All right, that last one was made up, but you see my point.  The truth is no one but Liddell knows what the future holds for him, and even that might be a stretch.

Floating rumors of retirement is a popular trend for fighters coming off disappointing losses, and it’s not completely ridiculous when you consider that Liddell is nearing forty and has been competing in the UFC since before they had timed rounds.

But I have a hard time believing that Liddell is ready to hang up his gloves.  Once the general malaise of losing wears off, “The Iceman” simply has too many reasons to get back in the cage, even if they’re not the same reasons that motivate most fighters who continue past their prime.

For instance, if Liddell continues fighting, it won’t be because he needs the money.  According to the UFC’s announced fighter payout, which they consistently claim is a lowball figure, had Liddell coming away with $500,000 for his decision defeat at the hands of Keith Jardine.

Other sources estimate his take at closer to $1 million after sponsorships and bonuses, but even if those claims are completely untrue that’s still a hefty paycheck for an MMA fighter.  By comparison, Jardine made $14,000 for battering Liddell over three rounds.

You also have to consider that before he became a pro fighter, Liddell worked as an accountant, so it isn’t likely that he’s blown all his winnings on private discotheques and Bengal tigers the way Mike Tyson did in his admirable effort to go bankrupt on $350 million.

But there are other allures that come with the life of a pro fighter that might prove more difficult for Liddell to turn his back on.

For instance, it’s well known that Liddell loves the night life and club-hopping with celebrity girlfriends.  He also loves his adoring fans, just like he thoroughly enjoys being famous.  That’s not an accusation so much as an assessment, but that kind of attention can easily become an addiction.  If Liddell isn’t a pro fighter anymore, most of those fans will move on and find another hero to worship.

But even the adulation isn’t enough to keep Liddell in the game.  Not by itself, anway.  The real reason he isn’t going anywhere is because his own personal White Whale – Wanderlei Silva – is still out there, untested and unconquered.

Sure, Silva isn’t the same fighter he was back when the rumored match between he and Liddell had MMA fans salivating, but neither is Chuck.  That’s why the match makes sense for both of them.  Whoever wins proves he still belongs in the sport, while the loser will be pushed a little further towards retirement.

This is what will keep Liddell around for at least a little while longer – the need to test himself.  He can’t walk away while this question remains unanswered.  For the sake of the fans who have been dying to see it, let’s hope Liddell feels the same way.