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:Randy Couture

{{short description|American Greco-Roman wrestler and mixed martial artist}}

{{BLP sources|date=November 2021}}

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Randy Couture

| other_names = The Natural

| image = File:Randy_Couture_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg

| caption = Couture in 2012

| birth_name = Randall Duane Couture

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|6|22}}

| birth_place = Everett, Washington, U.S.

| residence = Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 1

| weight_lb = 203

| weight_class = Heavyweight (1997–2003; 2007–2009; 2010)
Light Heavyweight (2003–2006; 2009–2011)

| reach_in = 75

| style = Greco-Roman Wrestling

| fighting_out_of = Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

| team = Team Quest (1999–2006)
Xtreme Couture (2006–2011)

| rank = Black belt in Neil Melanson's Submission wrestling System

| wrestling = NCAA Division I Wrestling
Olympic Alternate Greco-Roman Wrestling

| years_active = 1997–2011

| mma_kowin = 7

| mma_subwin = 4

| mma_decwin = 8

| mma_koloss = 7

| mma_subloss = 3

| mma_decloss = 1

| university = Oklahoma State University

| relatives = Ryan Couture (son)

| school = Lynnwood High School

| website = {{URL|randycouture.tv}}

| sherdog = 166

| updated = August 28, 2010

| module2 = {{Infobox military person

| embed = yes

|allegiance= United States

|branch= United States Army

|serviceyears= 1982–1988

|rank= 24px Sergeant

|unit= 24px 101st Airborne Division

|laterwork= Professional mixed martial arts

}}

|medaltemplates={{MedalSport | Men's Greco-Roman Wrestling}}

{{MedalCountry | the {{USA}} }}

{{MedalCompetition|Pan American Games}}

{{MedalGold| 1991 Havana | 90 kg}}

{{MedalCompetition|Pan American Championships}}

{{MedalGold|1991 Havana|90 kg}}

{{MedalSilver|1990 Colorado Springs |90 kg}}

{{MedalSilver|1992 Albany |90 kg}}

{{MedalSilver|1998 Winnipeg|97 kg}}

{{MedalBronze|1997 San Juan|97 kg}}

{{MedalCompetition|World Cup}}

{{MedalBronze|1991 Toledo|90 kg}}

{{MedalBronze|1992 Moscow|90 kg}}

{{MedalSport | Collegiate Wrestling}}{{MedalCountry | the}} Oklahoma State Cowboys {{MedalCompetition|NCAA Division I Championships}} {{MedalSilver|1991 Iowa City|190 lb}} {{MedalSilver|1992 Oklahoma City|190 lb}}

}}

Randall Duane Couture ({{IPAc-en|k|oʊ|ˈ|t|ʊər}}; born June 22, 1963) is an American mixed martial arts commentator, actor, former United States Army sergeant, former professional mixed martial artist, and former collegiate and Greco-Roman wrestler. During his tenures in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), he became a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, an interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, making him a six-time UFC Champion and the UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament winner.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1678239,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101034710/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1678239,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 1, 2007 |title=Ultimate Fighting's Ultimate Fight |last=Poole |first=Gary Andrew |date=October 31, 2007 |magazine=Time |access-date=July 5, 2011}} He is the first fighter in history to win a UFC championship in two different divisions. He currently serves as a commentator and analyst for the Professional Fighters League.

Couture has competed in a record 16 title fights. He is tied for the record for the most wins in UFC Heavyweight Championship bouts (6) with former UFC Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. He had the most title reigns in the UFC, with six. His last fight with Lyoto Machida marked his 24th fight in the UFC. He is the fourth member of the UFC Hall of Fame. He is one of only 2 over the age of 40 to have won a UFC championship fight, having done so four times. He is one of the few MMA champions to regain a title he had lost, and the only to have done it three times (twice at heavyweight, once at light heavyweight).

Couture was an Olympic wrestling alternate and has lived in Corvallis, Oregon throughout much of his career, where he served as an assistant wrestling coach and a strength and conditioning coach for Oregon State University.{{cite web|url=http://randycouture.proelite.com/|title=Welcome to ProElite.com}} He established Team Quest with Matt Lindland and Dan Henderson, a training camp for fighters, based out of Gresham, Oregon,{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |title=Winding road leads UFC fighter 'home' |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/2009/08/28/oth-546105-shtml/14624721007/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=The Augusta Chronicle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2009-08-29 |title=Couture to return to his roots, fans |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2009/08/29/couture-to-return-to-his-roots-fans/amp/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Daily News |language=en-US}} and headed by coach Robert Folis. In 2005, he moved to Las Vegas, where he opened his own extensive chain of gyms under the name Xtreme Couture. He partnered with Bas Rutten to open Legends Gym in Hollywood, California.

Couture is generally recognized as a clinch and ground-and-pound fighter who uses his wrestling ability to execute take downs, establish top position and successively strike the opponent on the bottom. He has displayed a variety of skills in boxing and catch wrestling. He is the only UFC fighter to win a championship after becoming a Hall-of-Famer and is the oldest champion in MMA history with his title victory over Tim Sylvia at age 43.

Background

Couture was born in Everett, Washington, the son of Sharan Amelia (née King) and Edward Lewis "Ed" Couture.{{cite book|last=Couture|first=Randy|author2=Loretta Hunt |title=Becoming the Natural: My Life in and Out of the Cage|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2008|pages=13, 20|isbn=978-1-4169-5780-5}}{{cite web|url=http://records.ancestry.com/randy_duane_couture_records.ashx?pid=116994968|title=Randy Duane Couture, father of 2 - Ancestry}} He wrestled at Lynnwood High School in Lynnwood, Washington, where he won a state championship during his senior year in wrestling. Afterwards he served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1988, attaining the rank of Sergeant in the 101st Airborne, where he "wrestled and did a little boxing."{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Randy_Couture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804214734/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Randy_Couture|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 4, 2010|title=Randy Couture|work=UFC|access-date=September 1, 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.veteransmagazine.com/membersarea/MagazineIssues/19thmag-sept08/TheNatural.pdf |title=TheNatural |publisher=Veteran's Magazine Online |access-date=May 1, 2011}}

While he was in the Army he applied for tryouts with the U.S. Army freestyle wrestling team; however, due to a clerical error his application was sent to the Greco-Roman wrestling tryouts and rather than wait until the next year he decided to pursue it. Despite never having competed in Greco-Roman he made the team.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Upon discharge, Couture became a three-time Olympic team alternate (1988, 1992 and 1996), a semifinalist at the 2000 Olympic Trials, a three-time NCAA Division I All-American and a two-time NCAA Division I runner-up (1991 and 1992) at Oklahoma State University.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=3927&my_page=10|title=Sherdog.com Preview: UFC 57 - Liddell-Couture 3|website=Sherdog|date=February 3, 2006|access-date=June 28, 2007}} In 1992, he was the Division I runner-up at {{Convert|190|lb}}, coming in second after Mark Kerr.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagetoday.com/ufc-officially-announces-randy-couture-vs-brock-lesnar-at-ufc-91/|title=UFC Officially Announces Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar At UFC 91|date=September 2, 2008}} From 1989 to 1992 he accumulated a collegiate wrestling record of 113-42. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in literature.[https://okstate.com/news/2018/5/10/wrestling-randy-couture-to-be-honored-as-outstanding-american "Randy Couture to be Honored as Outstanding American."] May 10, 2018.

