Liddell withdraws from UFC 85

Apr 22, 2008 - 4:59 AM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Chuck Liddell was forced to withdraw from his fight against undefeated light heavyweight Rashard Evans at UFC 85 after tearing his right hamstring during training last week, the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization announced on Monday.

"Being the warrior that he is, (Liddell) still wanted to fight, which is the reason why everyone in the world loves him," UFC President Dana White said. "But I wouldn't let anyone fight with his leg looking that way. Let him heal and come back and fight when he is 100 percent."

Liddell, who owns a 21-5-0 record in UFC, was scheduled to headline the June 7 event at the O2 Arena in London.

However, White assured that a new main event would be announced shortly.

"We're adding fights to the card and rearranging it so the UK fans won't have to worry," he said. "We'll still be bringing an amazing card to London and the O2 Arena. The UFC always delivers."