Randy Couture has had his storied MMA career. No matter what happens from here on out, he is still a hall-of-famer and one of the most beloved fighters to ever step into the octagon.
This time though, his underdog status couldn’t overcome its biggest test to date. The bigger, stronger, younger fighter won and Couture will likely never wear the heavyweight belt again.
While Randy lost, he looked good against Lesnar prior to the punch that dropped him. He clinched, got Brock against the cage, and landed some clean shots. His wrestling looked sharp and he escaped Brock’s guard. Couture was crisp and game to fight. And he will fight again.
Lesnar is a different kind of animal though. Nothing fazed him en route to grounding and seriously pounding out the living legend. While everyone said Brock didn’t deserve the title shot, that is a moot point now. He now awaits the winner of Nog vs. Mir, who fight at UFC 92.
But this article isn’t about Brock Lesnar; there will be a plethora of those to come. This is about what Randy Couture will do with the rest of his MMA career. More specifically, what he should do with the two fights remaining on his UFC contract. Perhaps history will provide an answer.
The last time Couture lost a heavyweight title was March 22, 2002 at UFC 36. Couture lost his title to Josh Barnett. Barnett was later disqualified and stripped of the belt after testing positive for steroids in the post-fight test.
Couture got a shot to reclaim his title at UFC 39, against Ricco Rodriguez. Randy was dominating the fight, but Rodriguez surged in the final two rounds, and grounded and pounded his way to victory. Randy had fought two bigger heavyweights and came out on the losing end both times.
He decided to cut weight and drop down to the light heavyweight division. After back-to-back wins over Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, Couture was once again champion. By winning the LHW title, he became the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two different divisions.
So which division will Couture fight in during 2009? You could make the argument that he looks better then ever. But there doesn’t seem to be anything left for Couture in the heavyweight division, or does there?
He could fight the loser of Nog/Mir in the early spring. He also could fight Gonzaga again. With Gonzaga’s win at UFC 91, a rematch between the two could determine who the winner of Lesnar vs. Nog/Mir will fight in their first defense of the unified heavyweight title.
But perhaps Couture should take the lighter path–one toward the LHW title. While that path may seem more perilous, or at least more crowded, it may be his only chance to capture a title one last time.
Potential fights against Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson, and Rashad Evans may be more intriguing then staying at Heavyweight. He could also end up fighting Forrest Griffin and Wanderlei Silva, both of whom train with Randy at Xtreme Couture.
And then there is Chuck Liddell. How appropriate would it be for these two men to fight each other in their last fight? The possibilities are endless in the light heavyweight division.
If Randy can make a run in the LHW division the UFC can always extend his contract. Couture, with his strong clinch, superior wrestling, crisp striking, and old man strength would certainly pose problems for anyone fighting at 205.
So a fork in the road will emerge for Randy Couture. Does he stay in the heavyweight division, which is increasingly outweighing him with each passing day? Does he really hope to get another shot at Brock and attempt to reclaim his HW belt?
Or does he cut the extra 15 lbs, make a run at a LHW title, and attempt to make history one last time. Only time will tell how “The Natural” decides to write the final chapter of his storied career.
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Brian Oswald is a new staff writer for Inside Fights. For all the latest in MMA news please check out the site!
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about 1 month ago
I like the retirement angle as Randy's best option, Brian.
But Randy sure looked good throughout the whole fight. I thought Randy was a big right hand or two away from icing Brock in the stand-up. Brock landed the big shot first, that's all.
It's easy to say now, but I think Randy should have retired even if he landed the big punch first and felled Brock. Brock had better improve his submission defense if he plans on beating Big Nog.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I would have liked to see the fight make it to the 3rd of 4th round and see Couture push the Big Man further. But Lesnar landed with his ham hock of a hand and the fight was over like that.
Retirement is not an unreasonable approach. Somehow I see Couture wanting to press onward though. He wont want to go out like that. And I think he thinks he is better then ever so he won't want to waste that.