Mixed martial arts career

{{BLP sources section|date=November 2021}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship and RINGS=

Being called to the tournament as an alternate on three weeks' notice,{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/05/randy-couture-tells-story-of-choosing-to-stay-with-ufc-instead-of-signing-with-pride |title=Randy Couture tells story of choosing to stay with UFC instead of signing with PRIDE |first=Brent |last=Brookhouse |date=May 25, 2015}} Couture made his professional mixed martial arts debut at UFC 13{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-13-s-Halme-passes-Couture-talks-about-his-f?urn=mma-212895|title=UFC 13's Halme passes: Couture talks about his first UFC opponent|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|date=January 11, 2010}} on May 30, 1997, as part of a four-man heavyweight tournament. His first opponent was Tony Halme, who outweighed him by nearly {{convert|100|lb|kg st}}. Couture immediately hit a double-leg takedown and, after some ground and pound, moved to back mount and secured a rear naked choke submission to win in under a minute. In the tournament final, he defeated Steven Graham, another larger opponent (290 lb), by TKO at 3:13 into the first round.

On October 17, 1997, at UFC 15, Couture fought Vitor Belfort to determine the number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-15-Collision-Course-23|title=UFC 15 - Collision Course}} Couture was an underdog, as 19-year-old Belfort was the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament Champion, winning all of his matches with devastating punches. After circling away from Belfort's left hand, Couture got the clinch. The fighters broke up and, when Belfort attempted a flurry of punches, Couture hit a takedown. He immediately gained side control and landed strikes. As Belfort scrambled to his feet, Couture landed knee strikes. He clinched again and wore Belfort down with dirty boxing. By the 7-minute mark, Belfort was exhausted. Couture again took him down, and finished him with punches from back mount, for one of the biggest upsets in MMA at the time.

At UFC Japan on December 21, Couture challenged the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Maurice Smith to his second title defense since winning the belt from Mark Coleman earlier that year. It was a slow-paced fight, and neither fighter significantly damaged the other, but Couture hit several takedowns and held positional control throughout the fight. After 21 minutes, he won a majority decision and became the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. Though this win was controversial as many believe Smith did enough to win the fight.

In 1998, UFC matchmakers wanted Couture to defend the belt against Bas Rutten, former King of Pancrase. Couture instead signed with Vale Tudo Japan, and was stripped of the title. He had his first and only match against Shooto veteran and grappling specialist Enson Inoue. After taking the fight to the ground, Couture tapped out to an armbar, just over 90 seconds into the bout.

Still in Japan, Couture was signed up with Fighting Network RINGS, debuting against Mikhail Illoukhine on March 20, 1999, in RINGS. Couture submitted to a kimura, though the loss was controversial due to Illoukhine locking the hold while they were being re-positioned on the center of the ring. After that loss, he took a break from MMA to focus on his amateur wrestling career.

Couture returned to MMA in October 2000, for the RINGS King of Kings Tournament 2000. He won a unanimous decision over UFC veteran Jeremy Horn in his first fight, and then another over Pancrase veteran Ryūshi Yanagisawa. These two wins qualified him for the final event of the tournament, in March 2001. Before that, he was offered a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Kevin Randleman on November 17, 2000. He was taken down in the first two rounds, but defended well from his back, negating most of Randleman's ground and pound attempts. In the third round, he tripped Randleman to the mat and landed several strikes from full mount for a TKO victory and his second UFC Heavyweight Championship.

In March 2001, Couture continued in the RINGS King of Kings Tournament 2000 Final. After winning an even decision over veteran Tsuyoshi Kohsaka in the first fight, he got caught in a guillotine choke by Valentijn Overeem after committing himself in a takedown and had to submit. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira won the tournament, and Couture returned to the UFC.

His first title defense was against Brazilian kickboxer Pedro Rizzo, at UFC 31. This was the first UFC event under Zuffa management, with Dana White as the new president. Both fighters inflicted substantial damage. After five 5-minute rounds, Couture won a close unanimous decision. Some fans felt Rizzo had won, so the UFC set up an immediate rematch for UFC 34, in November 2001. This time, Couture won decisively by TKO in the third round.

His third title defense was in March 2002, against up-and-comer Josh Barnett. In the second round, Barnett mounted Couture and landed several strikes to win the title by TKO. After the fight, it was revealed Barnett had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was subsequently stripped of the title and cut from the UFC.

Couture then faced Ricco Rodriguez for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 39, in late 2002. After dominating the first three rounds, 39-year-old Couture became noticeably fatigued. In the fifth round, Rodriguez took him down and landed an elbow strike to his orbital bone, breaking it and making him submit. This was the first time a UFC fight had finished in the fifth round.

==Move to light heavyweight and trilogy with Chuck Liddell==

{{See also|Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell}}

After two consecutive losses to larger opponents in the heavyweight division, Couture moved down to the light heavyweight division. In his light heavyweight debut, he fought long-time number one contender Chuck Liddell for the UFC Interim Light heavyweight Championship. He was again the underdog but, after outstriking Liddell for three rounds, took the fight to the ground and won by TKO via strikes from full mount,{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search=yes&EventID=1614|title=Fight Finder - UFC 43 Meltdown|website=Sherdog|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823035039/http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search=yes&EventID=1614|archive-date=August 23, 2006}} becoming the first UFC fighter to win titles in two weight classes.{{cite web|url=http://thenatural.tv/content/view/35/36/|title=The Natural.tv - Biography|publisher=TheNatural.tv|access-date=March 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322103529/http://thenatural.tv/content/view/35/36/|archive-date=March 22, 2008|url-status=dead}}

His next match, against five-time defending champion Tito Ortiz, was billed as a "Champion vs. Champion" fight. 40-year-old Couture won a unanimous decision to become the undisputed UFC Light heavyweight Champion.

