Cagewriter - UFC

Cagewriter

Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:15 pm EDT

Couture interview: The former champ wants first crack at Fedor

By Steve Cofield

If the UFC ever signs Fedor Emelianenko to a contract don't assume his first fight in the UFC will be for Brock Lesnar's heavyweight strap. Randy Couture sat out 15 months for several reasons: money, control issues and frustration over not getting a fight with Fedor. He hasn't forgotten the promises that were made to get him back into the promotion. Couture speaking with ESPNRadio1100's Afternoon Gridlock Show said that he deserves the first shot at Fedor before Lesnar does:

"Not only do I think I deserve a shot at him, it's kind of part of the agreement in settling our differences in coming back to the UFC, is they were going to be diligent about trying to find a way to make that fight happen."

Couture said he's not holding his breath as he quickly approaches his 46th birthday. If he doesn't get the fight against Fedor, he believes that Lesnar, just five pro fights into his MMA career, is already a very dangerous opponent for Emelianenko:

"With his physicality and athletic ability, it's just a rare thing to find a guy that size who moves the way he moves. The wrestling base is hard for a lot of guys to deal with. He's gonna be an issue for anybody."

Couture says if he beats Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria at UFC 102 on Aug. 29, he wants a second chance at Lesnar. He was surprised by Lesnar's reach and length the first time around. To beat the big guy, someone will have to negate his wrestling and move a lot more than he and Mir did in their losses.

He didn't like Lesnar's WWE behavior in the postfight but Couture was really impressed by the champ's improvement on the technical end, indicating that his size wasn't the only reason he crushed Mir:

"He played position. He made Mir carry his weight. He picked his shots, he didn't flail away. We saw a couple of leg kicks from him. We hadn't seen that in the past. He's gonna get better each and every time he gets out there."

After a short media tour in Seattle to promote UFC 102, Couture is back in Las Vegas training for his fight against Big Nog. He's carving out time next Friday to help ESPNRadio1100's 24-hour radiothon at The Palms to benefit The Caring Place of Nevada on July 24-25. Readers and listeners can bid to do an hour of radio with Couture and several other stars of the UFC. Couture's time slot is 5 p.m. PT. Dana White, Forrest Griffin, Amir Sadollah, Matt Serra, Mike Swick, Rashad Evans, Chuck Liddell, Stephan Bonnar and Octagon Girl Arianny are also up for bids. The bidding closes tomorrow night at ESPN1100.com at 5 p.m. PT.

