Randy's UFC Return: A Losing Proposition

by MMAmania.com on Jan 14, 2007 2:59 PM EST in UFC News

An interesting thing happened a few nights ago while I was channel surfing. I got a chance to watch Rocky IV for the 11,378th time.

What made it interesting is not the fact that I could recite the dialogue verbatim (that's more sad than interesting), but that it was early in the movie, when Apollo Creed had a moment of clarity.

Sloshing around in his pool, still buff and light on his feet, Apollo watches a hulking menace named Ivan Drago clomp around and slander the name of American boxing. The former champ decides he's still got it, despite retiring after a decisive defeat, and that he has the experience to overwhelm the much larger opponent.

He even takes the time to get on his soapbox and explain why a fighter can never walk away, even at his age.

I wish Randy Couture could have taken time off from his training to watch this. It's not often I compare real life to a fictional story, but in my mind Randy Couture, like Apollo Creed, cannot win.

It just isn't in the script.

I call it a script because we've seen it over and over. Not just in mixed martial arts but in all sports. And we know how it ends.

If Ken Shamrock had retired after knocking out Kimo Leopoldo at UFC 48, we would probably regard him with a certain amount of esteem, even adding the "Hall-of Famer" title to his name without sarcasm.

Instead he's become a punchline, synonymous with everything that's wrong with the UFC of yesteryear.

Randy Couture, on the other hand, went out on top.

Despite being handily defeated by Chuck Liddell in their last two encounters, Randy still gets a hero's welcome at personal appearances and in the commentator's booth.

In fact, he's so beloved, his reputation as a fighter and as an ambassador to the sport will grow to near mythical proportions. Well, it might have anyway, had he not come out of retirement to remind us he's still mortal.

This is why I consider Zuffa to be even more foolish for wanting this fight than Randy Couture. The popularity of the UFC has exploded. There is no denying that.

Pay-per-view (PPV) buys are through the roof, and fighters from competing organizations are defecting to try their luck in the land of milk and honey.

And why not?

What was once considered an organized freak show is quickly becoming the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. One that is starting to pay very handsomely for the sport's top fighters.

I would warn Dana White to put down his wine glass for a brief moment to consider a phrase that no person or business wants to hear when they've finally made it big:

Proceed with caution.

The UFC owes a lot of its success to its hit television show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). It has been responsible for generating an entirely new fan base that has business booming.

What percentage of these fans that are here today that will still be here tomorrow I cannot say. Casual fans, and the UFC has them, are only loyal if they're able to connect with the product.

TUF fans know Randy Couture. He won their hearts through his stint as coach on the reality show and his subsequent fight with Chuck Liddell.

The marketing team at Zuffa was quick to highlight his age-defying wins over Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell back in 2003. What they decided to omit, however, were his beatings at the hands of Josh Barnett and Ricco Rodriguez in 2002.

The casual fan has neither the desire nor the know-how to pursue a fighter's history, save for the occasional YouTube highlight reel that only show the best of times.

This claim does not require that I cite references, for my local watering-hole provides a first-hand account before and after every PPV.

To them, Randy Couture has become a place they can hang their hat. He is one of the first fighters they saw courtesy of TUF Season 1, and his appearance in the commentator booth during PPV's renews that connection.

They shared his heartfelt walk to the locker room after retiring, when he was gracious enough to stop and take pictures and give autographs with fans in attendance.

Now Zuffa, in a time when they need every soldier on the front line, wants to sever that bond.

Randy Couture has not fought at heavyweight since 2002. His last two fights in that weight class were TKO losses. There is a reason "The Natural" moved down to light-heavyweight.

At his age, every pound counts towards conditioning and mobility. It was undeniably a successful transition. But as his ability continued to decline, Liddell's improved, and the results were inevitable.

Now, he looks to return to the weight class that originally failed him, to take on a goliath of a man who can hit as hard as anyone in the UFC, Liddell included.

Randy Couture cannot knock Tim Sylvia out. Can he submit him? Possibly, but that's assuming he can take him down. How well can Couture shoot at this stage of his career? Well enough to take "The Maine-iac" off his feet?

