[Brutus]

Liddell

It appears as though former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell will miss a considerable amount of time with a torn hamstring, the injury that forced him to withdraw from his main event bout with unbeaten Rashad Evans at UFC 85: Bedlam on June 7.

Read more at...

For more MMA news and features, check out thefightnetwork.com.

"His injury's not good," said UFC president Dana White. "He can barely bend over and tie his shoe. He tore his leg real bad. It's pretty nasty."

Liddell (21-5, 16-4 UFC) has not competed since December, when he outclassed Brazilian legend Wanderlei Silva in a memorable bout at UFC 79. He fought a brilliant tactical fight against Silva, mixing in several takedowns with his trademark counterstrikes. Though he turns 39 later this year, he remains arguably the UFC's most recognizable fighter, and his absence on the roster leaves a hole for which there is no plug. White indicated there was no timetable for Liddell's return.

"I know the doctor told him to kind of play it by ear," White said. "It's one of those things that can heal in six days, or it could heal in 16 weeks. The doctor doesn't really know. It depends on how fast Chuck can recover."

Liddell carries with him one of the sport's most impressive resumes, which includes a pair of knockout wins over both UFC Hall-of-Famer Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz. A third of his 21 career victories have come at the expense of current or former champions, including Murilo Bustamante, Kevin Randleman, Vitor Belfort and Alistair Overeem. Liddell's 20 appearances inside the Octagon tie him with Ortiz for most all-time.

Sounds like Chuck will be out longer than expected with this injury. Anyone ever torn a hammy before?