5 UFC Legends who could come out of retirement in 2018

Retirement is more or less a hiatus these days. Both popular and obscure athletes have time and again bid adieu to their respective sports only to jump right back into the scheme of things.

Some ended up being regrettable decisions while others managed to build on an already illustrious legacy. The barbaric world of MMA too has seen many comebacks with George St Pierre's return still fresh in everyone's mind.

With that being said, here are 5 more prominent mixed martial artists who could script a memorable return this year:

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#1 Chuck Liddell

Begining with the Iceman himself, Chuck Liddell last fought in 2010 in a losing effort against Rich Franklin. A third straight knockout loss spelled the end of the former Lightheavyweight Champion's career, after which he was handed a lucrative desk job by the UFC.

The man credited for putting UFC on the mainstream map has been teasing a rather shocking comeback as of late to fight none other than friend-turned-foe, Tito Ortiz.

Both the UFC Hall of Famers have been calling each other out for the third match between two and the fighting community has had no option but to take notice.

But will a 48-year-old Iceman be medically cleared to compete again inside the Octagon? The general consensus is a resounding no but Liddell argues otherwise.

“I don’t know why I wouldn’t be (cleared to fight). I’ve had medical exams for my mountain climbing show and I cleared with everything there so I should be just fine. We’ll have to see. If they don’t clear me, I’d be shocked. They’ve cleared a lot of people in a lot less shape than I am.”

Moving on to the man who has fuelled rumors of a grudge match...

#2 Tito Ortiz

The original Bad Boy of MMA recently laced up his gloves again to fight for Bellator. He announced his 'second retirement' after putting Chael Sonnen to sleep with a rare-naked choke in January 2017 and bowed out with a respectable 3-1 record for the perennial rivals of the UFC.

But at 43 years old, Ortiz may not be done just yet as he seems to be obsessed with beating the man who got the better of him on the two previous occasions they met, Chuck Liddell.

As mentioned earlier, Ortiz has been instigating his long-standing feud with Liddell and as said by the man himself, would love to give his 'good friend Liddell' a good payday.

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy, however, has cast major doubts over Liddell's health.

"Chuck couldn’t pass to fight again. He’s been knocked out, unconscious, five times.’ I guarantee you the doctor won’t give him a license.”

While UFC will surely steer clear of the risky fight, Bellator should have no problems in promoting the veteran showdown considering their recent matchmaking exploits.

However, do we really need Ortiz vs. Liddell III in 2018?

#3 Jens Pulver

Lil' Evil is a pioneer. The founding father of the Light Heavyweight division in the UFC, the first Light Heavyweight Champion in history coupled with the distinction of being the first man to beat the legendary BJ Penn -- Pulver has quite an envious resume to boast about.

The undefeated boxer called it quits on an MMA career in 2014 and has since been enjoying life as a retired combat athlete. A natural-born fighter, Pulver, though, hasn't completely ruled out a monumental return to the cage.

But the 43-year-old has a very specific opponent in mind that could force him out of his cozy home straight to the UFC Octagon and it's none other than the Prodigy himself, BJ Penn.

Having a head-to-head record of 1-1, Pulver's relatively jestful proposition makes the most sense on paper. Despite suffering 5 straight losses, Penn refuses to hang up his gloves.

Penn vs. Pulver III is the perfect send-off match for both the stalwarts, isn't it?

#4 Uriah Faber

At 37 years old, many fans feel Uriah Faber walked away from the sport prematurely. The UFC Hall of Famer capped off a 13-year career when he defeated Brad Pickett in his hometown of Sacramento, California in December 2016.

The California Kid has been cherishing his time outside the Octagon ever since as he has been involved with the UFC and his camp, Team Alpha Male. 'Chilling and providing commentary for UFC show' with Snoop Dogg on UFC's SnoopCast would give you a clear idea of the party that is Faber's life.

But the 44 fight veteran has not ruled out a potential return. His intentions on facing his former protegee TJ Dillashaw have met with ridicule from the current Bantamweight Champion but Faber is as prepared as ever if the right fight comes along.

“I still get tested from USADA just cause I’ve never taken drugs in my life so I don’t really care about that,” Faber said. “If there was a big opportunity and someone wanted you to fight and it sounds like a good idea I wouldn’t want to wait four months to get cleared when I’m not doing drugs anyway.”

Retired or semi-retired, Faber may still have a lot left in the tank for one final run. Maybe go after that elusive UFC title? Nah...too far-fetched!

#5 Brock Lesnar

Being the biggest draw in pro wrestling and MMA is no mean feat. Brock Lesnar has raked in the moolah and the money for two of the biggest promotions in the world despite both selling different products altogether.

After beating Mark Hunk at 200 in July 2016 and subsequently failing a drug test, the Beast Incarnate was handed a 1-year ban by the USADA, making him eligible to return to the Octagon after July 2017. In an unforeseen event, he reportedly notified the UFC of his retirement in February 2017.

It's 2018 and the current WWE Universal Champion is expected to drop the title to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34, thus ending a lengthy 330+ day reign. Sadly for the WWE, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion wants to improve on his 5-3-1 MMA record and would reportedly not be renewing his WWE contract, which expires in April.

And if the photo below posted by Dana White is any indication, then his rematch against Reigns could be the last we see of the Beast inside a WWE ring for the time to come: