Tag: Randy Couture

Exclusive | Randy Couture proclaims Kayla Harrison as the P4P No.1 in women’s MMA

Kayla HarrisonRandy Couture has shared his belief that the two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kayla Harrison, is the best female fighter in the sport. Harrison returns to action on the 25th of November to compete in the 2022 PFL World Championship, where she will attempt to emerge once again victorious as the Women’s lightweight champion. A tournament […]

Kayla Harrison

Randy Couture has shared his belief that the two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kayla Harrison, is the best female fighter in the sport.

Harrison returns to action on the 25th of November to compete in the 2022 PFL World Championship, where she will attempt to emerge once again victorious as the Women’s lightweight champion. A tournament that she has already won on two separate occasions previously.

Across all elite mixed martial arts organizations, Harrison is regarded as one of the best female fighters currently active within the sport.

Despite arguments that are made that Kayla Harrison has not faced the elite-level competition that she would find inside the UFC, her talent can simply not be questioned.

Mike Owens of LowKickMMA spoke to a man who knows exactly what it takes in order to become a world champion when he was joined by three-time UFC Heavyweight and two-time Light heavyweight world champion, Randy Couture, to preview the upcoming 2022 PFL World Championship.

Whilst breaking down the card, Couture revealed his thoughts on the Judoka world champion and where he places her in the Women’s Pound-for-Pound list.

Randy Couture Claims Kayla Harrison’s Ability Influenced Amanda Nunes To Leave American Top Team

“Honestly, I think she is the best female in our sport right now. I think you could have made a debate between her and (Amanda) Nunes and then Nunes just dropped a fight, and now has come back and gotten back in there and done a great job. I know they used to train together, and I think maybe Nunes saw the writing on the wall.”

“And potentially, she is going to have to fight this person, so she chose to create a little separation and go to a different gym for a while. Honestly, I believe she is the best female fighter in our sport right now.“

Kayla Harrison, who will headline this year’s PFL championship, has already revealed she only has a singular fight remaining on her contract and does intend to explore her options at the conclusion of this PFL season. The UFC now needs to be the first one knocking when she does become a free agent to allow her to join the organization and prove just exactly how talented she is.

Should she sign for the promotion, given the sporting credentials she has, she could very well be put in a position to face Nunes after just a handful of fights.

Who would you favor in a matchup between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes?

James Toney Labels Randy Couture A ‘Coward’, Claims He Refused Boxing Rematch

James ToneyFormer three-weight professional boxing world champion, James Toney has slammed former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Randy Couture, claiming the latter refused to follow through with plans to rematch him in a boxing match – labelling the veteran sport pioneer, a “coward”. Toney, who ended his professional boxing career back in May 2017 with a knockout […]

James Toney

Former three-weight professional boxing world champion, James Toney has slammed former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Randy Couture, claiming the latter refused to follow through with plans to rematch him in a boxing match – labelling the veteran sport pioneer, a “coward”.

Toney, who ended his professional boxing career back in May 2017 with a knockout win over Mike Sheppard, ended his decorated career boasting a 77-10-3(2) record since his debut back in October 1988. 

However, the Michigan native made a brief professional mixed martial arts excursion back in August 2010 at UFC 118, suffering an opening round arm-triangle defeat against the aforenoted former three-time undisputed heavyweight, and two-time light heavyweight champion, Couture.

James Toney suffered a one-sided loss to Randy Couture, eventually submitting to an arm-triangle

Recently, however, Toney has since hit out at Couture – claiming the Washington native eventually baulked at a trip to the professional boxing ring for a rematch, despite initially agreeing to the deal.

“I knew he (Randy Couture) was scared when the fight was made,” James Toney told Murder Master Music Show during a recent interview. “Randy is a great fighter in MMA. We had made a deal that we do one fight (in) MMA and one fight (in) boxing. But of course, after he (Randy Couture) beat me, he retires. What kind of sh*t is that?”

“That’s a coward move, I lost a lot of respect for him” James Toney continued. “He retired a week later. The bad thing about it is I made more money than he did. I offered to pay him more money for the boxing (match) than he made with the fight with me (in mixed martial arts).” 

Despite claims from Toney that Couture had retired a week after his arm-triangle loss to the former two-weight UFC champion, Couture would go on to feature against former light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida in April of the following year – suffering an infamous second round front kick knockout to the Brazilian, announcing his retirement from the sport following the fight, aged 47-years-old. 

James Toney Calls Randy Couture A “Coward” For Retiring After Their MMA Bout

According to James Toney, he and Randy Couture were supposed to battle it out in a boxing match following their MMA bout. Before and after his MMA debut, James Toney was an incredible boxing sensation. From 1988 to 2017, he competed in 92 professional boxing matches and gained a total of 77 wins. Toney fought…

Continue Reading James Toney Calls Randy Couture A “Coward” For Retiring After Their MMA Bout at MMA News.

According to James Toney, he and Randy Couture were supposed to battle it out in a boxing match following their MMA bout.