The best thing that can happen to Randy is a boring five-round decision. Tim has been known to fight tepidly as evident in his contest with Monson and his third time (which was anything but a charm) against Arlovski.

And if Couture can upset Sylvia, then what? A rematch? A title defense against Cro Cop?

I find it hard to believe that Dana White spent all that money on Mirko Filipovic to watch him behead Randy Couture with a left high-kick.

But I'm probably getting ahead of myself.

Zuffa will get the extra PPV buys they're looking for from this fight (despite it costing them more in the long run). Randy Couture is going to stick to the script and likely be defeated by KO or TKO.

While he won't face the same fate Apollo Creed did, his legendary status might.

TUF fans will have one less thing they can relate to, like they did when Anderson Silva annihilated fan favorites Chris Leben and Rich Franklin (so much for proceeding with caution).

To the purist, Randy Couture will always be held in high regard. He was the first guy to silence the chronically loud-mouthed Ortiz (first to silence, not first to defeat) and the last man to stop the near-invincible Liddell.

But for the casual and sometimes fleeting fan, instead of remembering Randy for his storied walk to the locker room, he'll be remembered as just another guy who should have stayed retired.

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Comments

Excellent analysis by the author. I am reminded of Dan Severn’s last humilating trip into the octagon.

by Erhardt on Jan 14, 2007 3:19 PM EST reply actions

All too true. I love Randy as much as any fan but this is silly marketing at its worst. I must say I believe the movie Rocky Balboa has these ‘old’ guys thinking crazy. Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, and Randy Couture. Haven’t we learned from past warriors? I must say I do believe there might be a small chance Randy can ground out a decision but what would he do from there? Please stop killing all your hall of famers Dana. You guys allowed Royce, Dan and Ken to look so bad, that whats the point of a hall of famer when you make them look stupid to new fans? This is only the first fight of four for Randy. Can he survive his biggest test yet to even continue? I for one hope so but only time will tell.

by Tommy on Jan 14, 2007 4:46 PM EST reply actions

great analysis and a really good read

by arturo on Jan 14, 2007 6:35 PM EST reply actions

Kevin Randallman beat Cro Cop. I did not think that would have happened the way it did.. Anything is possible.If he gets through sylvia and handles cro cop the way randallman did, imagine that. The Rocky analogy may be a little crazy. I hate for him to go out like Shamrock. it is hard to underestimate Couture. It is hard to vivsion couture vs sylvia how that fight will go. will someone give me their take on that fight please.i hope it will not be like monson vs silvia. If that fight looks fixed then we will know somethings up. i think everyone would rather have couture the champ if that is possible. couture vs cro cop would be one of the largest fights of the year. i dont know where iam going with this. whatever.

by kb on Jan 14, 2007 10:13 PM EST reply actions

People have to look past their want to put Couture on a pedestal. Couture wants to be back, wants the challange and wants to live the life of a fighter again. He is a world class opponent and deserves a title shot if he wants it. And there is an argument that his losses often had more to do with what was going on in his head and life outside the ring than with his aging body. He knows the stakes. And win or lose, the sport is finally at the point where he’ll be making a boatload of money. So why can’t people be happy for him? This isn’t a Ken Shamrock situation where he is clearly outclassed. Everyone who knows Couture knows he has the ability on any given night to take it all.

Finally, adding him to the HW division gives that division the depth it needs to develop with the influx of new HW talent. The UFC would be stupid not to bring Couture back. Beating Couture gives Sylvia the credibility he needs to be considered a real HW champion. Couture taking back the belt is simply one of the most explosive PR stories the UFC could ever wish for. It’s win win for the UFC. Never mind the amazing challenger ladder it creates:

Look at this: Loser of Couture/Sylvia fights Herring. CroCop faces Arlovski. Winner of those two bouts fight for #1 contender. Right there you have 4 heavyweight matches that will make for HUGE ppv numbers. Adding Couture into the mix means you don’t have to rush the title shot like they did with Anderson Silva.