Couture's first title defense was against Vitor Belfort, whom he had previously defeated in 1997 at UFC 15. In the first round, as Couture closed the distance to attempt a clinch, Belfort grazed his right eye with a left hook. His glove opened a cut, and Belfort was declared the winner when the cageside doctor advised the fight be stopped. A rubber match took place later that year. Couture dominated all three rounds before winning by doctor stoppage due to a cut, and became a two-time UFC Light heavyweight Champion.

On April 16, 2005, in a rematch with Liddell, Couture lost his title and suffered the first knockout loss of his career. He came back in August to defeat Mike van Arsdale and reestablish himself as a top contender. He faced Liddell for the third and final time in a championship match at UFC 57, on February 4, 2006. He was knocked out in the second round and, immediately afterwards, announced his retirement from MMA.

File:Randy Couture pic.jpg

On June 24, 2006, on The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale, Couture became the fourth inductee to the UFC Hall of Fame, joining Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Ken Shamrock.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/columns/84733 |title=MMA - 411 Fighter Profile: Randy Couture |publisher=411mania.com |access-date=November 7, 2012}}

==Retirement==

After retiring from MMA, Couture became a regular broadcast commentator for UFC events and co-host of Before the Bell and After the Bell on The Fight Network. He appeared in the Rob Schneider movie Big Stan, with fellow mixed martial artists Don Frye and Bob Sapp.{{IMDb title|490086|Big Stan}}

On November 17, 2006, Couture fought and drew with Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in a submission wrestling contest.{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Gross|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=6169 |title=Couture Draws with "Jacaré" and Garcia Wins Again |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=November 18, 2006 |access-date=February 28, 2009}} After the match Couture invited Souza to train at his gym. Souza accepted and started training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.{{cite web|first=Denis |last=Martin |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=13145 |title=BJJ Phenom 'Jacaré' Set for Toughest Test to Date |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=February 28, 2009}}

Couture was featured in the season two premiere episode of the Spike TV show Pros vs. Joes, which aired January 25, 2007. His teammates on the episode were Michael Irvin, Kevin Willis, and José Canseco. He returned for the finale, where he took part in a football-based round. His teammates were Willis, Randall Cunningham, Bruce Smith, Roy Jones Jr., and Tim Hardaway.

==Reclaiming the Heavyweight Championship==

File:XtremeCouture.jpg

On January 11, 2007, Couture announced his return from retirement in an interview on the Spike TV magazine show, "Inside the UFC".{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid%3D3251%26zoneid%3D13 |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317110551/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3251&zoneid=13 |archive-date=March 17, 2007 }} In a conversation with Joe Rogan, he confirmed he would face Tim Sylvia for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 68, on March 3, 2007. He also announced he had signed a four-fight, two-year deal with the UFC.

At the age of 43, Couture defeated Sylvia by unanimous decision to become UFC Heavyweight Champion for a third time (a UFC record).{{cite web|last=Meltzer |first=Dave |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-ufcsixtyeight060909 |title=UFC 68: Pure magic - Mixed Martial Arts - Yahoo Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date=June 9, 2009 |access-date=June 18, 2016}} Couture's first punch, eight seconds into the fight, sent the {{nowrap|6 ft 8 in}} (2.03 m) Sylvia to the mat.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/72153-ufc-91-couture-vs-lesnar-randy-has-no-chanceor-does-he|title=UFC 91 Couture vs. Lesnar: Randy Has No Chance...or Does He?|author=Brian Oswald|website=Bleacher Report}} He controlled the pace of the fight for five rounds, smothering Sylvia with strikes and numerous takedowns. All three judges scored the bout 50–45 for Couture.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search%3Dyes%26EventID%3D4662 |title=Fight Finder - UFC 68 Uprising Mixed Martial Arts Statistics |access-date=March 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223134657/http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?search=yes&EventID=4662 |archive-date=February 23, 2008 }}

At UFC 74 on August 25, 2007, Couture successfully defended the title against Brazilian Gabriel Gonzaga,{{cite web|url=http://www.ufcmedia.com/randy-couture-vs-gabriel-gonzaga.html |title=Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830031109/http://www.ufcmedia.com/randy-couture-vs-gabriel-gonzaga.html |archive-date=August 30, 2008 }} defeating him via TKO by strikes. This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award. Couture suffered a broken left arm when he blocked one of Gonzaga's kicks.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/58955/UFC-News:-Couture-Breaks-Arm,-SPIKE-Releases-The-Ultimate-Fighter-Cast.htm|title=UFC News: Couture Breaks Arm, SPIKE Releases The Ultimate Fighter Cast|date=August 27, 2007|access-date=August 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010050446/http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/58955/UFC-News:-Couture-Breaks-Arm,-SPIKE-Releases-The-Ultimate-Fighter-Cast.htm|archive-date=October 10, 2007|url-status=dead}} The kick cleanly split his ulna, requiring him to wear a splint for six weeks.

==Resignation and dispute with the UFC==

On October 11, 2007, Couture announced he was severing all ties with the UFC, leaving two contracted fights, a position as an on-air analyst and the UFC Heavyweight Championship behind. He received $250,000 (plus $936,000 of PPV revenue) for his comeback fight with Tim Sylvia. He received a $250,000 purse for defeating Gabriel Gonzaga (plus a $35,000 "Fight of the Night" bonus and $787,000 in PPV revenue).{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-ufc31oct31,1,3888506.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-boxing |title=UFC officials give out Randy Couture salary information |last=Pugmire |first=Lance |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=November 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103042006/http://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-ufc31oct31%2C1%2C3888506.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-boxing |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |url-status=dead }} He complained Chuck Liddell was allegedly paid more than he was, despite losing his previous two fights.{{cite book|last=Couture|first=Randy|author2=Loretta Hunt |title=Becoming the Natural: My Life in and Out of the Cage|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2008|pages=273–274|isbn=978-1-4169-5780-5}} Couture cited the UFC's failure to sign #1 ranked Heavyweight fighter Fedor Emelianenko, as well as disputes with UFC management, for his decision.{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-couture101107|title= Couture stuns MMA world with retirement|last=Iole|first=Kevin|work=Yahoo! Sports|date= October 11, 2007|access-date=October 11, 2007}}{{cite web|url= http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=9455|title=Exclusive: Couture Talks UFC Resignation| last=Gross|first=Josh|website=Sherdog|date=October 11, 2007}}

==Transition from fighter to coach==

Couture coached Oregon Fighter Musio Chavez for the Inter-collegiate Fight League.

