Ultimate fighting star in Waterloo

If you don’t know who Chuck Liddell is, you might want to ask a young sports fan.

Liddell, one of the best-known stars of mixed martial arts circuit Ultimate Fighting Championship, will be in Waterloo today to offer his expertise to combat sports hopefuls.

Known as the Iceman, Liddell will lead a seminar at the Dojo Buy mixed martial arts store in Waterloo, beginning at 11 a.m. Participants have to buy a $125 ticket, although there are $10 tickets for spectators.

Dojo Buy, at 282 Marsland Dr., opened in June; it’s holding its grand opening today.

A native of Santa Barbara, Calif., Liddell has a career record of 21-6 and held the UFC light heavyweight title for three years before losing it last year.

Ultimate fighting combines elements of boxing, wrestling and a number of martial arts. Fighters clash in an octagon-shaped ring and use a number of disciplines to beat their opponents.

The sport has a rabid following in Canada, thanks in part to French-Canadian fighter Georges St-Pierre, the UFC welterweight champion.