Do you have any interest in seeing Couture fighting a light heavyweight like Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva or someone else?
Also, I am intrigued by your suggestion of the UFC making the 1st round 10 minutes, like Pride. What makes you such a fan of the 10 minute opening round?
about 1 month ago
The first thing I thought last night after listening to Joe interview Randy was Couture vs A. Silva. If I remember rightly, Couture signed a 3 fight deal as part of the resolution between himself and the UFC, so obviously that leaves 2 fights left, and they're going to want to make as much as possible with those 2. The UFC need to do the same with Silva's 5 remaining fights. Silva isn't a PPV draw, which is why the opponents he'll face in the coming year are all the more important. Putting Couture and Silva together makes simple economic sense.
Couture Liddell 4 isn't something I considered, but I am now you've said it, Brian, and the more I ponder the logistics of it the more it makes sense. Chuck, in my opinion, is going nowhere unless he changes training camps, and at this stage of his career I see his loyalty to Hackleman over-riding any sense of having one last succesful run.
A fourth fight between these 2 shouldn't really have any interest, as it would have been a foregone conclusion that Liddell would win again, but with his recent slump, and Randy appearing to be in great shape last night, people could be curious. 2 of the biggest PPV draws in MMA history going at it for the 4th time is a damn sight more important if it's a career vs career match (cue the WWE music here).
from about 1 month ago
I am definitely intrigued by Couture vs A. Silva. I think Randy has a unique tool set which would provide Anderson with a unique challenge. Certainly Silva could KO Couture, like Liddell did, but I think Couture's clinch, dirty boxing, superior wresting, and up against the cage aggressive style would give Silva something he has never seen inside the octagon.
And I agree with you about the PPV draw angle in regards to both Silva and Couture. Same goes for Liddell. I would actually like to see Couture vs. Silva more so then Liddell vs Silva, now that its an option.
I also think Couture vs. Henderson would be a war or attrition. Olympic caliber wrestlers with good stand up games and aggressive bully styles. It will certainly be intriguing to see how Couture fights next...the UFC and Randy will want to cherry pick his new few fights. Make the most money will giving the fans what they'll want to see most (I hear that WWE music you cued!)
about 1 month ago
I agree that they can't give Randy some tune up fights. He's arguably the biggest draw in the sport right now and they've only got him for a short time longer.
I'd say have him drop weight and take on the winner of Griffen/Evans. A fight against Chuckles again would be good too. Although coming from being the heavyweight champ would justify a shot at the LHW title right away in my mind.
Silva would be an interesting fight as well but I don't think it'd be a good PPV draw really. Casual fans see Randy as a heavy weight and Anderson as a Middle weight. If Anderson was a more polarizing figure then it'd be good.
I could be full of crap right now too cause I'm hung the F over.
from about 1 month ago
I see your point about giving him an immediate title shot. It would certainly piss of alot of LHW fighters and alot of purists too. But we can see that the UFC has the bigger picture in mind, i.e. making money, putting together high profile fights, marketing, etc.
If he got the immediate title shot and lost he could fight Liddell, in his last fight, and then ride off into the sunset.
If he won then we have a whole new ball game. Either Lyoto Machida or the Rampage/Wanderlei winner would be in line to fight Couture.
I might feel more comfortable with Couture fighting one fight at LHW before getting a title shot. While I could see him taking up to 6 months before his next fight I think he realizes he has to strike while the iron is hot. I could see him fighting the loser of Rampage/Wanderlei or Griffin/Evans. Or if he waits a little longer the winner of Franklin/Henderson. What do you think?
about 1 month ago
I'm not sure where Randy goes from here. I like the idea of him going down to LHW and fighting some of the bigger names there to round out the remainder of his contract but there are a few interesting fights at HW too. Even if its just to solidify his place in MMA history.
Couture-Rampage would be great.
Couture-Mir/Nog
Couture-Franklin?
