Former UFC light heavyweight champion recently tore his hamstring and was removed from the main event of UFC 85, scheduled for June 7 from London's O2 Arena.
Rashad Evans, Liddell's scheduled opponent, will not fight James Irvin.
''Unfortunately, Chuck Liddell tore his right hamstring during training,'' UFC president Dana White said in a statement. ``Being the warrior that he is, he still wanted to fight, which is the reason why everyone in the world loves him. But I wouldn't let anyone fight with his leg looking that way. Let him heal and come back and fight when he is 100 percent.''
In Liddell's absence, former welterweight champion Matt Hughes will now headline the card versus Thiago Alves.
''Obviously Chuck Liddell's injury was a big blow, but as always our incredible fighters step up to give fans the best possible replacement,'' White said. ``. . . These are two of the best athletes in the sport and we are thrilled to bring them to London for the UFC 85 main event.''
