Where does the UFC go with Randy Couture next
Following Saturdays MMA versus boxing freak show between Randy Couture and James Toney, Couture was asked what was next for him. Coming off his quick submission victory over Toney, Couture responded by pointing to Dana Whiter and saying “it’s up to him”.
Before his fight with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on August 29, 2009 at UFC 102, Couture signed a new six fight/28 month deal. Saturday’s fight at UFC 118 was the fourth fight on that contract, leaving him with just two left. The ageless wonder will be 48 years old on June 22 of next year, roughly around the time his contract should be completed.
Couture would like another shot at a title and is on a three fight win streak, following his lose to Nogueria but that can be a little deceiving. There is no doubt that if given a title shot he’d make the fight competitive, but does he deserve a shot.
Couture’s first win of the streak was against Brandon Vera in which he got a unanimous decision win. The win wasn’t impressive and many questioned the decision being unanimous, as it was much closer than that. He followed that up with a victory over fellow forty-something fighter Mark Coleman, but clearly his better days pasted him a long time ago. Then Saturday in his most win against Toney who might have the boxing credentials but was an MMA rookie with no prior experience.
So what direction does the UFC go with the natural?
If a title run is what Couture wants, it’s hard to think Dana White and the UFC wouldn’t at least point him in the right direction to give him an opportunity at that final run. He’ll need a high-profile light heavyweight fight, in which he’ll need to win to earn him that title shot. Many of the top light heavyweights are scheduled to fight in the coming months so this scenario is possible.
If a title run isn’t in the plans the UFC has for Couture then expect him to get booked him fights that will be easily marketable to headline / co-headline PPV cards. Names that standout would be Mirko Cro Cop, Rich Franklin and Tito Ortiz to fit this scenario.
Whichever direction they choose to go with the legend, enjoy it while you can.
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