On October 18, 2007, UFC president Dana White said Couture remained the UFC Heavyweight Champion despite his plans to quit, and reiterated he would not release Couture from the final two fights on his contract.{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/7349878 |title=FOX Sports on MSN - Boxing - UFC's White: Couture's still mine |access-date=October 19, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020051545/http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/7349878 |archive-date=October 20, 2007 }} Couture held a press conference on October 25, 2007, where he denied his departure from UFC was a "retirement", set forth his grievances about his pay, and reiterated his belief that he would be free from any contractual obligations to the UFC after nine months.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/why-randy-couture-left-the-ufc-2 |title=WHY RANDY COUTURE LEFT THE UFC |last=Cain|first=Jeff|publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date =October 25, 2007|access-date=November 1, 2007}}

On October 30, 2007, White and Zuffa CEO Lorenzo Fertitta held another press conference, where White reiterated the UFC's position of twelve days prior,{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-disputes-coutures-claims-about-his-pay-2 |title=UFC disputes Couture's claims about his pay|last=Cain|first=Jeff| publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=October 30, 2007|access-date=November 1, 2007}} and released documents refuting Couture's claims about the pay he received.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=8466|title=UFC releases payment receipts to Couture|last=Gerbasi|first=Thomas|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|date=October 30, 2007|access-date=November 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031104845/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=8466|archive-date=October 31, 2007|url-status=dead}}

They met again on Thanksgiving weekend to discuss a possible UFC return, but Couture said he had no desire to do so at the time.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Cornering some of his fighters from Xtreme Couture at HDNet Fights on December 15 in Dallas, Couture answered questions about Fedor Emelianenko, stating that he would like to fight him in October, once his UFC contract expired, if the UFC could not come to a co-promotion agreement with Russia's M-1 Global beforehand.{{cite web|url= http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=10406 |title=Couture: Could Fight Fedor in October '08}}

On January 15, 2008, Zuffa filed a lawsuit in Clark County District Court in Nevada, citing breach of contract and irreparable damage,{{cite web|url=http://www.lvrj.com/sports/13794082.html|title=Couture is target of UFC lawsuit|date=January 16, 2008}} seeking over $10,000 in damages. This suit only concerned Couture's employment contract and not his promotional contract. On February 28, 2008, Judge Jennifer Togliatti handed down the first ruling in the case, issuing a preliminary injunction barring Couture from participating in an IFL event held the following day.

On August 2, 2008, a Texas appeals court granted Zuffa's request for a stay against a motion for a declaratory judgment in a suit filed by HDNet regarding Couture's contractual status with the UFC. The stay effectively ended the dispute in the state of Texas, and Zuffa was allowed to move forward with the Nevada suit.{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=13807 |title=The Official Website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® |publisher=UFC |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029203754/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=13807 |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/4963/in-randy-couture-court-case-latest-round-goes-to-ufc.mma|title=In Randy Couture court case, latest round goes to UFC|author=Steve Sievert|publisher=MMAjunkie|access-date=August 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808034907/http://mmajunkie.com/news/4963/in-randy-couture-court-case-latest-round-goes-to-ufc.mma|archive-date=August 8, 2008|url-status=dead}}

==Return to the UFC==

On September 2, 2008, the UFC announced it had signed Couture to a new three-fight contract. On November 15, he returned at UFC 91 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship to Brock Lesnar.{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail.fightCard&eid=1645 |title=The Official Website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® |publisher=UFC |access-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902151641/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=EventDetail.FightCard&eid=1645 |archive-date=September 2, 2009 }} After a close first round, Lesnar knocked Couture down in the second round and struck him with hammerfists for a TKO victory at 3:07.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/lesnar-takes-coutures-title-15178|title=Lesnar Takes Couture's Title|author=Joe Hall|website=Sherdog}} In a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Couture declared his desire to keep fighting and said he felt he was still becoming a better fighter, blaming the loss on his performance, not his age.

On August 29, 2009, Couture faced former UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion and former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102 in Portland, Oregon,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid%3D8263%26zoneid%3D13 |title=- COUTURE AGREES TO FIGHT WITH NOGUEIRA - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more |access-date=February 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828035425/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=8263&zoneid=13 |archive-date=August 28, 2009 }} and lost by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28). After the bout, Couture stated he felt he was in the best shape of his life, and would wait and see what the UFC had in store for him. The fight received the "Fight of the Night" award.{{Cite web|url=https://adcombat.com/news2009-08-30ufc-102-nogueira-defeats-couture-adcc-87kg-champion-maia-kod-marquardt-and-tuf-vets/|title=UFC 102: Nogueira defeats Couture, ADCC -87kg champion Maia KO'd by Marquardt, and TUF vets go 0-4|publisher=adcombat.com|author=Keith Mills|date=2009-08-30|access-date=2025-01-19}}

==Return to light heavyweight and retirement==

After the Nogueira loss, Couture signed a new six-fight deal, which superseded his previous contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mma/story/12137703 |title=MMA news, fighter profiles and events – Mixed Martial Arts |publisher=Cbssports.com |access-date=November 7, 2012}}

On November 14, 2009, at UFC 105, Couture faced Brandon Vera. Vera landed effective strikes and scored a takedown, but Couture won a somewhat controversial unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/11/15/vera-couture-decision-another-in-long-line-of-controversies|title=Vera-Couture Decision Another in Long Line of Controversies|author=Mike Chiappetta|date=15 November 2009|publisher=MMA Fighting}} The fight was his first at Light heavyweight since losing to Chuck Liddell in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/11/14/ufc-105-brandon-vera-randy-couture-by-decision|title=UFC 105: Randy Couture Beats Brandon Vera in Surprising Decision|author=Michael David Smith|date=14 November 2009|publisher=MMA Fighting}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Randy-Couture-edges-Brandon-Vera-but-not-without?urn=mma,202560|title=Randy Couture edges Brandon Vera but not without controversy|author=Steve Cofield|publisher=Yahoo!}} With the win, the 46-year-old Couture became the oldest fighter to win a UFC bout.

