Keys to Victory: Randy Couture
Published by Dave Sholler on November 11th, 2008 in Current Events

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It’s been a long time since UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture (16-8) graced the Octagon. Fifteen months to be exact. And in that time away from the cage, much has changed.

The Everett, Washington-born fighter is a year older. Already a member of the UFC’s senior circuit, Couture is now 45.

On top of aging, the landscape of the heavyweight division has been vastly altered since Couture defeated Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74. Long gone are the Sylvias and Arlovskis. Taking their respective places are fighters with the last names Nogueira, Lesnar, and Kongo.

Simply put, when Couture left the UFC, the UFC kept moving forward. Time marched on, pushing Couture further and further in the sport’s rear view mirror.

The former two-division champion has a chance to regain his grip on the heavyweight division on November 15 when he battles the explosive Brock Lesnar (2-1) at UFC 91. Facing an athletic, powerful former collegiate wrestler, Couture will need to rely on his experience and well-crafted tools to ensure victory. He’ll also need to prove that age and rust have not gotten the better of him. If he does not, his time as heavyweight champion will officially end.

As we prepare for UFC 91, MMAMemories.com takes a look at Couture keys to defending his crown.

Key One: Brains over Brawn

You don’t defeat the likes of Chuck Liddell, Tim Sylvia, Tito Ortiz, and Vitor Belfort by solely relying on physical skills. Instead, you prepare for such big fights with educated, researched game plans. Couture should deploy a similar approach for Lesnar.

Sure, Lesnar is much stronger. He’s probably a better athlete too. But in the end, fighting is just as much a thinking man’s game as it is for supreme physical specimens. In facing Lesnar, Couture needs to set traps and hope that the former WWE champion falls for them. He needs to spin a web of deceit and fool the inexperienced Lesnar into making rookie mistakes. After all, knowledge is power.

Key Two: Footwork, footwork, footwork

We have yet to see Lesnar pressed on the feet. Although he landed some quality punches in the standup against Heath Herring, Lesnar’s boxing has rarely been tested. Couture, no slouch in the striking department, should throw quality combinations in an attempt to rattle Lesnar. On top of crisp combos, the occasional looping right hand could find its mark against the excitable Minnesotan. All of this is set up by precise footwork. If Couture can keep himself mobile, he will be able to hit and not get hit.

Key Three: Leverage

Whether it’s in the clinch or in transition grappling, Couture needs to negate Lesnar’s size by using trips, sweeps, throws, and takedowns. Regardless of the size of his opponent’s frame, Couture has always had success in using leverage to his advantage. Thus, Couture must use Lesnar’s high-energy and momentum against him. If Couture is able to take Lesnar off of his feet, the champion would score valuable points and put himself in position to land strikes.

Key Four: Weather the early storm

Frank Mir was on the receiving end of an early, brutal onslaught from Lesnar at UFC 81. However, just when it looked like Mir would be stopped, he locked a leg submission on Lesnar and the fight was over. Couture can learn some valuable tidbits from watching Lesnar’s UFC debut last February.

For starters, Lesnar comes out like a bull in a china shop. He really only has one starting speed and that is overdrive. If Couture is patient and methodical, he can capitalize on Lesnar’s sometimes overzealous starting approach. If Couture can avoid being slugged early, there is little reason to believe that “The Natural” cannot make his second successful title defense.