The Iceman officially announced his retirement last Wednesday. Liddel, now 41 years old, struggled in the last few months to come to a decision. After being knocked out by Rich Franklin (his 3rd knockout in a row), Liddell said that he would take some time off. Liddell stated "if I can't compete with the best or if I'm not fighting for a title, then I have nothing to prove".

Despite his days in the UFC being over, Liddel will remain active in the UFC as the vice president of business development.