Former UFC Champion Chuck Liddell Marries Heidi Rae in Las Vegas Wedding: ‘Like a Dream’ (Exclusive)

UFC star Chuck Liddell has found his perfect match!

The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, known as “The Iceman,” stepped out of the octagon and into a lifelong partnership when he wed Heidi Rae at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 12.

The bride describes the big day as “surreal” while Liddell, 55, tells PEOPLE that marriage feels “amazing.”

“Kind of like a dream,” Rae says. “Feels very peaceful we are finally where we are supposed to be.”

For Liddell, the wedding has been “a long time coming.” Although he met Rae nearly two decades ago, it wasn’t until 2021 that the pair formed a romantic connection.

“We met 18 years ago and life took us in different directions, but we found our way back to each other, and it’s beautiful,” the Celebrity Big Brother alum says. He popped the question in a hockey-themed proposal on Feb. 19.

Rae walked down the aisle wearing an elegant wedding dress designed by Badgley Mischka. The A-line tulle gown featured a strapless sweetheart neckline, and embroidered floral appliques that cascaded down from the illusion lace bodice to the top of the voluminous skirt. Her headpiece was from Maria Elena, and makeup done by Glammed Up.

Liddell, who wore a custom tux by Pantheon Limited, says seeing Rae walk down the aisle was “overwhelming in all the right ways.”

“I have always found her to be so beautiful, and seeing her walk down the aisle was surreal. I’m truly blessed,” he says.

During the ceremony, which was officiated by Rob McCoy and Dave Osokow, Liddell and Rae exchanged heartfelt vows and wedding rings from Happy Jewelers and Giantto.

Among the celebrity guests were: former professional baseball players Brad Penny, Shane Victorino and Adam Laroche; retired mixed martial artists Forrest Griffin, Matt Hughes Luke Rockhold, Josh Thomson, Josh Koscheck and Herb Dean; former professional football player Kassim Osgood, sports reporter Jay Glazer, and business success coach Derek Moneyberg.

Jason Kelce and Dana White were unable to attend the wedding due to work commitments, but sent Liddell and Rae their congratulations. In August, Liddell starred in the former Philadelphia Eagles center’s 17-minute-long karate-inspired commercial for Garage Beer titled BREWMITE II.

After the ceremony at the reception, the newlyweds shared their first dance as husband and wife to “Last Man Standing,” performed live by singer-songwriter Livingston.

“The song has a special meaning for us,” Liddell says. “It’s kind of our thing and man, does that man have an incredible voice.”

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Liddell made his UFC debut in 1998 and retired 12 years later in 2010. He made a brief return to the ring in 2018 to face off against an old rival, Tito Ortiz. He became the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2005, and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009.

This is the second wedding for Liddell, who was previously married to Heidi Northcott. Liddell filed for divorce in October 2021, and the divorce was finalized in April 2025. The former couple share two children.

Additional Credits:
Planner: Scheme Events
Lead Planner and Designer: Tara Federico
Videographer: Leviathan Group
Floral: Byanca’s Event Decor
Rentals: RSVP Party Rentals
Dance Floor: Shout!
Lighting: LED Unplugged
Cellist: The Cello Guy
DJ: Absent Mynded
MC: Dave Osokow 
Photo Booth: SmashBooth
Bridal Party Attire: Mia Bella The Label
Health: Wells Pharmacy Network