File:Randy Couture 2010.jpg on March 6, 2010]]

Couture fought fellow UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman at UFC 109. The bout marked the first time UFC Hall of Famers fought each other in the UFC. They were scheduled to meet at UFC 17 in 1998, but an injury to Couture forced the cancellation of the bout. They wrestled each other in a freestyle match at the 1989 Olympic Festival at Oklahoma State University; Coleman won the match by one point. Couture modified his training for this bout, focusing on catch wrestling and refining his boxing under coach Gil Martinez.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/01/20/randy-couture-moving-away-from-a-jiu-jitsu-mentality|title=Randy Couture 'Moving Away From a Jiu Jitsu Mentality'|author=Michael David Smith|date=20 January 2010|publisher=MMA Fighting}} The combined age of these fighters (91) is the highest in any UFC match.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Couture-Coleman-Slated-for-UFC-109-21002|title=Couture-Coleman Slated for UFC 109|author=Loretta Hunt|website=Sherdog}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16888/report-randy-couture-vs-mark-coleman-in-the-works-for-ufc-109.mma|title=Report: Randy Couture vs. Mark Coleman in the works for UFC 109|publisher=MMAjunkie|access-date=November 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120215900/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16888/report-randy-couture-vs-mark-coleman-in-the-works-for-ufc-109.mma|archive-date=November 20, 2009|url-status=dead}} Couture made Coleman pass out to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round, getting his first submission win in over four years.

Couture was scheduled to fight Rich Franklin at UFC 115, but Franklin instead fought Chuck Liddell, replacing Liddell's original opponent, Tito Ortiz. Couture instead faced three-time boxing world champion James Toney at UFC 118. Couture dominated Toney, taking him down and mounting him within seconds, and quickly making him submit to an arm triangle choke. The match achieved notoriety, though it drew criticisms of being a freak show fight, among them by UFC President Dana White himself.{{cite book|title=Fighting Words: In-Depth Interviews with the Biggest Names in Mixed Martial Arts|author1=Mike Straka|date=2011|publisher=Triumph|isbn=9781617495311}} Many also felt that this fight had been made as an attempt to repair damage done to the credibility of MMA after Ray Mercer knocked out former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia.{{cite web |url=http://www.fighters.com/07/26/facing-the-inevitable-james-toney-will-knock-out-randy-couture |title=Fighters Gym Phuket, Western Boxing, K1, Muay Thai Camp |website=Fighters.com |date=June 20, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109153941/http://www.fighters.com/07/26/facing-the-inevitable-james-toney-will-knock-out-randy-couture/ |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Couture had stated he was interested in fighting either Lyoto Machida or Maurício Rua (in a non-title bout). Since Rua had an upcoming title defense against Jon Jones, UFC matchmakers gave him Machida. They fought on April 30, 2011, at UFC 129, before 55,000 fans in Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-129-sold-out-shatters-records-with-55000-tickets|title=UFC 129 Sold Out; Shatters Records with 55,000 Tickets|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=February 12, 2011}} Couture had stated before the bout it would be his final fight. Machida knocked him out in the second round with a jumping front kick.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bloodied-GSP-Decisions-Shields-32007 |title=Bloodied GSP Decisions Shields |last=Knapp |first=Brian |date=May 1, 2011 |website=Sherdog |access-date=May 8, 2011}} After the fight, Couture announced he was "finally done fighting", at the age of 47.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23450/with-couture-finally-done-ufc-boss-has-no-regrets-sending-the-natural-into-the-cage.mma|title=Couture finally done|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=May 1, 2011}}

=Bellator Fighting Championships=

On January 29, 2013, Couture signed with Bellator to be a coach in the first season of their reality show, Fight Master: Bellator MMA which debuted in June 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Randy-Couture-Inks-MultiYear-Deal-with-Spike-TV-Will-Coach-Bellator-Reality-Show-49517|title=Couture Inks MultiYear Deal with Spike TV|publisher=sherdog.com|date=January 29, 2013}} Couture also did commentary for Bellator 96.

Acting

Couture made a cameo appearance in the direct-to-video Steven Seagal film Today You Die and on the season finale of the CBS show The Unit, as a military guard. He played fight commentator Terry Flynn in the film Redbelt. He appeared on an episode of The History Channel show Human Weapon on September 27, 2007, and starred in the 2008 film The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior.{{IMDb title|1104123|The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior}} He played Toll Road in the 2010 movie The Expendables and reprised the role in the 2012, 2014 and 2023 sequels. He did several public service announcements, one against crystal meth.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagepotato.com/video-tribute-mmas-eight-greatest-public-service-announcements/|title=Video Tribute: MMA's Eight Greatest Public Service Announcements|date=11 December 2011 |publisher=CagePotato.com|access-date=February 17, 2014}} He starred alongside 50 Cent and Bruce Willis in the 2011 film, Setup, as an enforcer named Petey.

In 2012, he played the leading role of hard-bitten cop Paul Ross in Brandon Nutt's action film Hijacked, alongside Dominic Purcell.

On September 4, 2014, it was announced that Couture would be one of the celebrities competing on the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars. He paired with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff.{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/09/04/dancing-with-the-stars-season-19-cast-dwts-celebrities/|title='Dancing With The Stars': Season 19 Celebrity Contestants Revealed|first1=Elizabeth|last1=Wagmeister|date=September 4, 2014}} The couple was eliminated on the third week of competition finishing in eleventh place.{{cite web|url=http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/dancing_with_the_stars_season_19_week_3_scores_results-2014-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001051322/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/dancing_with_the_stars_season_19_week_3_scores_results-2014-09|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2014|title='Dancing With the Stars' Season 19 week 3 scores and results|website=Zap2it|date=September 30, 2014}}

Couture has appeared in 4 episodes of the TV series Hawaii Five-0 as Jason Duclair.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0527760/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_4/|title=Hawaii Five-0 Character Jason Duclair|website=IMDb|access-date=December 19, 2016}}

Couture appeared on Impractical Jokers as a guest during Sal Vulcano's punishment in the episode "Pantsing with the Stars". In that episode, Vulcano, who refused an instruction during a challenge where he was posing as a Krav Maga instructor, was given a surprise punishment by the other Jokers in that he then had to wrestle Couture and attempt to “pants” him.

In 2019, Couture starred alongside Luke Goss{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Brett |title=The Hard Way Netflix Cast |url=https://decider.com/2019/03/11/the-hard-way-netflix-cast/ |website=Decider |date=11 March 2019 |access-date=23 March 2019}} and Michael Jai White{{cite web |title=The Hard Way 2019 HD |url=https://www.filmlicious.net/movie/the-hard-way-Qo6L.html |website=Filmlicious |access-date=23 March 2019}} in the movie The Hard Way, which was among the most popular watched movies on Netflix.{{cite web |last1=Lyles |first1=Jeffrey |title=The Hard Way (2019) movie review |url=https://lylesmoviefiles.com/2019/03/17/the-hard-way-2019-movie-review/ |website=lylesmoviefiles |date=17 March 2019 |access-date=23 March 2019}} He also appeared in the film Outlaw Johnny Black.

