Randy Couture has recalled how his time in the army played a pivotal role in him becoming one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time.
During this period, the American attained the rank of sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division.
Randy Couture used the army to get back into the wrestling world
Randy Couture is undeniably one of the greatest grapplers the sport of mixed martial arts has ever seen.
However, had he not joined the army, then we may never have heard the gifted athlete’s name.
During this chapter of his story, Couture was representing his country overseas, when an opportunity to go back to the sport he held so close to his heart presented itself.
With a chance to fulfill his destiny within his grasp, the warrior reached out and grabbed it, setting the wheels in motion for an incredible run to the pinnacle of the UFC.
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In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, he explained: “I joined the army in 1982, I had gotten married very young, had a kid on the way, and needed to find a way to support a family. The army allowed me to do that.
“I thought wrestling was done for me at that time, with all of those responsibilities. Little did I know my first duty station would be in Hanau, West Germany, and I ended up back on a wrestling mat.
“There were five million soldiers stationed in central Europe at that time at the peak of the Cold War. Wrestling and boxing were two huge sports for the army. I ended up making the all-army wrestling team.
“I won a couple of US Army Europe championships and an inner-service championship or two, and then ultimately qualified for the 1988 Olympic trials, as a soldier, wrestling Grecko.
“That got the attention of a lot of college coaches. I never got any love really out of high school. I was a one-time state champion from Washington; I grew up in Seattle. So, I didn’t really get any scholarship offers.
“Now, here I am, I’m an alternate on the 1988 Olympic team as a soldier, wearing the uniform. All these college coaches started calling; they found out I had four years of eligibility.
“What was I gonna do? Stay in the army, or was I going to get out and get my education? It was a big decision for me. I had two kids, and I’d been married for a while.
“It was a big call to leave the security of wearing the uniform and regular pay, while chasing that dream of making the Olympic team.
“Was I gonna go to college? How was that gonna work out as a 25-year-old at university? It was a scary time, but I charged ahead. It was a great decision; I’m glad my coach encouraged me to leave the service and get my education. It worked out.”
Randy Couture reveals his greatest fighter of the modern era
Having written his name into the UFC history books, the 61-year-old is the perfect man to offer his views on MMA today.
Currently, most fans typically opt for Islam Makhachev, Jon Jones or Alex Pereira, as the best fighter on the planet.
However, Couture completely disagrees.
The icon recently revealed that he believes two unsung heroes deserve their flowers for the amazing things they’ve done in their careers.
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