There is a time to celebrate, and there is a time to reflect on one’s accomplishments. There was a chance for both during the events on July 10, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leading up to UFC 100, MMA legend Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Also honored into the Hall of Fame was Liddell’s longtime friend, the late Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr. The UFC’s newest Hall of Fame inductee hit the town for a proper celebration leading up to the induction. Inside Vegas’ Palms Hotel and Casino, Liddell rolled into Huntington Ink (Tattoo Lounge) with his best friend – WEC standout Antonio Banuelos at his side. The two hardcore fighters got a black heart tattooed on their ring-finger. The symbol served as an interesting reminder of their struggles outside of the octagon.

“We all don’t have too much luck with long-term relationships, but it’s alright,” said Liddell. “We’re (Liddell and friends) always together; so it’s our own thing.”

With the ink still wet on their fingers, Liddell and company hopped the next limo over to a nightclub to continue the celebration. During the ride over, Liddell spoke about his next day’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.

“That’s the hardest thing for me,” said Liddell. “Everyone talks about it. If you know me --I’m not real good at taking complements. This is the highest compliment that they can give you, and I’m not good at taking it.”

That is not to say that Liddell does not value or appreciate the honor however. Rather, it is further evidence that he continues to be one of the most humble fighters that the UFC has ever seen. Liddell also spoke about his dear friend Charles “Mask” Lewis’ induction into the Hall of Fame. Lewis tragically lost his life in a car accident back in March, and will forever be remembered as an outstanding individual, and MMA entrepreneur.

Liddell painfully said that he was going to make sure that he spoke before they inducted Lewis into the Hall. With his head hung low, Liddell said it would simply be too hard to speak after they recognized his dear friend. With his fallen friend in his thoughts, Liddell and company celebrated the rest of the evening knowing that Lewis was with them in spirit.

Just past 6:00 p.m. the following evening, Liddell was accepted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

“This is a guy (Liddell) that has defined a sport,” said Fertitta. “When you think about the UFC, he personifies the UFC. Whenever anybody sees that logo, I think they think of Chuck Liddell. He
will forever be a part of the UFC. He’s a special person because he never did this for the fame, never did it for the money. Chuck is one thing and one thing only – he’s a fighter. It’s in his DNA.”

Never one to shine the light in his own direction, Liddell admitted that his specialty was not in public speaking. As he nervously paced across the stage, Liddell recognized his UFC friends and former competitors throughout his glorious years in the octagon.

"I wanted to thank all the other fighters, comrades, my guys who got in the ring with me, all the guys that fought me," said Liddell.

Liddell also went on to acknowledge his adoring fans during his acceptance speech.

“Lastly when I walked out to the ring, I never felt like it was just me walking out there, it was all you guys," Liddell said as the audience hung on every word.

As the former UFC light heavyweight champion had anticipated, his simultaneous induction alongside Lewis’ into the UFC Hall was an emotional experience. Liddell attempted to hide his emotions when he respectfully stepped backstage during Lewis’ tribute.

“Chuck Liddell is a little emotional right now. He and Charles were very close friends, and I thought it was cool to induct them both into the Hall of Fame at the same time,” White said.

Liddell joined the likes of Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Randy Couture and Mark Coleman in the UFC Hall of Fame.