In a stunning move that has the potential to seriously damage the popularity of the world's most popular mixed martial arts organization, heavyweight champion Randy Couture is quitting the Ultimate Fighting Championship, The Fight Network is reporting. Couture announced his resignation from the Las Vegas-based promotion, leaving two contracted fights, his job as an on-air analyst and his heavyweight crown on the table.It's not clear what else Couture might be doing next, but it is clear that this strikes a major blow to UFC.
In South Africa shooting scenes for his lead role in the upcoming feature film "The Scorpion King – Rise of the Akkadian," Couture made the announcement official in a letter to UFC president Dana White. The UFC's inability to land PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko played a prominent role in the decision to walk away, according to Couture.
"I appreciate this opportunity the sport of MMA and the UFC has given me," the UFC Hall-of-Famer said. "However, I'm tired of swimming upstream at this stage with the management of the UFC. It only makes sense at this point in my career to fight Fedor Emelianenko, and since he's now signed with another organization, I feel like it's time to resign and focus on my other endeavors."
Previously on FanHouse:
Randy Couture Finished Off Gabriel Gonzaga Despite a Broken Arm
UFC 74: Randy Couture Beats Gabriel Gonzaga, Keeps Heavyweight Title
Randy Couture Defends UFC Steroids Policy
UFC 74: Randy Couture Gabriel Gonzaga Live Round-By-Round Results
Sorry, No Photos
Hat tip: Sports by Brooks.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-12-2007 @ 3:25AM
will said...
maybe the ufc will actually start to pay there fighters now..... eh probably wishful thinking
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 9:12PM
Cyndi said...
As much as I like Randy... I don't think this will "seriously damage the popularity of the world's most popular mixed martial arts organization." There are many other fighters within the organization that can keep the popularity going.
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10-30-2007 @ 2:40AM
GrayFox said...
Fedor VS. Couture.
I think Fedor would win hands down. Although Randy is better at the ground game, FEDOR's stand up and his sheer POWER would overtake Randy.
Now I would like to see Dan Henderson Dethrone Anderson Silva.
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12-08-2007 @ 5:42PM
jarrett said...
Just know this, no one is beating anderson silva anytime soon. That man is the scariest fighter on the planet. And the Fedor/Randy fight would be great. That would probably be Randy's last fight win or lose. And before some idiot responds, Randy knows Fedor is the best fighter on the planet, and like a true warrior that is why he wants to fight him.
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