Is 47 the lucky number for “The Natural” Randy Couture?
The two-time former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion seems to be sticking to the idea that his bout with Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 will be his last. (ESPN)
With that in mind here are (in my opinion) the top five moments in the 47-year-old’s historic career.
1. Out of retirement, back with the gold – Couture had retired following a loss to Chuck Liddell at UFC 57 in February of 2006, but quickly got the itch to fight once again. This time, Couture came back at heavyweight to challenge then-champion Tim Sylvia. At UFC 68, The Natural returned and dominated Sylvia from the opening bell. Couture landed a big right hand that sent Sylvia crashing and then followed up with numerous takedowns over the 25 minutes to get the win and become a two-time UFC heavyweight champion.
2. Whipping Tito’s butt – Couture had just been crowned UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion after beating Chuck Liddell at UFC 43, which set up a unification bout with champion Tito Ortiz. Ortiz had been riding six-fight win streak that lasted for four years and was largely considered the favorite against the then-40 Couture. From the opening bell, Couture out-muscled Ortiz and scored takedown after takedown as Ortiz offered little offense. In the fifth and final round, Couture found himself over the top of Ortiz’ rear end and to sum up the night, patted him on the butt a few times, to drive home the point that he just dominated the loudmouth champion for 25 minutes.



