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The Iceman cometh

06.06.08 Graeme Neill

Ultimate Fighting Championship star Chuck Liddell's hard-hitting autobiography is to be published in the UK in September by independent Milo Books.

The hardback of Iceman: My Fighting Life is published by Dutton in the US and is a New York Times bestseller. Milo Books publisher Peter Walsh bought UK paperback rights for a four-figure sum from Dutton. Walsh said the project had been recommended by distributor Turnaround, which had previously imported the hardbacks into the UK. Milo will publish in September as a £7.99 paperback.

UFC is a controversial sport, notorious for its brutal no-holds-barred fighting style. Contests take place in an octagonal caged ring, and events have been held worldwide, with a competition in Canada last month attracting a crowd of 16,000.

Walsh said that Liddell, whose distinctive mohawk and grace under pressure have seen him nicknamed as "The Iceman", was "the biggest name in the sport". "He competed in wrestling at high school but it was really street fighting that was his hobby," he said. "He's one of those people who has boundless energy and needed an outlet for it. Martial arts was probably Liddell's salvation.

"He had heard of ultimate fighting and was tempted to give it a try. He quickly developed a taste for it and has a strong image to match."The book, written with Chad Millman, outlines Liddell's disadvantaged upbringing and details some of his most brutal fights, as well as how he balances his family life with that of an UFC champ.

"He's just such a fearless character," added Walsh. "He's the coolest guy in the dressing room, no matter who he is
fighting."

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