In July 2019, Couture appeared on an episode of the Outdoor Channel show Gunnytime entitled "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work".

Personal life

Couture was previously married to Sharon, Tricia, and Kim Couture (née Borrego).{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4631|title=Couture readies himself for climb up Mount Sylvia|publisher=UFC|date=January 3, 2007|access-date=August 1, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403181659/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4631|archive-date=April 3, 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/news/couture020114.html |title=Mentions his second wife Tricia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020205112054/http://www.mmafighting.com/news/couture020114.html |archive-date=February 5, 2002 }} He and Kim filed for divorce in May 2009. He continued to coach her and support her MMA career.{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/kim-couture-plans-august-return-to-fighting-2 |title=KIM COUTURE PLANS AUGUST RETURN TO FIGHTING |access-date=June 2, 2009 |publisher=MMAWEEKLY.com |date=May 26, 2009}} He has three children, including Aimee, Ryan, and Caden “Cooter” Couture as well as four grandchildren. He often works with and is the long-term partner of Mindy Robinson.{{Cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2014/08/randy-couture-new-girlfriend-mindy-robinson-photos/|title = Mindy Robinson, Randy Couture Girlfriend: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|date = 19 August 2014}}

Asked if MMA could be improved, he suggested health insurance, retirement plans as well as more equal compensation regarding other athletes and sports.{{cite news|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/mma/blog/2008/11/qa_with_randy_couture.html|title=Q&A with Randy Couture|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun}} He lives in Las Vegas."24 Hours to Live". Maxim magazine. September 2010. page 112

He enjoys hunting.{{cite web|url=http://www.outdoorhub.com/pr/2013/07/25/meet-the-mcmillans-on-sportsman-channel-welcome-mma-legend-randy-couture-this-sunday/|title=Meet the McMillans on Sportsman Channel Welcomes MMA Legend, Randy Couture this Sunday - OutdoorHub}}

In 2012 Randy Couture was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame (ISHOF) presented by sports legend Dr. Robert M. Goldman.

On October 23, 2019, Couture suffered a heart attack after training and walked himself to a nearby hospital. Following a successful operation, Couture made a full recovery.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/11/randy-couture-heart-attack-thankful-ufc-mma/amp|title=Randy Couture details health scare: 'Another 30 or 40 minutes, it would've been a different outcome'|work=MMA Junkie|author=Nolan King|date=November 27, 2019|access-date=December 18, 2020}}

Championships and accomplishments

=Greco-Roman wrestling=

  • Pan American Games
  • Pan American Championship Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – second place (June 13, 1990)
  • Pan American Championship Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – winner (January 1, 1991)
  • Pan American Championship Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – second place (January 1, 1992)
  • Pan American Championship Greco-Roman Seniors 97 kg – third place (May 21, 1997)
  • Pan American Championship Greco-Roman Seniors 97 kg – second place (March 24, 1998)
  • Pan American Games Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – winner (August 6, 1991)
  • FILA Wrestling World Championships
  • FILA test tournament Greco-Roman Seniors 97 kg – third place (March 14, 1998)
  • FILA World Cup Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – third place (November 9, 1991)
  • FILA World Cup Greco-Roman Seniors 90 kg – third place (November 21, 1992)

=Collegiate wrestling=

  • National Collegiate Athletic Association{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org/wrestlers.php?wrestler=1783 |title=National Wrestling Hall of Fame |publisher=Wrestlinghalloffame.org |access-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517205921/http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org/wrestlers.php?wrestler=1783 |archive-date=May 17, 2011 }}
  • NCAA Division I All-American (1990, 1991, 1992){{cite web|url=http://www.fun-on.com/Randy_Couture_stats_profile.php |title=Randy Couture "The Natural" stats and profile |publisher=Fun-on.com |access-date=November 7, 2012}}
  • NCAA Division I 190 lb/86.4 kg – 6th place out of Oklahoma State University (1990)
  • NCAA Division I 190 lb/86.4 kg – Runner-up out of Oklahoma State University (1991)
  • NCAA Division I 190 lb/86.4 kg – Runner-up out of Oklahoma State University (1992)

=Mixed martial arts=

  • Black Belt Magazine
  • 1997 Full-Contact Competitor of the Year
  • Black Belt Magazine Hall of Famer{{cite web |url=http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-videos/mma-videos/matt-hughes-2006-nhb-fighter-of-the-year/ |title=Matt Hughes: 2006 NHB Fighter of the Year |publisher=BlackBeltMag.com |date=March 20, 2011 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |last=Horwitz |first=Raymond |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413030813/http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-videos/mma-videos/matt-hughes-2006-nhb-fighter-of-the-year/ |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |url-status=dead }}
  • George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • 2013 George Tragos Award{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=81532|title=STEINERS, HENNIG AND MORE {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|HEADLING}} 2014 NATIONAL PRO WRESTLING HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS - PWInsider.com}}
  • Inside Fights
  • 2009 Fight of the Year – vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira on August 29{{cite web|url=http://insidefights.com/2010/01/04/inside-fights-mma-awards-part-4/ |title=MMA Awards – Part 4 |publisher=Inside Fights |access-date=November 7, 2012}}
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 2001 Fight of the Year vs. Pedro Rizzo on May 4
  • 2003 Most Outstanding Fighter
  • 2007 MMA Most Valuable Fighter
  • MMA Most Valuable Fighter of the Decade (2000s){{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/03/segun-el-wrestling-observer%E2%80%A6-%C2%BFquienes-son-los-mejores-los-mejores-de-la-decada/ |title=Según el Wrestling Observer... ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década? |last=Beltrán |first=William |date=August 3, 2010 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |publisher=SuperLuchas Magazine |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806184558/http://superluchas.net/2010/08/03/segun-el-wrestling-observer%E2%80%A6-%C2%BFquienes-son-los-mejores-los-mejores-de-la-decada/ |archive-date=August 6, 2010 }}
  • World MMA Awards
  • 2010 Outstanding Contribution to MMA Award{{cite news|last=Mrosko|first=Geno|title=2010 World MMA Awards Winners and Results|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/12/2/1850347/2010-world-mma-awards-winners-and-results|access-date=13 January 2013|newspaper=MMA Mania|date=2 December 2010}}

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 7

| ko-losses= 7

| sub-wins= 4

| sub-losses= 3

| dec-wins= 8

| dec-losses= 1

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 19–11

| Lyoto Machida

| KO (front kick)

| UFC 129

| {{dts|2011|April|30|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:05

| Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| {{small|Retired after bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–10

| James Toney

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| UFC 118

| {{dts|2010|August|28|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:19

| Boston, Massachusetts, United States

| {{small|Heavyweight bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–10

| Mark Coleman

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 109

| {{dts|2010|February|06|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:09

