published on in today

EXCLUSIVE: UFC legend Chuck Liddell makes plea to Jon Jones before explaining why he would beat Bone

Chuck Liddell is a certified legend of the UFC, but Jon Jones is already a legend and still competing.

Only 32, Bones remains undefeated - save for a disqualification that many feel, including Dana White, that should be overturned - and many regard him as the greatest light-heavyweight champion ever, maybe the greatest fighter - period.

A man who would rival him for that crown at 205lbs is Liddell and the Ice Man carved out one hell of a career during his six years in UFC.

He helped put the promotion on the map and his first two fights with Tito Ortiz are the stuff of legends.

Jones hasn't helped himself throughout his career with a string of controversies that have cast a big shadow over his undeniable achievements.

From DUIs, hit and runs - on a pregnant lady, no less - and multiple drug scandals, Jones' name has been tainted in some circles.

talkSPORT caught up with Liddell ahead of the release of his next film Cage Fighter on May 16 with FITE in the UK and we asked him how frustrating it is to see Jones carry on making mistakes in his personal life.

"That's his own thing," Liddell started. "Look man, here: don't drink and drive. It's that simple. In my town, if I was out drinking, I'd get two people to show up. One to take my car home and one to take me home or wherever I want to go. No problem. I could do it for you! If you were in my town, I'd do it for anybody.

"'My buddy is drunk, go get him' - It's not that hard. I'm sure he knows people who could help, it's just making that decision. You have to put it in your head, if you start drinking, if you have more than two drinks, you're done. You're not driving. Don't make a choice.

"The problem is - and I bartendered for a long time, so I saw this all the time - when you start making that decision of whether you're good enough to drive or not, when you're smashed, you're not the best guy to be making that decision!

"You might be fine most of the time and then you feel like you're fine, but if you're been drinking, just don't drive."

Fantasy matchups in UFC are things we rarely get to see because, unlike something scripted like WWE, generations can't clash in the octagon without the elder being at a severe physical disadvantage.

But in his prime, could Liddell have been the one to dethrone Jones?

"I'd have a shot at him in my prime," he said. "I think I could beat him, I think I'm a bad style for him.

"He would have to strike with me. He wouldn't out-point me, he's not a better kickboxer than I am. And he's not going to wrestle me, he's not going to take me down.

"He wouldn't be able to control me like he does most people. He wouldn't be able to dictate where the fight is fought.

"The way he dodges right hands - and I have a lot longer reach than most people think. I have a 79 and a half inch reach. His was 81, then it was 82, 83, what is it, 84 now? I don't know, he keeps throwing it I think [laughs].

"I hope he gets his stuff together, just get someone to drive you man - you're better than that."

Liddell stars in the wrestling/MMA crossover film, Cage Fighter. The movie drops through FITE on May 16 in the UK.

ncG1vNJzZmiskaG4tLzOq6tnm5%2BifLS8zquraKWdlnx4fJFscG1nk53CpLeMpaCdnJWhuW62zqdko6eemsBuwcWcZKWdl5q7pXnBqKWeq18%3D