Chuck Liddell -- Don't Pick a Fight with Me ... You Might Get Hurt

Some people say his fists should legally be considered "deadly weapons" ... but UFC legend Chuck Liddell says he won't let that stop him from defending himself in a dangerous situation outside of the ring.

The Iceman was out in Calabasas when we asked about the notion that trained fighters should always turn the other cheek in a street brawl because if he fights back ... he could be hit with more serious criminal charges.

FYI -- back in 2012, MMA fighter Fernando Rodrigues was involved in a road rage incident -- and the judge ruled that his hands and feet should be considered "deadly weapons" because of his extensive fighting experience.

But Liddell told us, "I still have a right to defend myself ... and uh, don't forget ... I'm a fighter first ... so I WILL protect myself."