Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell’s rivalry should’ve stayed back in the mid-2000s

A longstanding and bitter rivalry between two UFC icons has been comprehensively slammed by fight fans and pros of the sport.

Tito Ortiz lands the knockout punch on rival Chuck Liddell.

Two bitter UFC rivals decided to reignite their feud and stepped back into the cage, years after they’d last touched gloves.

Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz were at one time two of the biggest drawcards within the UFC organisation, but after 12 years it was clear fathertime had been the real winner.

The 48-year-old Liddell retired from the UFC all the way back in 2010 after a career that saw him defend his light heavyweight championship four times.

Ortiz, 43, defended the same title five-times and it was his heated rivalry with Liddell that continued to steal the headlines.

On Sunday the two men squared off inside the cage once more for the third chapter in their rivalry, 12 years after the last instalment.

Liddell claimed the win in the opening two encounters, but this time around the once feared “Ice Man” didn’t look like he should’ve been allowed in the fight.

While both men seemed tentative throughout the opening moments of the fight, it was Ortiz who took control and landed the knockout blow with a hellacious right hand.

Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz #LiddellOrtiz3 pic.twitter.com/A48ZznimlC

— ZombieProphet (@GIFsZP) November 25, 2018

But fans and fellow pro fighters watching on couldn’t help but slam the showing as being sad and hard to watch.

Sad......

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 25, 2018

Ultimately, that was hard to watch. Can't lie to you. #LiddellOrtiz3 pic.twitter.com/sm7vMdXAQH

— Brian Campbell (@BCampbellCBS) November 25, 2018

Actual footage of Liddell's best punches against Ortiz. #LiddellOrtiz3 pic.twitter.com/ZfDPGhZaEk

— Oskar Garcia (@oskargarcia) November 25, 2018

This is legitimately the worst thing I've ever seen in any kind of major MMA setting. The feeling in the pit of my stomach and in my head was not like anything I've ever felt in decades of watching combat sports. The CSAC has failed and should be shut down. #LiddellOrtiz3

— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) November 25, 2018

The main event brought to an end boxing legend’s Oscar De La Hoya’s first foray into the MMA with Golden Boy MMA.

If social media is anything to go by, the opening card went down like Lidell … a poor showing that ended with a barrage of criticism.

The remainder of the card failed to deliver any big moments and leaves the promotion in a jam to produce the goods if they’re to really make a splash in the sport.

FULL GOLDEN BOY MMA RESULTS

Tito Ortiz defeated Chuck Liddell via KO (punches), round 1

Gleison Tibau defeated Efrain Escudero via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ricardo Palacios defeated Walel Watson via TKO (strikes), 3:56 of round 1

James Barnes defeated Albert Morales via submission (armbar), 4:09 of round 3

Jay Silva defeated Oscar Cota via submission (arm-triangle choke), 2:13 of round 3

Johnny Cisneros defeated Dave Terrel via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

Fernie Garcia defeated Joe Roye via submission (rear naked choke), 2:48 of round 1

Francisco Estrada defeated Jose Huerta via submission (rear naked choke), 2:47 of round 2