American MMA (mixed martial art) legend Chuck Liddell is in Vietnam on a week-long tour to introduce the type of sport to local citizens.

The former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) light heavyweight champion is scheduled to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

The main agenda of the retired athlete’s visit is to attend the inauguration of the UFC Gym in the southern hub on October 18.

MMA is a full-contact combat sport that allows both striking and grappling, both standing and on the ground, using techniques from other combat sports and martial arts.

Liddell and his family are also expected to pay a trip to the famous beach city of Nha Trang, located in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Born in December 17, 1969, Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan Karate, kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The former athlete began his career as a MMA fighter with his first fight at the UFC in 1998 in Alabama and became the first UFC fighter to appear on the cover of ESPN Magazine.

With his outstanding 13 wins coming by way of knockout, Liddell was listed among the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009.

He also starred in several popular American movies and series, including How high (2001), Bachelor party Vegas (2006), Drillbit Taylor (2008), Kick-ass 2 (2013), Riot (2015, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011), Hawaii Five-0 (2011), and others.

In 2008, Liddell published his autobiography named ‘Iceman: My Fighting Life.’