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, All of those match ups intrigue me. Also, a matchup with Henderson. If Couture beat the loser of Nog/Mir or Gonzaga do you think that sets him up for a rematch with Lesnar and oo you think he even wants that?
from about 1 month ago
Randy versus the loser of Mir-Nog for the #1 contender spot would be interesting and I think if Randy had the chance to go for the title again he would fight anybody, even Lesnar. Its not like Randy got smashed by Brock, and I think after having dealt with him for a round and a half and getting the cage rust knocked off he would be more comfortable in there with him the next time.
Not to turn this into a Couture critique but I'm surprised he didn't do more when he was inside on Brock. Close the distance and use elbows and uppercuts. I mean Randy got back to his feet after Lensar had him mounted so he should have felt confident in his ability to take risks inside.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah thats a great point on Couture not doing more inside. While Randy said he didn't have any ring rust, because simulates fights at the gym, nothing could fully prepare him for Brock Lesnar beside actually fighting him.
It would be interesting to see how Couture handled a rematch. Also, Brock is still progressing at a great rate, so by the time a rematch came around, Couture might not be able to touch him. Lesnar's stand up game will just keep getting better as his confidence soars.
I am somewhat surprised by how many people in the poll think Randy should retire now vs. fight at least the 2 fights remaining on his contract. Are you?
about 1 month ago
I don't think he should retire at all. First of all he came back because he missed fighting and wanted to continue to compete while he still could. The guy gets one loss against a guy who outweighs him by 60lbs and people think Couture should hang it up? Idiots.
Couture was not dismantled like Hughes was in his last two fights. The fight was pretty much even up until Couture got caught and I would argue Couture won the first round because Lesnar grabbed the fence three times to avoid a takedown. Now if Randy comes out and fights the loser of Mir-Nog and gets dismantled (very unlikely) then people can start talking about retirement and I'll hold my tongue.
Unless Randy suffers a major injury I see him fighting out this contract and maybe even another 3 fight contract. He didn't noticeably lose a step against Lesnar imo he just needs to stop fighting uphill against much bigger guys and go back to 205 where he is on more even footing.
from about 1 month ago
100% agree.
from about 1 month ago
5 more fights is a bit much. That's another 18 months easily. I agree that he should keep fighting though. I think I would pick Couture over Silva at 205 . . . and just think about it. That could easily be one of the most hyped fighters ever. A fight with Rampage would be very intriguing as well. Other than that it would depend on who holds the title. Griffin vs Couture feels like a weird matchup to me, but Evans vs Couture could work if Evans is the title holder.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, time catches up with everyone. Couture isn't ageless but he is certainly pushing the boundaries of whats possible. I like how you broke down the possible fights. You are right Forrest vs. Couture does seem weird for some reason. Also, they train together, along with Wanderlei.
How many LHW fights do you think he will need before he gets a title shot? Zero, One, or Two?
And what about the Machida factor? Can they really pass him up and put Couture ahead of him?
about 1 month ago
If Forrest should lose to Rashad Evans:
Randy beats Rashad, then challenges HW champ to gain both LHW and HW titles.
This loss is a blessing in disguise!
from about 1 month ago
Well I certainly like your enthusiam Wayne! If Randy were able to do that he would certainly go down in history! Thanks for the comment.
about 1 month ago
Awww that was so upsetting seeing randy lose. After the first round I really felt like he was going to take it. I agree with Nate, Randy didn't use dirty boxing like he did in his prior fights with Sylvia, and especially with Gonzaga. If he had done that the same way and really banged up Lesnar, then I think Lesnar would've been much more timid when they were on their feet. Couture can definitely stay in the HW picture and fight the winner of Nog/Mir, but I think he should go to LHW. Their are so many big matches to be made, and as you guys said he wouldn't be fighting up hill battles. If he can't take on the champ right away, he should fight either the winner of Rampage/Silva, or the loser of Griffin/Evans. If he fights anyone else he would not be justified to get a title shot next imo.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah I was bummed too. It would be interesting to see how he handled the idea of fighting W. Silva or Forrest, since they both train with him at xtreme couture. The winner of Rampage/Silva likely gets Forrest so I could see him fighting the loser of either of the fights you mentioned. The X factor in all of this. Would Macida have to stand in line behind Couture now too?
