At UFC 57, the legendary fighter known as Randy "The Natural" Couture, fought in his final match. The 42 year old veteran completed his trilogy against the Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. Randy held strong in the first round though his nose was broken by a vicious over hand right. In the second, a slip showed a vulnerable Couture, and Chuck would capitalize upon it. After a knockdown punch, Randy was unable to defend the oncoming punches from the still standing Liddell. The referee, John McCarthy, stepped in to stop the fight, ending Randy's career.
Across the internet, MMA fans were buzzing because Randy himself said he had signed a new 3-fight deal with the UFC. The truth was, Randy had already made up his mind, win or lose, that he would retire from the sport. Still, the arena, and the fans across the world were shocked when Randy officially called his legendary career over.
A man whose career record of 14-8 doesn't seem to say automatic Hall of Famer. Upon closer look however, you will see why Randy is amongst the greatest of all time. Randy's professional career would begin in the UFC, but would take him to Vale Tudo Japan,Rings King Of Kings Japan, and finally back home to the UFC. Randy was known as a Greco-Roman Wrestler. These men, though talented, seemed to be behind the times in the sport of MMA. Strikers and Ju-Jitsu artists were beginning their dominance. When Randy entered the sport, his win streak was to come to an end against a superstar youth named Vitor Belfort. Vitor was knocking out all of his victims, and Randy was a stepping stone on the way to the Heavyweight title. Randy would have other ideas. Randy defeated the youngster at his own game, earning the TKO via strikes and the upset victory. Randy then got the title shot against legendary kickboxer Maurice Smith. Randy would beat him through decision to become the UFC Heavyweight champion. As champion, Randy was unhappy with UFC management and went to Japan relinquishing the title.
The Natural would return to the UFC to face champion Kevin "The Monster" Randleman. This man was also an accomplished wrestler and a super strong fighter from Mark Coleman's Hammer House. Couture shocked again as he beat The Monster with strikes. Randy was the 37 year old, 2-time champion though he had never been beaten for the title. Then came the legendary 2 fights with Pedro Rizzo. Pedro was in line to become the next big thing in the UFC. Randy was supposed to be dominated, but won a grueling legendary fight. In the rematch, Randy would stop Rizzo again, this time with strikes. Randy Couture was on the cusp of being a legend. Then Randy faced back to back defeats against Josh Barnett, and Ricco Rodriguez, too much heavier fighters. Randy, now 40 years old, was on his way out of the UFC. Before he would retire, the UFC asked him to come down in weight to the Light Heavyweight division, to face up and comer Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. Chuck was awaiting a title shot against Tito Ortiz while the politics were being worked out. This was supposed to be a tune up match for the Iceman. Randy, once again, would spoil the written storyline. Randy dominated Chuck, not only on the ground, but also standing with strikes. The referee stopped the contest and awarded Couture and biggest UFC upset victory to date.
Randy's star was now set to shine as he once again, received a title shot, (this time in the Light Heavyweight division) against Tito Ortiz. The same old story said Randy would be out fought by the much younger and stronger fighter. The Natural not only dominated Ortiz, but held him down and literally spanked him during the fight. A classic UFC moment. Champion once again, Randy faced Vitor Belfort for a second time. Early in the fight, a finger cut the eyelid of Randy, causing the fight to end and Randy to lost the title. Undaunted by his bad luck, Randy fought in the rematch embarrassing the "Phenom" and winning by TKO.
With his 3rd title, Randy was now a superstar. He joined the T.V. series The Ultimate Fighter, and the sport of MMA, and his popularity grew to new highs. The second highest grossing fight of all time, became the rematch between Randy and Chuck. Randy again tried to stand and out strike Chuck, but this time was KO'd. Randy bounced back defeating highly athletic, and veteran fighter Mike Van Arsdale, to get the final shot at Chuck, and the title.
Though Randy would come up short, he showed (throughout his career) true class and wisdom. For many years, Randy led Team Quest, a fight camp consisting of such greats as, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson, Nate Quarry, and Rulon Gardner. He won four titles, (something no other fighter has accomplished) and became the hero to all his peers. Randy once said, "Father time will eventually catch up with me." And finally he did. Time will never take away all the accomplishments, pride, and honor Randy gave to the sport of MMA.
A career that began (professionally) in 1997, ended on February 4th, 2006. His record was 14-8, coming by way of 6 TKO's, 2 submissions, and 6 decisions. Thank you Mr. Couture, the Hall of Fame awaits you.
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