3 Reasons Why Randy Should Retire
Published by Dave Sholler on November 17th, 2008 in Current Events

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If you have followed the career of Randy Couture, you most likely had a tough time watching his fight against Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 last Saturday night. At the ripe old age of 45, Couture, inactive for the past 15 months, tried unsuccessfully to defend his heavyweight championship against a 31-year-old bucking bronco.

While he did his best to lasso Lesnar, Couture (16-9) ultimately got trampled. After neutralizing the 265-pound monster’s power in the first round, Couture was clipped by Lesnar at 3:07 of the second round and saw his title reign end.

Couture may have lost more than just his title though. Pummeled by the Minnesotan’s endless hammer fists, Couture may have also seen his career get pounded into the canvas. With a young, rising crop of fighters waiting in the balance, the days of Couture outwitting opponents may be over.

Although noncommittal about his future following the Lesnar fight, Couture will undoubtedly consider retirement. Even though “The Natural” argues that he is continuing to improve as a fighter in his mid-40s, doubts as to whether he can keep up with much younger, more athletic competitors have surely crept into his mind.

Given Couture’s uncertainty, MMAmemories.com takes a look at three reasons why Couture should hang up his gloves. As you read on, ask yourself whether Couture will really bid farewell to the hallowed Octagon or if the urge to compete is too much to resist.

REASON ONE: The Octagon is No Country for Old Men

Randy has long defied biology, physics, and every other scientific calculation. He was deemed physically inferior to the likes of Tim Sylvia and Gabriel Gonzaga and we all know how those bouts turned out. Still, the new breed of fighters is continuing to evolve and Couture may soon be eclipsed.

For starters, there is Brock Lesnar. A heavyweight with lightweight speed, Lesnar is a far better athlete than many who have ever graced the cage. Likewise, fighters like Cheick Kongo, Cain Velasquez, and Shane Carwin prove that the heavyweight fighter of old is far too one-dimensional. They are simply stronger, quicker, and increasingly versatile.

Couture will forever be one of the best UFC fighters of all time. But at age 45, one must wonder how much longer he can beat the odds. With all due respect to the living legend, sometimes it’s okay to say that your time has passed.

REASON TWO: No Need to Return to 205

Even though he could easily make the 205-pound limit, there are few reasons why Couture should return to light heavyweight. Another fight with Chuck Liddell doesn’t make sense and bouts against the likes of Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida may not ignite his fire. A match against the winner of Quinton Jackson-Wanderlei Silva could tempt Couture, but remains highly unlikely.

And then there’s the issue of Forrest Griffin. It would be hard to imagine Couture fighting his longtime pupil, who also serves as the division’s champion. The Couture-Griffin bond just doesn’t seem like one that either fighter wants to break.

REASON THREE: Fedor Bout Still Unlikely

We all know that Randy was gunning for former PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko. He was endlessly hoping that a win over Lesnar would propel him into a super fight with “The Last Emperor.” However, as was the case fifteen months ago, the Fedor bout is still largely improbable.

Emelianenko, who won his last bought against Tim Sylvia on the Affliction Banned card in July, has his own contracts to fulfill and by the time they are completed, Randy will only be older. Likewise, there is a good chance that the bout will lose its luster with many preferring a Brock-Fedor bout over a Couture-Fedor clash.

In the end, if Dana White can somehow sign the Russian sensation, he would likely give Couture the first crack. But in the meantime, Couture must determine if he should fight other opponents or continue to wait for the Fedor in a haystack.