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|First ever UFC Hall of Famer vs. UFC Hall of Famer bout in UFC history.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–10

| Brandon Vera

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 105

| {{dts|2009|November|14|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Manchester, United Kingdom

| {{small|Return to Light Heavyweight.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–10

| Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 102

| {{dts|2009|August|29|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Portland, Oregon, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–9

| Brock Lesnar

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 91

| {{dts|2008|November|15|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:07

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–8

| Gabriel Gonzaga

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 74

| {{dts|2007|August|25|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 1:37

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–8

| Tim Sylvia

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 68

| {{dts|2007|March|03|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Columbus, Ohio, United States

| {{small|Return to Heavyweight. Won the UFC Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 14–8

| Chuck Liddell

| KO (punch)

| UFC 57

| {{dts|2006|February|04|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:28

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–7

| Mike van Arsdale

| Submission (anaconda choke)

| UFC 54

| {{dts|2005|August|20|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 0:52

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 13–7

| Chuck Liddell

| KO (punches)

| UFC 52

| {{dts|2005|April|16|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:06

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|TUF 1 coaches fight, Lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–6

| Vitor Belfort

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| UFC 49

| {{dts|2004|August|21|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 12–6

| Vitor Belfort

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| UFC 46

| {{dts|2004|January|31|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:49

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Lost the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–5

| Tito Ortiz

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 44

| {{dts|2003|September|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Won and unified the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–5

| Chuck Liddell

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 43

| {{dts|2003|June|06|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 2:39

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Light Heavyweight debut. Won the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 10–5

| Ricco Rodriguez

| TKO (submission to elbow)

| UFC 39

| {{dts|2002|September|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 3:04

| Montville, Connecticut, United States

| {{small|For the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 10–4

| Josh Barnett

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 36

| {{dts|2002|March|22|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:35

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Barnett subsequently tested positive for banned substances and the championship was vacated.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–3

| Pedro Rizzo

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 34

| {{dts|2001|November|02|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 1:38

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–3

| Pedro Rizzo

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 31

| {{dts|2001|May|04|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Heavyweight Championship. 2001 Fight of the Year.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 8–3

| Valentijn Overeem

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| rowspan=2|Rings: King of Kings 2000 Final

| rowspan=2|{{dts|2001|February|24|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:56

| rowspan=2|Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–2

| Tsuyoshi Kohsaka

| Decision (unanimous)

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–2

| Kevin Randleman

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 28

| {{dts|2000|November|17|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:13

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|Won the UFC Heavyweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–2

| Ryushi Yanagisawa

| Decision (majority)

| rowspan=2|Rings: King of Kings 2000 Block A

| rowspan=2|{{dts|2000|October|09|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| rowspan=2|Tokyo, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–2

| Jeremy Horn

| Decision (unanimous)

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 4–2

| Mikhail Ilyukhin

| Submission (kimura)

| Rings: Rise 1st

| {{dts|1999|March|20|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 7:43

| Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 4–1

| Enson Inoue

| Submission (armbar)

| Vale Tudo Japan 1998

| {{dts|1998|October|25|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:39

| Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Maurice Smith

| Decision (majority)

| UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan

| {{dts|1997|December|21|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 21:00

| Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

| {{small|Won the UFC Heavyweight Championship; later vacated title due to a contract dispute.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Vitor Belfort

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 15

| {{dts|1997|October|17|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 8:16

| Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, United States

| {{small|UFC Heavyweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Steven Graham

| TKO (punches)

| rowspan=2|UFC 13

| rowspan=2|{{dts|1997|May|30|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:13

| rowspan=2|Augusta, Georgia, United States

| {{small|Won the UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Tony Halme

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:00

| {{small|UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinals.}}

{{end}}

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Randy|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Randy-Couture-166|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Sherdog|language=en}}

Pay-per-view bouts

class="wikitable"

|+

!No.

!Event

!Fight

!Date

!Venue

!City

!PPV Buys

1.

|UFC Japan

|Smith vs. Couture

|December 21, 1997

|Yokohama Arena

|Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

|Unknown{{Cite web |title=UFC 15.5: Ultimate Japan {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-155-ultimate-japan |website=Tapology |language=en}}

2.

|UFC 28

|Randleman vs. Couture

|November 17, 2000

|Mark G. Etess Arena

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|Unknown{{Cite web |title=UFC 28: High Stakes {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-28-high-stakes |website=Tapology |language=en}}

3.

|UFC 31

|Couture vs. Rizzo

|May 4, 2001

|Mark G. Etess Arena

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|Unknown{{Cite web |title=UFC 31: Locked and Loaded {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-31-locked-and-loaded |website=Tapology |language=en}}

4.

|UFC 34

|Couture vs. Rizzo 2

|November 2, 2001

|MGM Grand Garden Arena

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|65,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 34: High Voltage {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-34-high-voltage |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

5.

|UFC 36

|Couture vs. Barnett

|March 22, 2002

|MGM Grand Garden Arena

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|55,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 36: Worlds Collide {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-36-worlds-collide |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

6.

|UFC 39

|Couture vs. Rodriguez

|September 27, 2002

|Mohegan Sun Arena

|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|45,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 39: The Warriors Return {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-39-the-warriors-return |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

7.

|UFC 43

|Liddell vs. Couture

|June 6, 2003

|Thomas & Mack Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|49,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 43: Meltdown {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-43-meltdown |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

8.

|UFC 44

|Ortiz vs. Couture

|September 26, 2003

|Mandalay Bay Events Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|94,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 44: Undisputed {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-44-undisputed |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

9.

|UFC 46

|Couture vs. Belfort 2

|January 31, 2004

|Mandalay Bay Events Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|80,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 46: Supernatural {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-46-supernatural |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

10.

|UFC 49

|Belfort vs. Couture 3

|August 21, 2004

|MGM Grand Garden Arena

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|80,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 49: Unfinished Business {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-49-unfinished-business |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

11.

|UFC 52

|Couture vs. Liddell 2

|April 16, 2005

|MGM Grand Garden Arena

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|280,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2 {{!}} MMA Event {{!}} Tapology |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-52-couture-vs-liddell-2 |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

12.

|UFC 57

|Liddell vs. Couture 3

|February 4, 2006

|Mandalay Bay Events Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|400,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 57: Liddell vs. Couture 3 {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-57-liddell-vs-couture-3 |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

13.

