Randy Couture

Randy Couture, born on June 22, 1963, is a former professional mixed martial artist known for his impressive career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He holds the record for being a six-time UFC Champion and has won multiple championship titles in different divisions.

Achieved 6th place in the NCAA Division I 190 lb/86.4 kg competition representing Oklahoma State University in 1990.

Finished as a runner-up in the NCAA Division I 190 lb/86.4 kg competition while competing for Oklahoma State University in 1991.

In 1992, Randy Couture was the NCAA Division I runner-up at 190 pounds (86 kg) in wrestling, finishing second to Mark Kerr.

Randy Couture made his professional mixed martial arts debut at UFC 13 on May 30, 1997, as an alternate on three weeks' notice. He defeated Tony Halme in under a minute with a rear naked choke submission and went on to win the tournament final by TKO against Steven Graham.

At UFC 15 on October 17, 1997, Randy Couture fought Vitor Belfort to determine the number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Despite being an underdog, Couture secured a victory with takedowns and strikes, leading to one of the biggest upsets in MMA at the time.

Randy Couture challenged UFC Heavyweight Champion Maurice Smith at UFC Japan on December 21, 1997, for his second title defense. Couture won a majority decision after a slow-paced fight with several takedowns, becoming the new UFC Heavyweight Champion, though the victory was controversial.

In 1998, UFC matchmakers wanted Couture to defend the belt against Bas Rutten, but he instead signed with Vale Tudo Japan and was stripped of the title. He had his first match against Enson Inoue, where he tapped out to an armbar.

On March 20, 1999, Couture debuted in RINGS against Mikhail Illoukhine, where he submitted to a kimura in a controversial loss. This marked his transition to Fighting Network RINGS.

On November 17, 2000, Couture faced Kevin Randleman for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Despite being taken down in the first two rounds, Couture secured a TKO victory in the third round by landing strikes from full mount, claiming his second UFC Heavyweight Championship.

UFC 31 took place on May 4, 2001 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was an event where Randy Couture shocked UFC fans by pulling out victories that were never expected to be his.

Randy Couture faced Ricco Rodriguez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship but lost in the fifth round due to a broken orbital bone, marking the first UFC fight to finish in the fifth round.

During 2003, Randy Couture had a remarkable year in mixed martial arts. He secured a TKO victory over Chuck Liddell and followed it up with a unanimous decision win against Tito Ortiz to claim the light heavyweight title, solidifying his legacy.

In 2004, Randy Couture faced a setback when he suffered a fluke injury during a title defense against Vitor Belfort, leading to a TKO loss in the first round. However, Couture made a strong comeback after recovering from the injury and defeated Belfort by TKO to regain the 205-pound division belt.

In a rematch with Liddell, Couture lost his title and suffered the first knockout loss of his career.

Couture faced Liddell for the third and final time in a championship match at UFC 57, where he was knocked out in the second round and announced his retirement from MMA immediately afterwards.

Couture became the fourth inductee to the UFC Hall of Fame during The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale, joining other legends like Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, and Ken Shamrock.

Couture fought and drew with Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza in a submission wrestling contest, after which he invited Souza to train at his gym Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.

Couture was featured in the season two premiere episode of the Spike TV show Pros vs. Joes, where he took part in a football-based round with other sports personalities.

Randy Couture became the oldest champion in MMA history at the age of 43 by defeating Tim Sylvia for the title.

Randy Couture successfully defended his UFC Heavyweight Championship title against Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74, winning by TKO due to strikes. Despite suffering a broken arm during the fight, Couture emerged victorious.

Randy Couture announced his departure from the UFC, relinquishing his contracted fights, on-air analyst position, and the UFC Heavyweight Championship. His decision was influenced by payment disputes, failed negotiations with top fighters, and conflicts with UFC management.

On October 18, 2007, UFC president Dana White stated that Randy Couture remained the UFC Heavyweight Champion despite his intention to leave the organization. White also mentioned that Couture would not be released from his remaining contractual fights.

During a press conference on October 25, 2007, Randy Couture clarified that his departure from the UFC was not a retirement. He expressed concerns about his pay and reiterated his belief that he would be free from contractual obligations after nine months.

On October 30, 2007, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta held a press conference where they reaffirmed the UFC's stance on Randy Couture's contractual situation. They also released documents countering Couture's claims about his pay.

During HDNet Fights on December 15, 2007, Randy Couture discussed the possibility of fighting Fedor Emelianenko in October once his UFC contract expired. He expressed interest in a potential matchup if a co-promotion agreement with M-1 Global could not be reached.

On January 15, 2008, Zuffa filed a lawsuit in Nevada, alleging breach of contract and seeking damages over $10,000. The lawsuit specifically focused on Randy Couture's employment contract, not his promotional agreement.

Judge Jennifer Togliatti issued a preliminary injunction on February 28, 2008, preventing Randy Couture from participating in an IFL event the following day as part of the ongoing legal dispute.

On August 2, 2008, a Texas appeals court granted Zuffa's request for a stay in a legal battle with HDNet regarding Randy Couture's contractual status. This decision effectively resolved the dispute in Texas, allowing Zuffa to proceed with the Nevada lawsuit.

Randy Couture was defeated by Brock Lesnar via knockout/technical knockout at UFC 91.

On August 29, 2009, Randy Couture faced Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102 and lost by unanimous decision. Despite feeling in top shape, Couture was defeated by Nogueira.

In 2009, Randy Couture rebounded from a previous loss by defeating Brandon Vera at UFC 105 in the light heavyweight division.

Randy Couture fought Mark Coleman at UFC 109, marking the first time UFC Hall of Famers fought each other in the UFC. Couture won the bout by making Coleman pass out to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Randy Couture fought against James Toney on August 28, 2010 at UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2.

Randy Couture fought Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 in what he announced would be his final fight. Machida knocked him out in the second round with a jumping front kick.

In 2012, Randy Couture was honored by being inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition presented by Dr. Robert M. Goldman.

On January 29, 2013, Randy Couture signed with Bellator to be a coach in the first season of their reality show, Fight Master: Bellator MMA.

It was announced on September 4, 2014, that Couture would be one of the celebrities competing on the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars.

In 2016, Randy Couture was inducted into the Oklahoma State College of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame for his contributions to wrestling and academics during his time at Oklahoma State University.

Randy Couture was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding American by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his achievements in wrestling, military service, mixed martial arts, business, and entertainment.

On October 23, 2019, Randy Couture suffered a heart attack after training but managed to walk himself to a nearby hospital. After a successful operation, he made a full recovery.