Couture Loses to Nogueira in UFC 102
Only hours before the UFC 102 fight on Saturday, Randy Couture is understood to have signed a new 6-fight contract, which is interpreted as a career ending contract, given that he is already 46 years old, and it isn’t likely he will fight another 5 times before he retires. The contract was probably made because the UFC is afraid that Couture may pursue another fight against Fedor Emelianenko, who is now signed with rival promoter StrikeForce.
With the fight on Saturday against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira being his first fight in the newly signed contract, losing the fight doesn’t bode well for the fighter. Nogueira did well in the fight and stood toe-to-toe with the Couture legend. He countered each stiffening blow with a punch, but the third round was the best of the night when he withstood a series of furious punches from Couture. Nogueira then ended the momentum with a big knock-down punch to his opponent.
Couture handled his defeat with class like he always does, quickly praising Nogueira for his success and talking about how he loves to fight. He is still one of the top attractions for the UFC, even though he is 16-10, as he is continuously appreciative for his competitors.
However, the confidence that Couture will have a next fight is faltering, even though he has signed the new contract and has hinted that he may return to the 205 pound division. It doesn’t look like he will be able to climb himself to the top of the Heavyweight list, but there is also speculation of a fight against Anderson Silva.