from about 1 month ago
Yea good point about the winner of rampage/silva going straight to the title holder, so the loser would be more plausible. you pose a good question about machida having to wait at bay for couture to have a shot, I would say yes, I'm sure the UFC will bump anyone they can in front of Machida, especially couture considering his ppv draw. but at the same time that makes for another interesting match up, if Machida Beats Thiago Silva, then maybe Couture could fight Machida. If they put that together, the winner would most certainly get a title shot. I don't know if the UFC could slide Machida if he was to beat Couture. And with his dirty boxing, Couture might have the best shot at solving the riddle that is Machida. good stuff man, can't wait to see which route he takes.
from about 1 month ago
Couture would definitely come after Machida. How would Lyoto handle Randy's dirty boxing/clinch/wrestling. It would almost be weird seeing Machida getting grounded and pounded out?! He seems untouchable, like he doesn't want to mess his hair up. Although Tito definitely riled him up...You've got me thinking about that matchup.
from about 1 month ago
I think I may have found my next article...
from about 1 month ago
I am glad I inspired you. Cant wait to read it!
about 1 month ago
Man i wish i would've read this before writing my article,we say alot of the same stuuf,but great minds think alike! He as good as you could in defeat,but im on the fence as to what he should do in '09! i think he may stay in the HW,because a title shot would be easier to come by,but Randy in the LHW division has more great fights. He may even "Retire" again,you never know with Mr.Couture. He has suprised us in the past,so the doors are wide open. Couture V.S. Evans? Couture V.S. Gonzaga 2? Couture V.S. Mir/Nogueria? Couture V.S. Silva (Anderson)? He has options! Great Article!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment and compliment Sean. I will be sure to check out your article. Yeah, depsite being bummed about the loss, Couture has a interesting path in front of him. Perhaps he can bounce back and forth like other fighters have. Fight at LHW then go back to HW. Depends how many more fights he has left in him. Do you think Couture has more then a year left in him?
about 1 month ago
I think he will continue to fight into 2010,but not too far.... If he goes the HW route and wins 2 fights say Gonzaga and the loser of Mir/Nogueria,he will want another crack at the belt,but if he loses once,or both fights,he'll most certainly retire. It all depends on what path he takes,how he does,its hard to tell. But i say he does have more than a year left in him!
from about 1 month ago
I love your enthusiasm Sean; it's contagious!!! It will be fun to see how Anderson Silva's last 5 fights and Randy Couture's last 2 (or maybe more) all plays out. And if they will intersect...
about 1 month ago
Given that Randy has 2 last fights left on contract and arguably his career,
those last 2 fights need to be Mega-Fights and Dana White probably knows this.
Chances are Big Nog is going to destroy Frank Mir, so who really wants to see
Couture fight Mir?... doesnt really get me all that excited.
Im in agreement with the majority in saying he should fight someone like Anderson Silva,
although i think the chances of him Actually fighting Anderson are slim to none
considering Andersons other more likely options like St.Pierre
The Heavyweight division right now doesnt give Randy a lot of options
unless somehow Arlovski re-signs with the UFC within the next year or Hell Freezes over
and Fedor magically appears in an Octagon in 2009
In my opinion from both a reality & business standpoint it makes more sense
to have him drop to LHW so we dont suffer through a Couture/Mir borefest in 09
from about 1 month ago
Did you hear the breaking news about UFC 95?
about 1 month ago
I think he should definitely retire but after his 2 remaining fights on his contract. Couture and the UFC both know his biggest drawing fights will be at 205 so that is where I expect him to close out his career ...