digg delicious
more

39 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. Robert C
    1. Posted by Robert C Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:36 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Not sure why Randy thinks he could beat either of these guys.
    If Fedor fights in the UFC it will be for the belt. What other reason would he have. I suppose he could warm up against Randy, but I don't think he would need or want to...but maybe.
  2. Dakota
    2. Posted by Dakota Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:38 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    they are some of the best fighter's this will be good
  3. Allen
    3. Posted by Allen Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:43 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    While appreciating Randy's motivation to keep moving forward, age is catching up to him eventually.
    And lets be honest, if he manages to keep going at his age, people might start to question how he is doing it.
    I am not going to say it, because I believe Randy has a heart of a true Champion and is the essence of MMA, but in the world of speculation, it is bound to be brought up.
    Honestly I do not think he stands a chance against Lesnar, but might be able to out match Fedor.
    Good luck to him at 102 first.
  4. kruser
    4. Posted by kruser Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:52 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Fedor vs Randy would be the perfect fight for the ufc to do a 1 fight contract with Fedor. Cause we'll never see couture/lesner agian, so his contention doesnt really matter. If Fedor wins the UFC banks on record setting worldwide pay per view buys and Lesner remains champ. Its Actually a win win for UFC cause Randy prob has the best chance to beat Fedor out of the rest of the HW's; and if he does it would silence all demanding Fedor/Lesner.
  5. spidey
    5. Posted by spidey Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:30 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    randy has the true heart of a champion at any age...hey look at lance armstrong and you question him about how he does it...is it maybe there are certain athletes that truly have what the heart gives...dont ever count out randy couture
  6. Smart_People_Fear_Me
    6. Posted by Smart_People_Fear_Me Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:32 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Lance Armstrong is not without suspicion.
  7. Lesley D
    7. Posted by Lesley D Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:39 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Man I am really loving this HW division right now. Carwin is badass and I think he has a really good shot at lesnar. Ive been waiting forever to see randy versus fedor. I think that would make an awesome start to the 2010 year. Start out with a mega PPV featuring not one but two HW matches. The first considering they sign fedor would be randy Versus Fedor. The second being Carwin versus lesnar. Then yyour looking at a possible mid year spectacular event featuring the winners of the two fights squaring off for the belt. Mathes made in heaven dana
  8. mike5o
    8. Posted by mike5o Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:11 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Lance not without suspicion? To who, the French? He's the most PED tested athlete in the world. He's NEVER failed.
  9. mathiasmorciglio
    9. Posted by mathiasmorciglio Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:36 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Randy's probably my all time favorite fighter, (besides Muhhamed Ali of course, but we're talking to different sports here), but I don't think he has much of a chance against either man. Fedor matches up with Randy better stylistically, but I still don't think Randy can beat him. I think Brock is one of the best guys with a chance to beat Fedor, if he can take Fedor down and avoid a sub then he can do some damage and win by TKO or grind out a decision. Also you can't count out Brocks power, if he can avoid Fedors power then who knows?
  10. BOSS
    10. Posted by BOSS Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:26 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    i love couture but come on. the fight with fedor was appealing like 2 or 3 years ago, but now? no way. and as far as a rematch with brock? yeah right. after he fights nog, (which should be a great fight between 2 great stars) he needs to hang them up for good. he's 46 for god's sake. if he keeps it up he'll be the first guy to die during an mma fight.
  11. Darkness!
    11. Posted by Darkness! Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:37 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    this is way too much speculation, too many variables. As far as the championship- Lesnar has to first get past the Carwin/Velasquez winner (and Carwin seems to really want a shot at Brock), which is no easy task- whoever wins that fight will be going into the fight w/ Lesnar undefeated. And Carwin may be the best matchup in the UFC to beat Lesnar right now, as Carwin's size, power and athleticism closely (not quite, but closely) rival Lesnar.