|UFC 68

|Sylvia vs. Couture

|March 3, 2007

|Nationwide Arena

|Columbus, Ohio, United States

|540,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 68: Uprising {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-68-uprising |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

14.

|UFC 74

|Couture vs. Gonzaga

|August 25, 2007

|Mandalay Bay Events Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|485,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 74: Respect {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-74-respect |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

15.

|UFC 91

|Couture vs. Lesnar

|November 15, 2008

|MGM Grand Garden Arena

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|1,010,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 91: Couture vs Lesnar {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-91-couture-vs-lesnar |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

16.

|UFC 102

|Couture vs. Nogueira

|August 29, 2009

|Moda Center

|Portland, Oregon, United States

|435,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 102: Couture vs. Nogueira {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-102-couture-vs-nogueira |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

17.

|UFC 109

|Couture vs. Coleman

|February 6, 2010

|Mandalay Bay Events Center

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|285,000{{Cite web |title=UFC 109: Relentless {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/ufc-109-relentless |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Tapology |language=en}}

Filmography

class="wikitable"

|+Key

| style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Not yet released}}

|Denotes works that have not yet been released

class="wikitable sortable"
Year

! Film

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2003

| Cradle 2 the Grave

| Fight Club Fighter #8

|

2005

| No Rules

| Mason

|

2005

| Today You Die

| Vincent's Bodyguard

| Direct-to-video

2006

| Invincible

| "Toruci" Player #1

|

2006

| The King of Queens

| Priority Plus Driver

| Uncredited
Episode: "Fight Schlub"

2007

| Big Stan

| Carnahan

|

2007

| The Unit

| Sgt. Strickland

| 2 Episodes

2008

| Redbelt

| Dylan Flynn

|

2008

| The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior

| Sargon

| Direct-to-video

2010

| The Expendables

| Toll Road

|

2011

| Setup{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1330276/|title=Randy Couture|website=IMDb.com|access-date=June 18, 2016}}{{IMDb title|1748197|Setup}}

| Petey

|

2012

| Hijacked

| Paul Ross

| Direct-to-video

2012

| The Expendables 2{{IMDb name|1330276}}{{IMDb title|1764651|The Expendables II}}

| Toll Road

|

2013

| Geezers!{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825784 |title=3 Geezers! (2013)|website=IMDb.com|access-date=June 18, 2016}}

| Randy

|

2013

| Ambushed

| Jack Reiley

| Direct-to-video

2014

| The Expendables 3

| Toll Road

|

2014

| Stretch

| Jovi

| Direct-to-video

2015

| Whose Line Is It Anyway?

|Himself

|

2015–2017

| Hawaii Five-0

| Jason Duclair

| 4 episodes

2016

| Hell's Kitchen

| Himself

| Reality show; Guest diner
Episode: "5 Chefs Compete"

2016

| Range 15

| Himself

| Indie film

2016

| Nine Legends

| Himself

| Documentary

2017

| Pawn Stars

| Himself

| Reality show
Episode: "Pawnie and Clyde"

2018

| Impractical Jokers

| Himself

| Hidden camera prank show
Episode: "Pantsing with the Stars"

2018

| The Row

| Detective Cole

|

2019

| D-Day: Battle of Omaha Beach

| Major Cleveland Lytle

| Direct-to-Video

2019

| The Hard Way

| Toro / Briggs

| Netflix Movie

2020

| Final Kill

| Deacon Long

| Direct-to-Video

2022

| Blowback

| Jack

|

2022

| Demon Hunters (aka Demon Pit)

| G Man (Gerald)

|

2023

| NCIS: Los Angeles

| ATF agent Bill Newsome

| Season 14
Episode: New Beginnings

2023

| Expend4bles

| Toll Road

|

2023

| Outlaw Johnny Black

| Bill Basset

|

2023

| The Bell Keeper

| Hank

|

2024

| Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace

| Marcus

|

Video games

class="wikitable sortable"
Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2008

| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

| Commander Warren Fuller

| Real Time Strategy

2010

| EA Sports MMA

| Himself

| Playable in both Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{commons}}

  • {{Official website|http://www.thenatural.tv}}
  • [http://www.xtremecouture.tv/ Official website for Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts]
  • {{Sherdog}}
  • {{iMDb name|1330276}}
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20110517205921/http://www.wrestlinghalloffame.org/wrestlers.php?wrestler=1783 Randy Couture profile at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame]
  • [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/randy-couture Official UFC Profile]

{{S-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{S-bef|before=Maurice Smith}}

{{S-ttl|title=3rd UFC Heavyweight Champion |years=December 21, 1997 – October 1, 1998}}

{{S-vac|reason=Couture stripped of title|next=Bas Rutten}}

{{S-bef|before=Kevin Randleman}}

{{S-ttl|title=6th UFC Heavyweight Champion |years=November 17, 2000 – March 22, 2002}}

{{S-aft|after=Josh Barnett}}

{{S-new|Championship}}

{{S-ttl|title=1st Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Champion|years=June 6, 2003 – September 26, 2003}}

{{s-vac| next=Jon Jones}}

{{S-bef|before=Tito Ortiz}}

{{S-ttl|title=3rd UFC Light Heavyweight Champion|years=September 26, 2003 – January 31, 2004}}

{{S-aft|after=Vitor Belfort}}

{{S-bef|before=Vitor Belfort}}

{{S-ttl|title=5th UFC Light Heavyweight Champion|years=August 21, 2004 – April 16, 2005}}

{{S-aft|after=Chuck Liddell}}

{{S-bef|before=Tim Sylvia}}

{{S-ttl|title=13th UFC Heavyweight Champion |years=March 3, 2007 – November 15, 2008}}

{{S-aft|after=Brock Lesnar}}

{{S-end}}

{{UFC Hall of Fame}}

{{UFC Heavyweight Championship}}

{{UFC Light Heavyweight Championship}}

{{UFC Tournament Champions}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Couture, Randy}}

Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)

Category:American male sport wrestlers

Category:American strength and conditioning coaches

Category:Mixed martial arts trainers

Category:American male video game actors

Category:American wrestling coaches

Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial arts broadcasters

Category:Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestlers

Category:Oregon State Beavers wrestling coaches

Category:Sportspeople from Corvallis, Oregon

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:United States Army soldiers

Category:American male film actors

Category:American catch wrestlers

Category:People from Everett, Washington

Category:People from Lynnwood, Washington

Category:Sportspeople from Snohomish County, Washington

Category:Wrestlers at the 1991 Pan American Games

Category:Medalists at the 1991 Pan American Games

Category:Pan American Games gold medalists for the United States in wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling

Category:20th-century American sportsmen