Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes Laid Off by New UFC Owners: Latest Details, Reaction

UFC legends Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes were laid off by the organization's new owners Friday, according to Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting. 

WME-IMG, which bought the UFC in July, has reportedly laid off 10 to 15 employees this week after firing roughly 70 to 80 about a month ago. In October, Helwani reported "approximately 60-80 employees would be fired."

The 46-year-old Liddell hasn't stepped in the Octagon since 2010. He finished with a 21-8 career record and won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2005 and successfully defended it four times. 

After three straight knockout losses at UFC 88, 97 and 115, Liddell called it quits, and the organization quickly brought him on as executive vice president of business development. 

Hughes went 45-9 in his MMA career, which included a pair of UFC championship belts in the welterweight division. 

Similar to Liddell, a pair of knockout losses drove Hughes to retirement, and the UFC hired him in 2013 as vice president of athlete development and government relations. 

"The UFC has been great to me," Hughes told Helwani. "Times change, and I understand the decision that was made. I will move on. My family and I are fine. I do love adventure, and who knows what's next for me."

Stats courtesy of Sherdog.com.