While I’ve never been a huge comic book fan, I’ve always really enjoyed the alternate arcs and universes of the traditional superhero stories. I’ve especially enjoyed Marvel’s “What if…” stories. It never fails to make me reflect on life and how different life would be if certain events had transpired differently.
So…what if Randy Couture didn’t re-sign with the UFC?
December 26th, 2008
It’s said that good things come to those who wait.
Randy Couture lost the will to wait.
On the eve of the UFC’s biggest event of the year, Couture held a press conference at his Xtreme Couture gym to announce his retirement.
“Dana can remove the interim tag off Nogueira’s belt,” said the reserved champion. “I’m announcing my retirment from mixed martial arts.”
Couture referenced the holiday season as the final nail in the coffin. “Being around my family this past month, I realized I’m satisfied with my accomplishments in the Octagon.” He jokingly added, “Being old enough to be some of these guys’ fathers certainly made the decision easier.”
Couture almost struck a deal to return to the Octagon with parent company Zuffa back in September. “The money was right, the length was right, the terms were right. We just had one little roadblock.”
That “little” roadblock came in the form of pro-wrestler-turned-fighter Brock Lesnar. UFC President Dana White wanted Couture to return in November and fight Lesnar for the heavyweight crown. Couture reportedly countered with a list of four fighters – rumored to include former UFC champions Josh Barnett and Andrei Arlovski, current interim champion “Minotauro” Nogueira, and former Pride kingpin Fedor Emelianenko – that he would agree to fight upon return.
“Nogueira was already slated for Mir, and I was told by UFC management that they would not negotiate with the other three under any circumstances,” said Couture. “No disrespect to Brock, but I felt it would hurt the integrity of the sport for him to receive a shot at the title.”
Couture plans to continue training fighters and pursue an acting career. He did not rule out a return to the UFC in a non-fighting capacity.