Anyways, this goes far into speculation but the truth is Randy’s return is good for the sport and good for Randy. There are many cases where fighters fight past their prime. But I don’t think Randy is there just yet.

by Fightlinker.com on Jan 14, 2007 10:14 PM EST reply actions

How about good for us over 40 guys. There has to be a refuge for the aging MMA star. Randy is by far the King and will lead us old guys there.

I agree the disgrace we’ve witnessed with Royce and Ken and even Randy is hurtful for the sport. Still watch Randy polish his armour and ride the white steed until the match. It is glorious gladiatorial action.

How about Shamrock v Randy, how about Royce v Shamrock … but my favourite over 40 killer and not be overlooked is Bas Rutten. Come on, he is kick ass and if Dana will let him come back we can have pre-menopausal mayhem.

Let’s hear it for us Canucks … we’re bringing it … watch for Jeff Joslin’s next match, and how about my boy Jason McDonald?

by Steve Marcille on Jan 14, 2007 11:02 PM EST reply actions

Jesse Holland has quickly become one of my favorite writers for all things MMA! His article is well thought out and clearly communicates his opinion. I give the writing 5 out of 5 stars. Although he and I will have to agree to disagree on a few points.
First, I believe Couture coming out of retirement was Randy’s idea, independent of Dana White and Zuffa. I believe White and Zuffa did the smartest thing they could once they were informed by Randy that he was coming back. I cannot find any fault with the way they have reacted to Randy and his decision to return to the octagon.
Secondly, I believe Randy decided he wanted to go HW. Why would he go LHW? It’s loaded with guys he has fought. Whether he won or lost, it has nothing new to offer. If I had to guess, Randy is not happy about how his HW run went the last time and he would like to correct that.
The last point Jesse and I do not see eye to eye on is; Couture can and will defeat Tim Silvia. This fight might go to decision, but more likely it will end when Randy submits him.
However, past that Randy has a big problem. Couture signed a 4 fight / 2 year contract. That means we will probably see Randy in March of ’07 then again in September of ’07. Assuming Randy wins the belt in March. Cro Cop will be ready to challenge him for it by September. One thing I think most of us can agree on is that Randy is not ready for Mirko.

I hope that Randy’s retirement is more like the first time Jordan came out of retirement, i.e. 3 championships with the bulls, and less like the several examples already mentioned.
Great article Jesse!
Time will tell.
Geoffrey -

by Geoffrey - on Jan 15, 2007 11:20 AM EST reply actions

Why is everybody dissin Shamrock? In his day he was pretty much unstopable. As for Randy, It’s pretty hard to see how he’s gonna win. But Randy seem’s to win when people doubt him most. He pull off another Frank Mir moment.

by broncos12405 on Jan 15, 2007 9:16 PM EST reply actions

i ment He may pull off another Frank Mir moment.

by broncos12405 on Jan 15, 2007 9:18 PM EST reply actions

I like Geoff’s “Jordan” comment above. 3 championship run after retirement. That would be nice if Randy could pull it off. Not sure it can be done thought. Now my comments to Jesse ….

Jesse, very good article. While I believe strongly that Randy would take Sylvia, I agree wholeheartedly that Couture should stay retired. You bring up some excellent points with respect to Randy becoming an ambassador and obtaining legendary status and respect amongst fans and peers. In the long-run, this appeal would payoff bigger for Couture (and the UFC) than the short-term (but staggering) financial gains from coming out of retirement to challenge the HW belt.

Personally, Dana White is one fight short from replacing Don “Only in America” King as a promoter whose concerns are more about his personal gain & ego than the good of the sport. I have always questioned White’s antics and, thus, sense another manipulative hand behind the scenes of this. To your point, I would also suggest that White “proceed with caution.”

