Randy Couture often defied expectations. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Randy Couture
“The Natural” Ultimate Fighting Championship (1997, 2000, 2001-11); Vale Tudo Japan (1998); Rings (1999-2001)
***
No fighter in MMA’s history defied expectations as often and as spectacularly as Couture. Thought to be a stepping stone, he handed Vitor Belfort a definitive loss at a point in which the youthful Brazilian was thought by many to be unbeatable. His classics with Pedro Rizzo were some of heavyweight MMA’s best, and “The Rock” was never the same again. At nearly 40, Couture shocked Chuck Liddell and set up one of MMA’s most historic rivalries. He spanked Tito Ortiz and ended his run as the UFC’s top light heavyweight. He came out of retirement to dominate Tim Sylvia and recapture the heavyweight title. Couture was a multi-time champion in two weight classes and is one of the sport’s best ambassadors. “Captain America” has few equals.
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