Chuck Liddell -- I Respect McGregor ... But I'm Rooting for Aldo

The Iceman says he's officially throwing his support behind Jose Aldo in the big UFC war this weekend ... kinda.

To be honest, Chuck Liddell sounded a bit conflicted when we talked to him about UFC 194 -- telling TMZ Sports he loves the way Conor McGregor fights ... but says he's an Aldo fan at heart.

We asked if he thought McGregor is overrated -- and Chuck shot that down too ... saying, "Every time someone says that he comes out and shows 'em wrong."