While I initially started off reading your article and thinking, “Couture will easily defeat Sylvia what’s the big deal with him coming out of retirement?” You were very convincing with the points in your article and readily convinced me that Couture should, indeed, stay retired. Couture’s presence and legacy would continue to grow in strength if he stayed outside the cage. Even if he beats Sylvia, he would certainly face a potentially reputation damaging defeat before the year was out. The caliber of fighters coming into the UFC now (Andersen Silva, Rampage, CroCop, etc.) are certainly going to make the current core of UFC participants seem relatively “inexperienced” in comparison. This would not bode well for Randy’s legacy if continues to fight. He should quite while he is ahead.

by DQ on Jan 16, 2007 8:24 PM EST reply actions

Randys UFC Return: UFC Lifts Ban on Age Discrimination!!
by SunnY SantorO

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the UFC for setting a world precident by putting an end to age discrimination with the return of Randy Couture.

I would also like to point out that while Jesse Hollands comments were well written, I disagree with his opinion of Randy Couture and how he thinks he knows the difference between casual fans and serious fans. I am also very dissapointed with the other individuals who wrote in and agreed with him!

Jesse, how could you compare Randy Couture to Apollo Creed and Rocky? Your bold statements tell all of us serious fans and individuals who have followed the history of this sport and fighters, that while your editorial was written well as in having no vocabulary errors etc..your comparisons are completely flawed. HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE Jesse – Apollo and Rocky are ficticious, Randy is not. Comparing boxers to MMA champions- boxers are one dimensional fighters, MMA fighters are multi dimensional. Oh and how dare you compare Randy Couture to Ken Shamrock, Gracie, and Frank Mir? You have just comfirmed your lack of knowledge and your ignorance. THE HUGE DIFFRENCE IS THAT RANDY COUTURE UNDERSTOOD TO CHANGE WITH THE TIMES AND ADAPT TO DIFFERENT FIGHTING STYLES AND MOLD THEM INTO HIS OWN FIGHTING STLYES, WHILE KEN, GRACIE AND MIR WERE GREAT FIGHTERS FOR THEIR TIME AND LOST TO NEW FIGHTERS BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO COME OUT OF THEIR LITTLE BUBBLES, AND ALLOWED THEIR HUGE EGOS TO STOP THEM FROM ACCEPTING, USING AND ADAPTING TO NEW CHANGES IN THE MMA WORLD!!! The same goes for TITO ORTIZ! Yes he is a great trainer and has helped Kendall Grove and others come to the limelight as new fighters with great talent. But TITO ORIZ LOST TO CHUCK LIDELL BECAUSE HE REFUSES TO HIRE OTHER TRAINERS TO SHOW HIM NEW IDEAS AND SKILLS THAT COULD HAVE HELPED HIM TO NOT ONLY GIVE US FANS A BETTER FIGHT, BUT WOULD HAVE HELPED HIM TO BEAT LIDELL, WHO IS AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN TITO. Randy Couture can not be classified as a one time great fighter like the rest because he has continued to show us real UFC fans and the world that he is a brilliant, conditioned and multifacited fighter that has continued improving and changing his fighting in order to stay on top for this many years, unlike the other fighters. Shamrock and Mir are still in top physical shape, but their fighting styles are dated, that is what caused them to lose their last fights, not THEIR AGE.

As for your comments on TUF creating a huge new fan base, let me make something clear. What makes a casual fan turn into a serious fan? The majority of serious UFC fans are usually knowledgable about MMA and have followed UFC for years. The new fans will stay around only if they are constantly stimulated and exited with incredible matches and fighters, Randy Couture has always given old and new fans exiting fights. Can we say that for Tim Sylvia?

I was greatly disapointed to all you so called UFC fans who agreed with Jesse Hollands comments, which reflect someone who does not have the deep knowledge and passion for this sport or it’s fighters. Jesse, your comments show that you are basing your facts on Hollywood stereo types and age discrimination, which saddens me. You are proof that even someone with a bit of a flair for writing and having an education can still leave someone quite narrow minded, ignorant and brain washed by societies movies and stereo types. I would never reccomend you for a UFC columnist, the fighters, Dana and Zuffa would boo you all the way back under the rock wher you belong.

