Liddell trades gloves for dancing shoes

Throughout his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Chuck Liddell has been known as a frequent visitor to the trendy nightclubs in both Las Vegas and his native Southern California.

Now he gets a chance to show what moves he has picked up from some of those crowded dance floors.

On Monday, the former UFC light heavyweight champion was announced as one of the cast members on the ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars."

Liddell said dancing always has been more of a leisure activity for him.

"I like to dance, but I don't know how to dance," he said in a statement.

The UFC Hall of Famer has just one goal in mind for his stint on the ninth season of the hit show.

"I want to win," he said. "I don't like losing in anything, so I'll work as hard as they let me."

Liddell has been out of action since losing to Mauricio Rua in April.

It was his fourth loss in five fights, but he is still one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts.

UFC president Dana White has expressed his desire for Liddell to retire and not take any more punishment, but Liddell has been hesitant to make that official.

This opportunity came up at the right time for the fighter.

"They asked a couple different times, but it would be too much time to take off from training for fights," he said. "Now I don't have any fights coming up and I'm not training, so it's something to do."

Liddell expects to take some ribbing for his foray into the world of dancing, but also sees it as an opportunity to market mixed martial arts to a new audience.

"I'm (going to) go out and be myself and show what kind of people we do have in this sport," he said. "I'm sure the reaction will be mixed. My friends are (going to) be excited and I'll never hear the end of it because they'll make fun of me, but it should be fun and I think everyone will like it."

Liddell is not the only athlete in the cast.

Former NFL star Michael Irvin, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, and snowboarder Louie Vito are slated to compete.

The new season of the show, which features 16 celebrities, will debut on Sept. 21.

* PROVINCE POSITIVE -- World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight Cole Province tested positive for an anaboloic steroid after his decision victory over Fredson Paixao at the Hard Rock on Aug. 9.

Province's positive test was for Methasterone metabolite, a "designer steroid."

Province faces a fine and suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Also Alex Karalexis was scratched from his lightweight bout with Anthony Pettis due to an arm injury.

The fight was to be part of the WEC's Sept. 2 card in Youngstown, Ohio.

* TUFF-N-UFF -- The Las Vegas-based organization will host amateur MMA cards at the Orleans on each of the next two weekends.

The card on Saturday night is headlined by a lightweight bout between Palo Verde graduate Jimmy Spicuzza and Ryan Couture, the son of UFC star Randy Couture.

Tuff-N-Uff also will hold a card at the Orleans on Aug. 28.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.