UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell arrested on domestic violence charge, claims he was victim

UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell was arrested and charged with domestic violence in Los Angeles early Monday. Later, he claimed to be the victim of the incident.

TMZ Sports reported that Liddell was in an argument with his wife that became physical. He's being held at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Agoura Hills, California, outside of Los Angeles. It's a misdemeanor and bail is set at $20,000.

Hours later, Liddell posted a statement via his Instagram claiming to have sustained bruising and lacerations and to have volunteered to be arrested in his wife's place. He alluded to a family mental health issue he has tried to keep private.

Liddell, 51, has been married to Heidi Northcott for more than a decade. They have two children together, born in 2011 and 2013. The former UFC light heavyweight title holder is listed in the police paperwork as 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds. Per the police report, she did not require medical attention.

The fighter won the title in 2005 via knockout and lost the belt two years later to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. He closed his career in 2010 having lost five of his final six bouts. Four were by knockout.

He briefly came out of retirement in 2018 to fight Tito Ortiz, and reiterated his retirement stance in 2020.

Liddell was inducted to the UFC Hall of Fame's Pioneer Wing in 2009. He's been seen on reality TV shows, in cameos on TV shows and has starred in movies. He recently served as a referee for the celebrity boxing match between Aaron Carter and former NBA player Lamar Odom this past June.