Sincerely,

SunnY SantorO

A true, educated, long time fan of UFC AND RANDY COUTURE!

by SunnY Santoro on Jan 17, 2007 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Sunny-

I think that most of the people who come to this site are UFC fans.

Jesse had a point and made it. While people may agree or disagree doesn’t reflect how “hardcore” a person is. And, personally don’t think it matters.

I for one enjoy hearing other opinions that differ from mine. It’s the reason other writers and visitors are encouraged to contribute on this site.

In fact, it’s the very foundation for a blog.

I think it is “narrowminded and ignorant” to insult people based on one article. I think you could have made a good argument against Jesse’s thinking — like Fightlinker — without stooping to such a level.

by UFCmania on Jan 17, 2007 12:31 PM EST reply actions

Dissapointed by people commending Jesse Holland’s review.
By Sunny Santoro

I think it’s narrowminded and ignorant to stoop to a level such as Jesse’s to compare Randy Couture to Apollo Creed, Balboa, Shamrock, Mir etc… I have always welcomed different opinions, but Jesse Holland is a real estate agent, not a UFC columnist. He may be great at selling real estate and it seems here he has obiviously done a great job selling his opinion that Randy is a losing proposition and should hang up his fighting gloves. I am not insulting Jesse, I asctually complimented him on his flawless style of writing, it actually grabbed my attention as well! I consider it a GROSS MISCONDUCT to compare Randy Couture to the likes of ficticious characters and previously popular fighters who I explained are different from Couture. They are different in that they have not been able to maintain their top fighting status because they refuse to look to alternative methods of improving their fighting style by enlisting the help of other coaches that can provide the skills they are lacking. For example, Ken Shamrock started the Lions Den, and had alot of great fighters come out of that training camp, the same goes for Tito Ortiz.. But their huge egos and refusal to seek other trainers and methods to improve their game is what causes them ultimately to gain the title of DATED FIGHTERS. Randy may be dated a little in age, but he has beaten incredible fighters a fraction of his age. Jesse Holland does not have the imense knowledge of this sport to make comments about Randy and classify him a losing proposition.. Here’s one for all of you SERIOUS KNOWLEDGABLE UFC FANS- do you remember Randy Couture and Pedro Rizzo? Rizzo was over 12 years younger and much larger in the HW devision when Couture fought him AND WON!!!!!!!!!!!!! And let’s not forget Vitor Belfort, who was unstoppable as well until Randy crushed his face in. And as for the last blog, I love the fact that everyone can come to this site and state their opinion, but when their opinion and information on a fighter is flawed, I have to correct them. I guess time will tell when Randy Couture takes the belt from that coward and “cautious fighter” we know as Tim Sylvia.

To Jesse and the last Blog, since you do not seem to have the knowledge about Randy Couture- it seems to me he has beaten Black Belt Jiujitsu, Taekwondo, Sambo, Pancreation Champions- alot of them bigger and younger than him. We cannot say that for many of the other fighters. Randy Couture has faught more REAL CHAMPIONS than any other fighter in UFC history adn WON! Jesse, UFC IS WHAT IT IS TODAY BECAUSE OF FIGHTERS LIKE RANDY COUTURE " THE NATURAL" because he doesn’t take steriods like fighters a such as Tim Sylvia, who was caught and banned from UFC for a short period of time and had to write a letter to apologize, and UFC let him come back. But I guess YOU adn the last Blog woldn’t know that, since you write about a sport that you do not know the complete history about.

I welcome UFC FIGHTERS, DANA,ZUFFA and serious UFC Fans to read my editorial and Jesse Hollands, and I challange UFCMANIA to do a poll and ask who’s comments are on the mark and who they agree with more on Randy Couture!!

