Yep, I'll echo MaxUFC's assessment of The Iceman. He's one of the top ranked LHWs in the world today, right up there with Wanderlei Silva and Shogun Rua (both are in PRIDE).
Iceman's last loss was against Rampage, nearly 3 years ago. His loss vs Rampage was 1 of his 3 only losses, and also the only loss that is "unavenged". He lost against Randy Couture, but won later. He also lost against Jeremy Horn, but won later. That leaves Rampage.
Rampage has a pretty good chin.. it took like 20-25 kicks to his head before Wanderlei Silva finally KO'd him. This is why Rampage survived against Chuck's striking.
Nevertheless, Rampage doesn't seem to be the same since he was brutually beaten up by Wanderlei Silva (see
video here). Ever since, Rampage doesn't seem to be the same again. He experienced another loss, against Shogun Rua. He also nearly lost against Matt Lindland in WFA PPV few months ago (I watched it).
Still, you know Tito Ortiz? Rampage can do everything Tito does, but BETTER. Rampage strikes better than Tito. Rampage grounds-and-pounds better than Tito does. And Rampage has crazy amount of strength.. he can pick up opponents and slam them into ground (see this
video.. an example of brutual slam resulting into KO against opponent).
In the last PPV fight vs Tito Ortiz, I can also tell The Iceman is starting to age a bit.. he seems out of breath after 2nd round and also doesn't seem to be as sharp as he used to be.
So, factor the above points in.. I would say Lidell and Rampage is going to be an interesting match to watch.. I'm rooting for Rampage, though.