Randy Couture, a fighting legend in his own right, who stands in the UFC Hall of Fame, has re-signed with the UFC.
His new contract overwrites the single fight he had remaining on his old deal, so it's with a clean slate and a fresh mindset that Couture embarks on his next fights.
Randy, 46, Nicknamed 'The Natural', shows no signs of slowing down, recently signing the 28 month/six fight deal with the UFC.
Having himself just suffered two straight losses, the new contract holds extra significance, as Couture needs to utilise his time firmly to cement himself in UFC history, and force himself back into the limelight of which he has become accustomed to. With a fighting style based essentially around wrestling, and an astonishing ability to annihilate his adversary in the clinch, Couture has been described as the 'ultimate' fighter.
However, The Natural is not without his share of worthy opponents.
Presuming he remains in the Heavyweight division, the likelihood is that he would be matched up against the likes of Antoni Hardonk, Brandon Vera, Frank Mir, Shane Carwin and Gabriel Gonzaga amongst others - with each potential pairing holding a different outcome for the acclaimed fighter.
Gonzaga, for example is a man with something to prove after losing to both Fabrico Werdum and Couture himself in succession. And with Couture successfully defending the heavyweight title against Gonzaga in UFC 74, neither will be going down without difficulty, Gonzaga being described as being on a 'comeback trail'.
Whatever pairings are subsequent, it promises to be intriguing. A drop down to the Light Heavyweight division is also possible, as it holds scarce rematches and an abundance of fresh challenges, and makes one superfight an even greater feasibility.
Even Todd Duffee, who is the UFCs rising Heavyweight talent, making his debut at UFC 102 in stupendous style, knocking Tim Hague out in a mere seven seconds, cannot be ruled out, and could be on a collision course with Coture.
Rich Franklin could also be a conceivable opponent at 205, having overcome all but Anderson Silva at 185.
There are no definates in Randy Coutures future however. He is one of the most unyielding competitors ever to step foot in the octagon and is always the showman, win or lose. Whatever the outcome, 'The Natural' will end his proffesional career where it began in 1997. The Octagon.
UFC is bringing first-class mixed martial arts back to California, in the form of Lyoto âThe Dragonâ Machida vs. Mauricio âShogunâ Rua. On October 24th, enthusiasts will be treated to a fight between two of the most enterprising fighters The Octagon has known.
Brazil born Machida is looking to safeguard his UFC heavyweight title against his fellow countryman Rua. Machida currently holds a immaculate 15-0 record, and has been described as â A man that remains a mystery to every opponent heâs faced in his mixed martial arts careerâ. Itâs fair to say the 31-year-old has dominated the UFC light heavyweight division. His knockout of undefeated Rashad Evans not only procured him the UFC light heavyweight belt, but recognized Machida as an worldwide marvel. With a karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt to his name, he remains one of the hardest targets to hit in the Octagon. However, Machida by no means has a easy road ahead.
UFC President Dana White declared that although âThe Dragonâ may seem unbeatable - âRua not only has the tools to beat any 205-pounder in the world.....his confidence is sky-high. This has the potential to be one of the greatest light heavyweight title fights ever.â
A fighter who has stood against the best in the world in his career, Rua has now become illustrious in the UFC. âI feel very happy about fighting for the UFC beltâ stated Rua, who has already accumulated an impressive 18-3 professional record. âItâs a huge opportunity in my career and in my lifeâ With a TKO victory over Mark Coleman - who stands in the UFC Hall of Fame - at UFC 93 and another TKO over yet another member of the Hall of Fame, Chuck âThe Icemanâ Liddell who he dispersed with in the first round, âShogunâ has situated himself as the No.1 competitor for the title.
Despite his recent success however, some have been skeptical, and aren't convinced on the abilities of Rua, and pessimists say his blaze of glory is short lived. After all, he is squaring up to a contender who, in the short space of three fights, went from shaky to savage.
Machida seems more think of Rua more formidably than some of his critics âThe fact that I get to fight someone as respected as Shogun is an honor.....I know how tough my fellow Brazilians are. Iâm training extremely hardâ
Machida will be intent on firmly ending the rotating of the title which, since May 2007 has changed hands a overall four times.
No question, however that Rua will be looking to making it five...