Sincerely,

Sunny SantorO

A true dedicated UFC Fan who will not disrespect a REAL and CURRENT CHAMPION like Randy Couture!

by SunnY Santoro on Jan 17, 2007 2:04 PM EST reply actions

I for one will remember Randy as one of the greatest fighters ever regardless. He just lost to Lesnar the 285 pound freak now he’s done? I don’t think so he can still beat 90% of the HW out there and I feel he’s going to win his next fight. I have heard this same BS story after he lost to Chuck.

by Beaver on Apr 14, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Man I really wouldn’t wanna be in vegas betting on sunnYs insight into the sport. I’ve read two articles by him so far and both are laughable and insulting.

by Tommy on Jan 17, 2007 7:39 PM EST reply actions

Oh yeah. Where did you learn respect sunny? A long time fan? Not so much so that you follow their example I see. One of the reasons I feel in love with this sport is the respect these fighters have for one another. You don’t show any of this kind of class in your words.

by Tommy on Jan 17, 2007 7:56 PM EST reply actions

Actually Tommy, I was at the last PPV in Vegas on December 30th, in the 6th row, cost me $1500- and thats with my VIP UFC membership. The whole row I was sitting in bet on the fights including me, and I won every one of them, including predicting that Canuck star Jason McDonald would beat one of my favorites, Chris Leben. You stated that my reviews were laughable and insulting, since you said that, tell me and the other UFC fans out there WHY? Because I was disgusted with Jesse Hollands well written verbal garbage comparing Randy Couture to Apollo Creed? Couture isn’t like all the other retirees out there, shame on you guys. When Couture takes Timmy’s belt, I cannot wait to spell it out here on Ufcmania, and point out that you and the others where fatally wrong.

Sincerely,
SunnY SantorO
A true long time UFC fan who explains her comments.

by SunnY Santoro on Jan 17, 2007 7:57 PM EST reply actions

THE TRUE MEANING OF RESPECT
BY SunnY SantorO

Tommy, you claim I have no respect? It seem to me that someone like Jesse Holland that compares Randy Couture to Balboa and Apollo has NO RESPECT for an incredible fighter such as Randy. I did nothing but praise Randy, unlike Jesse and individuals like YOU WHO DISRESPECTED RANDY by stating he’s too old and is gonna fail. And what example am I following?- what example are you following buddy by agreeing with Holland that Couture is gonna lose and is too old. When did you guys consider that respect?

Long time fans such as myself who have been attending UFC matches since 1993, thats what I classify as a loyal long time fan. A knowledgable fan who has over 15 years in MMA training, I think that classifies me as someone who knows how to back up their comments with real facts!

And for all you guys out there who love BJ PENN, read my blog on that section. GO BJ GO!!

SunnY SantorO

BTW TOMMY, I am not commenting poorly on the fighters but on people who make comments that they cannot back or have know knowledge in.

by SunnY Santoro on Jan 17, 2007 9:25 PM EST reply actions

Dude I’m gonna tell you like I told the last rude people. I’m not here to argue with you. Money?? I can’t remember the last time I made less then 200,000 in a year. Fighting knowledge? I grew up in a way most people only see on tv and would gladly discuss this with you. I’m not trained in much but been in over 150 fights and won way more then I lost. Now I have been hit so hard I forgot I was fighting!! Thats life. If you read all my comments you would see I’m not only pulling for Randy but he’s one of the only reasons I’m excited about ufc 68. However can you honestly tell me if he does win where he will go in the hw division? Also correct me if I’m wrong but outta Randy’s own mouth he said he would like to fight Tito again. Now no matter how you cut it thats a huge step up in fighting class. I’ve also seen Randy struggle against smaller men less trained men. The bottom line is we are all stuck in some physical limitations and their natural size has a tremendous differance and for that reason he left the hw class. Randy your awesome. In this sport you have what counts most, heart. My point to you sir (SunnY)is there is no reason to be so argumentative in everything you have to say. Also to let you know I predicted every fight but would not have bet on Mcdonald over Leben or vice versa. I feel their a toss up any given night and I try not to bet on team mates. Also I don’t care for Tim or his Timid style. I too remember when he was suspended and stripped of his belt. I can’t honestly say I like him or most of his teammates. I woundn’t wanna fight that giant of a man though. Now if you feel I’m just an internet talker here, Myspace in orlando, fl. under Victoria Lane and as you see I’m Tommy.

by Tommy on Jan 17, 2007 11:41 PM EST reply actions

Hi Sunny,

Thanks for taking the time to read my column. I also appreciate the way you expressed your thoughts on Randy, the UFC, and our fellow bloggers.

