Mascot Chuck Liddell is the first ever UFC mascot, dressed as the infamous Chuck Liddell, a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Chuck Liddell is known for 23 fights in the UFC, along with Randy Couture, he is widely credited with bringing MMA into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. Mascot Chuck Liddell is created by Greg Buis, a contestant from Survivor. Greg was noticed for his wacky temperament, having a fun-loving personality; Buis was the first person ever to win an Individual Immunity Challenge.
Buis, before he was Mascot Chuck Liddel, was the mascot for Shark Fight – an MMA promotion based in Texas. Shark Fight was known for it’s amazing cards, including a showcase by Non-Zuffa organisations which included UFC veterans Jorge Masvidal, Keith Jardine, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Paul Daley, and Houston Alexander all on the same card.
Since Survivor and Shark Fight, Buis decided that, although the UFC had no official mascot, he should make one, and proceeded to create an expensive 5,000 dollar recreation of Chuck Liddell. The Mascot was an instant success, and is now viewed by fans as a real mascot of the UFC franchise. Buis choses Chuck Liddell because “he is one of the most recognizable fighters and a UFC legend” and, outside of being the mascot, Buis is known for his optimism and perseverance, saying that dreams can always become true if they’re given the chance.