, Paul also noted that he was “tired of beating those old dudes.”