While you do raise some interesting points, you should know that my column, like my comparison between Randy Couture and Apollo Creed, was intended to be taken light-heartedly and with a certain amount of raillery.

I have the utmost respect for Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, and any other fighter in any organization that has the courage to step inside the cage and put it all on the line. I also have respect for the opinions of our brethren throughout the world who share our passion for The Ultimate Fighting Championship. Whether we agree or disagree, I hope that you would be able to extend that same respect.

Thanks again for checking out the column!

Jesse Holland

by Jesse on Jan 18, 2007 12:25 AM EST reply actions

Hi Guys, well written.

I gotta say, I agree with you on this one Tommy, and as for you Jesse, your editorial was like I said before flawless, just raging over the fact that Randy never really got a chance to retire the way we all wanted him to…with a win.

Didn’t mean to rage!

SunnY SantorO

Oh,

BTW… why does everyone take it for granted I am a male?

I always point out in my reviews that I a female.

I can here you guys over the net saying " oh *&#@ thats why!

by SunnY Santoro on Jan 18, 2007 1:32 AM EST reply actions

Really its all kinda sad. I think Randy is a legend but this going to tarnish the way UFC fans look at the former champ. Say he does beat Silvia, it will be a long dragged out boring fight in which Couture will have to tire out the giant in order to win. And if his game plan does stick and he does win then what? Wait… thats when CRO-COP gives him a beating just as bad as liddell did in his last two championship bouts. Thats not where it ends neither(he has a four fight contract so that leaves to more fights), so in that case he will fight who…? Drop down to 205’s and fight Rampage or Tito and also get handled. If there is a Couture vs. Liddell #4 Randy might just parish in the octagon.I just hope Dana White payed him alot of money to ruin his legendary status.

by ROADHOUSE on Jan 18, 2007 12:23 PM EST reply actions

Randy is the man, Im glad to see him fight again win or lose!

by Geesus on Jan 19, 2007 1:32 AM EST reply actions

People are so quik to count Randy out…well not this beaner, Randy is a legend and always will be a legend…for petes sake he lost to Chuck Liddell, arguably one of the best pound for pound fighters MMA has to offer, so basicaly he lost to the best. To simply fight chuck means that you’ve whipped a boat load of ass, how many fighters can say they’ve even come close to a title shot with chuck, or a title shot period, Randy has held two UFC titles, (one being the the heavy weight title i might add) Point is Randy has a way better chance to topple Tim and snatch that belt then people are giving him credit for.

by MR.MURDA on Jan 24, 2007 9:49 PM EST reply actions

there is only one way to find out what will happen with tim and randy, " lets get it on "!!!!! however i think that Brandon vera should get the title shot first! or they can give him the pitbull!!!!

by jake on Jan 26, 2007 7:32 PM EST reply actions

if tim was a good fighter and deserved to hold that belt id agree. but you cant continue holding a belt when you just get in the ring and throw jabs and wild rights, do you think randy is going to give two shits about his reach? NO! i bet gsp could stomp his big hillbilly ass! arolovski got lazy and over confident, tim wont hold that belt as soon as he has to defend it from a real fighter! hell i think they should let him know right now how bad he is, put cro cop in front of him, because i can tell you he wont be smiling then!! as a matter of fact after cro cops fight the other night i think they cleaned piss and shit off tims chair when he got up!!

by rip on Feb 7, 2007 7:53 PM EST reply actions

hey ROADHOUSE! i think you need to watch the u.f.c some! taco ortiz beat randy! THATS THE BIGGEST LAUGH I HEARD ALL YEAR! yea he was killing randy in there last fight! as he was laying upside down with randy slapping his ass laughing making him his bitch! heres a headline! TACO ORTIZ ‘’HUNTINGTON BITCH BOY’’ tacos done and never was!!

by rip on Feb 7, 2007 7:58 PM EST reply actions