Randy Couture’s relationship with the UFC has always been rocky. From spats during his employment to his leaving the promotion only to be blocked from taking a fight with Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction MMA to the current public battle with Dana White spurred on by his new position with Bellator Fighting Championships.
What may be bothering Couture the most right now, however, is that he has been banned from cornering his son Ryan.
“With Ryan competing and not allowing me to continue to progress and work with my son in his fight career, it’s ridiculous and that bothers me,” Couture said. “It bothers me that he could affect my son’s livelihood. My son has earned his spot. Ryan has done the work, he has the passion for the sport and he’s doing all of the right things. So for him to be hindered and hampered by Dana and Dana’s feelings towards me, it isn’t fair and that bothers me.”
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“When you start talking about somebody’s kids and their family, yeah, you’re crossing the line,” he said. “I don’t think he would like it if I did those sorts of things to him. I know his wife, I know his kids. He’s got my sons fate in his hands in some way here.”
Ryan made his UFC debut in April, losing by TKO to Ross Pearson in a bout that many felt was too big of a step up in competition for the 30 year old.
The Coutures are the first father/son duo to ever compete in the UFC.