To be honest, I am kind of getting sick of watching these big names on the downslope of their careers getting paired up strictly for the purposes of getting a big draw. Lesnar and couture was fine but it is now evident that couture's skills have started to diminish as well.
I kind of wish liddell and couture and others would just slowly fade away, pass the torch, and let the next generation of fighters take center stage. I would expect to a certain degree that other hardcore fans feel a bit frustrated like myself.
I really don't want to see silva fight liddell at UFC 95. I thought the plan was to challenge silva going forward. Instead we give him liddell who has been mediocre at best over the past year and a half. There are probably 20 other guys who have a better shot of beating silva.
Can we please get back to the guys in their prime (st pierre, griffin, etc...) and at the same time continue to market and develop a new generation of superstars (machida/maia/carwin/evans/alves, etc...)? Lets tip our cap to the guys who made the sport what it is but continue to move forward ...
(i'm venting a little)
from about 1 month ago
Ha, Derek. I like to see you vent a little. You are normally so calm and collected! I can certainly understand your frustrations here. And great comment.
I think that to encompass the whole sport you have to figure out how each generation fits into the equation. The guys in their prime (St. Pierre, Griffin, Silva), the new generation (Alves, Evans, Machida), as well as the aging superstars (Liddell, Couture, Hughes).
It happens in any sport. Look at Brett Farve in the NFL or Shaq in the NBA. These guys could/and maybe should very well retire but they dont. They keep going an they are actually re energized this year, and finding success. I am not sure if you follow football at all but to see the Jets at 7-3, under Farve, is crazy.
Team sports are different though. Individuals, like Farve, can rely on their teammates to contribute to their success, or failure. In MMA, your neck is solely on the line. Liddell goes 1-3 and all of a sudden we think the guy should fade away.
I know it can be a gray area, in terms of letting go, but you have to let the guys that made the sport "what it is" have a say in when they call it quits. Why cant they go out on their terms, and maybe even surprise us along the way.
Liddell and Couture will fade away in due time and in a few years we will be talking about how GSP and Forrest need to "Let Go" Its all part of the life cycle. Lets not bury our athletes before they are dead. Just because they may have a little arthritis (Couture) doesn't mean they cant still fight and perform at a high level.
Did you really think Couture would get back to his feet, not once, but twice?! Some people were even giving him that first round for looking as crisp as he did.
from about 1 month ago
haha yeah thanks for bringing me back down to earth man ... I wasn't too pleased to see the Liddell/Silva rumor first thing on a monday morning ...
about 1 month ago
I wont believe Silva -vs- Liddell until i see an official statement,
i find it very hard to believe Dana White would allow that fight to happen
considering that Chuck stands No chance of winning,
Personally i think were going to see St.Pierre vs Silva around May or June of 09
(assuming St.Pierre defeats Penn)
from about 1 month ago
Well alot of people are ready for Liddell to give the sport up. Perhaps Dana is giving his friend a "make or break fight." Make it out and you prove to everyone you still belong. But if you get broke it might be the end.
Although I wont be surprised if we see Couture vs. Liddell in both of their last UFC fights. I know people will argue against it but most mainstream fans will gladly watch, as would I. Its okay to be nostalgic with your sport and your athletes.
about 1 month ago
Interesting, I for one would love to see him drop to LHW simply bcs there is more talent and more people to give him run for his money. The HW division is filled with guys Couture can possibly beat and the only real challenges he faces is Nog, Mir, and possibly Gonzaga. The LHW division however is so deep that I think it could be incredibly difficult for him and could make for some interesting fights
about 1 month ago
Well written, as always. Couture vs. Rampage would definitely get my attention, but I'd rather just see Randy not fight anymore and continue making horrible, direct-to-video Rob Schneider movies.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Marcus! Lol, what was the name of the last movie he did? Have you actually seen the movie?
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