    Then- assuming Brock wins that title defense, there's the question of Fedor... does Fedor (or anybody) DESERVE a title shot in the first UFC fight? I don't believe so; so maybe give him Couture as a debut fight, then assuming Fedor beats Randy and Brock beats Carwin/Velasquez, that sets up a Fedor/Lesnar superfight... but how often do these scenarios actually play out perfectly like that? And what does it do to the credibility of "The Last Emperor" of the minor leagues if he loses to a gatekeeper Couture... Is he still #1 p4p then? And what if Carwin/Velasquez beats Lesnar? Then u have a virtual unknown fighter as UFC HvyWt. champ against either Couture or Fedor... what does that prove if Fedor/Couture wins; or what if Carwin/Velasquez beat Fedor or Couture? Personally- I'd love to see any of those possible fights; but don't think that Lesnar/Fedor for the title is necessarily guaranteed even if they do sign him...
  12. Gee
    12. Posted by Gee Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:38 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I watched the Lesnar/Couture match again on Spike TV last night and noticed two things 1) He got tired quick and seemed to be getting out boxed at some points, which makes a Carwin fight difficult one, but Brock has improved since that fight so it should still be a good one and 2) Brock showed Randy respect before the match. While they were still in their corners ready to come out, Brock raised his fist as a gesture to touch gloves when they met in the middle, which they both did. So, can we now agree that Mir's trash talking for the last six month to a year had everything to do with Brock's antic's at the end of their fight. If Mir had showed more class like Randy did before the fight, none of this would have happened. Herring also disrespected Brock way before the fight and even right before the fight, that's why he got what he got......and deserved it.
  13. David L
    13. Posted by David L Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:16 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Very good points Gee, however there is still no excuse for disrespecting the fans the way that he did. I fell that he did this mainly for shock effect, as if her were still in the wresting world.
  14. PaddyRite
    14. Posted by PaddyRite Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:28 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think Fedor needs a few fights in the cage before he take either of these guys on. He has never fought in the cage and as CroCop will be the 1st to tell you, its a huge difference. He also said that Fedor was one of the best in using the ring to negate opponents power and certain moves.
    He would be wise to ask for some fights against folks like Antoni Hardonk, Denis Stojnic 1st. Then go for the bigger guys.
  15. Timothy V
    15. Posted by Timothy V Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:30 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    How could anybody doubt Randy. I believe that Randy could beat Brock. He still has that experience and i think what happened was missed timing. He did not duck enough and got clocked on the side towards the back of the head. I could see how that could have dropped him. Mir came in with the wrong game plan and that is why he won. He trained wrong as well. He should have gotten people like Randy and other huge wrestlers maybe even have gotten Lashley to some in and wrestle him. Get him adjusted to the power and etc. It was great he got to work on his speed with Forrest but lets be real. How well does that help him if he is on the ground. Also, we all know Dana will have Fedor and Brock fight if they get Brock. However, then have Randy fight him for the title if he was to get past Nog.
  16. Rob R
    16. Posted by Rob R Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:46 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Well, who do you want, Randy? Fedor or Brock?
    I do agree with Randy that he should be entitled to the first shot against Fedor if UFC can sign him. It was part of his coming back. Whether he wins or loses against Nog, he should get the first shot against Fedor...maybe in December or January. This serves three purposes:
    - Randy v. Fedor is huge money
    - It fulfills UFC's promise to Randy before he gets too old
    - It gets Fedor huge exposure in the US before he fights for the title
    Then, on "the other side of the bracket," you have Carwin/Velazquez in October...the winner can fight Lesnar in January or February if they're not too banged up.
    Winner of Fedor/Randy gets the winner of Lesnar v. Carwin/Velasquez. Seems pretty simple to me.
  17. Rick
    17. Posted by Rick Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:54 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think Randy Couture is a great MMA fighter, however, should not be fighting in the heavyweight division anymore.
    Guys like Brock, are just to big and overpower the gifted Coutore easily, not allowing him to bring to the table all he has to offer.
    Instead, he should move down again to 205lbs, and face Lyoto Machida.
    In my opinion, his fighting style will prove to be too much for the yet very dangerous for everyone else at 205, Machida, but easily tamable for Couture, if he's willing to drop down again in weight.
    The living legend will rise again as the LH Champ, just hit the sauna Randy :D
  18. Allen
    18. Posted by Allen Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:13 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Hey David, plenty of MMA fighters have disrespected the fans.
    Where does it say a fighter has to respect the fans anyway?
    If any of the fans take his flipping them off personally, they might want to consider finding a different entertainment outlet in life.
  19. PaddyRite
    19. Posted by PaddyRite Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:22 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Rick, thats a pathetic idea.
    1st because he has already said he does not want to cut weight at all anymore. And he has said essentially that heavyweights are easier to fight, easier to train for and everything. And at this stage why not take the easy route?
    2nd, Machida would be a dreadful opponent for Randy. He never had great hand speed or footwork. And if he couldnt take down Liddel in the last 2 fights how do you think he could take down Machida?. Machida is the new generation of Light Heavyweight. None of these old timers are going to do anything except look stupid and outclassed. Lets not go there, all the way around poor idea.
  20. Rick
    20. Posted by Rick Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:54 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Paddy, that's your point of view, which I respect.
    But you fail to realize this: Couture himself said how Brock's size, power and speed was and is to much for anyone to handle.
    In other words, he can't handle Brock, period.
    His hands speed and footwork may not be the best, he is 46 years old afterall, but I'm convinced he can get Machida down, not only because he will be faster at 205, but far more dangerous and will be quite able to submit Machida if he takes him to the ground. I seriously doubt anybody has a chance staying on their feet with Machida.
    Still, Machida won't be able to manhandle and outpower Randy like Brock did, that's for sure!
    What you are basicly saying Paddy is that the living legend is no match for the 205 champ - Well, if that's correct, than Randy has nothing to do beyond 205 either and should retire, since going to 185 for Randy would be highly unlikely.
    Thus, as you can clearly see Paddy, wasn't such a poor idea afterall...
  21. mathiasmorciglio
    21. Posted by mathiasmorciglio Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:14 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think Randy's style is the best style to beat Machida, whether or not he can do is a whole different story. Also I doubt that he's going to drop to 205 and get an automatic title shot, too many sharks in that tank. Randy's only shot at beating Fedor is to take Fedor down and ground and pound, winning by decision, can he do that to Fedor? Not likely, Brock on the other hand with his size and power has a chance at that.
  22. Darkness!
    22. Posted by Darkness! Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:20 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    funny how now that Brock has dessimated Couture AND Mir, in succession- so many fans now think a Fedor fight would be "awesome!" But when I was saying that just 6 mths ago- people were ready to report me for abuse for such an absurd idea. But everyone's STILL hating on Brock... who does he have to beat just to get some f**king respect from u haters? If (and admittedly may be a big IF) he beats the Carwin/Velasquez winner- then does he finally get some respect? Or maybe after he pounds your precious "unbeatable" Fedor back to Japan where he belongs... then will u admit that he's for real? Get over the wwe thing, guys; those days are obviously over. And like it or not, Brock Lesnar has a bright, and prob. long future in the UFC. And the more u hate and boo him, the more he loves it, and the better he gets; and the more u haters and the Herrings and Mirs of the UFC deserve it when he gets in your face and flips u off after the fight...
  23. MAYNARD4PRESIDENT
    23. Posted by MAYNARD4PRESIDENT Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:34 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    The only thing Randy Couture deserves is his Social Security pension and a free trip to Happy Hills Retirement community. Maybe him and Chuck Liddell can get wasted off box-o wine and play dong slap. If Randy thinks he has a shot vs Fedor...that just goes to show you hard hard Brock punches. After rewatching that Lesnar Couture debacle, it looked like Brock was fighting a welterweight GSP. Randy you have had a hell of a run, made a career, crossed over into mainstream movies, but please save some face your 46yrs old. I predict Randy would beat Chuck in Dong Slap and leave him with a nice Mushroom mark on his Mohawk.
  24. John
    24. Posted by John Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:09 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I like Couture but in all reality Dana White is going to make the big money fight and it won't be Couture vs. Fedor it'll be Lesnar vs. Fedor "period". Everybody is already talking about Lesnar's antics, MMA has never been so popular after Lesnar flipping off the crowd "priceless" and whether Dana White wants to admit it, its' just what MMA and UFC especially needed! My prediction: Lesnar will kick Fedor's A-$-$-! and you'll be thinking about that old commercial from Taco Bell "chhaaaa.......chhaa.........chaannnnnnnnngggg!" going off from the cash register.
  25. fedorfedor
    25. Posted by fedorfedor Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:47 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    The only person who can beat Fedor is Fedor himself..PERIOD. You wana see Fedor loose clone him and make him fight his clone. FEDOR will end his carrer undefeted ~~~watch and seeeee Q:).

Cagewriter

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

Steve Cofield

Cagewriter is an MMA blog edited by Steve Cofield. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
Maggie Hendricks, Zak Jensen,

Related Photo Gallery

More MMA Photos »

Y! Sports Blogs

Cagewriter Recent Readers

(provided by MyBlogLog)