Before and after his MMA debut, James Toney was an incredible boxing sensation. From 1988 to 2017, he competed in 92 professional boxing matches and gained a total of 77 wins.

Toney fought in multiple weight classes and won championships in three of them. But in 2010, it was time for Toney to broaden his horizons and take a shot at another combat sport.

UFC 118 saw Randy Couture and James Toney as the co-main event. Although “Lights Out” lost the match in round 1 via an arm-triangle choke, he still enjoyed the experience and showed appreciation for MMA and the fans.

James Toney and Randy Couture
James Toney and Randy Couture, Photo Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

He may not have remained in the sport like he originally planned, but had fun nonetheless.

Fast forward to 2022 and Toney is not happy with the way things ended between him and Couture. In an interview with Murder Master Music Show, Toney recalls a boxing match agreement with Couture that was supposed to take place after their cage fight.

“I knew he was scared when the fight was made,” Toney said. “Randy is a great fighter in MMA. We had made a deal that we do one fight MMA and one fight boxing. But of course, after he beat me, he retires. What kind of shit is that? That’s a coward move, I lost a lot of respect for him. He retired a week later. The bad thing about it is I made more money than he did. I offered to pay him more money for the boxing than he made with the fight with me.” (h/t MyMMANews)

Unfortunately, boxing and MMA fans never saw the boxing match come to fruition.

The year after their MMA fight, Couture had his final bout against Lyoto Machida and lost via kick to the head in round 2. Meanwhile, Toney continued to make strides in his boxing career until retiring in 2017.

What are your thoughts on James Toney not getting a boxing match with Randy Couture?

Continue Reading James Toney Calls Randy Couture A “Coward” For Retiring After Their MMA Bout at MMA News.

Couture: It Will Take Guys Like Ngannou To Bring About Change

MMA legend Randy Couture believes it will take the work of champions and stars like Francis Ngannou to make an impact in the fight for improved remuneration and contracts in the UFC. At the promotion’s first pay-per-view of 2022, Ngannou made a statement in about as many ways as he could. Not only did he […]

Continue Reading Couture: It Will Take Guys Like Ngannou To Bring About Change at MMA News.

MMA legend Randy Couture believes it will take the work of champions and stars like Francis Ngannou to make an impact in the fight for improved remuneration and contracts in the UFC.

At the promotion’s first pay-per-view of 2022, Ngannou made a statement in about as many ways as he could.

Not only did he overcome the adversity of fighting through a torn MCL and damaged ACL, and battle against the distractions of public attacks from former coach Fernand Lopez and talk of a possible boxing match with Tyson Fury, but he also secured a victory on the main event stage knowing what was at stake contractually.

The Cameroonian’s UFC 270 clash with Ciryl Gane represented the last on his deal. While a win would grant him leverage and a strong standing in negotiations, a defeat could have signaled his last appearance in the Octagon.

Under that immense pressure, “The Predator” thrived. After a slow opening two rounds on the feet, Ngannou capitalized on the opportunity to incorporate his wrestling. When he found success in that realm, it was essentially all she wrote.

After controlling the final three frames, the heavyweight champ secured undisputed status and set in motion what will undoubtedly be an uncertain immediate future for him, but, crucially, one where he appears to have the upper hand.

Couture Believes Ngannou & Co. Have An Important Role

Prior to UFC 270, Ngannou’s demands were revealed. While many expected it to largely center around money, the champ’s manager confirmed the debate is about so much more; freedom, respect, and promotion.

With Ngannou willing to do “whatever it takes” to get what he and so many other fighters want, it remains to be seen how the coming months will unfold in regards to his heavyweight reign and standing in the UFC.

One man who has praised Ngannou’s quest for contractual change is former three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time light heavyweight titleholder Randy Couture.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, “The Natural,” who was once in a similar position to Ngannou, lauded “The Predator” for using his voice to push for what is “right,” despite what he believes to be an inevitable court battle with the promotion looming down the line.

“I think, at the end of the day, Francis is a fighter. He wants to fight,” said Couture. “Here he is, at the top of the heap, pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world, certainly in the heavyweight division. I don’t think he wants to get involved in all this legal crap, but at the end of the day, right is right, and he’s willing to stand up and use his voice. I don’t see him giving in.

“It’s gonna be interesting how it plays out,” added Couture. “They’re gonna drag him to court and try to get him to spend as much money as they can get him to spend, and put that pressure on him that way, and get him to fold, get him to give it up and just go back to fighting. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.”

The focus from fighter pay critics seems to be split. While some slam the UFC for paying the champion $600,000 whilst boxing heavyweights rake in millions, others focus on the lowest take-home sums on UFC cards, which feature some walking away with as little as $12,000.

Whilst acknowledging that a united front across all realms will be important, Couture believes it’s crucial that top stars like Ngannou lead the charge.

“It takes guys like Francis, those top-tier guys that have the potential to make those six-figure contracts in fighting. There aren’t very many of them. But if those guys are willing to put that on the line to change the sport, and we unite as a group of fighters, and developed and demand these minimum criteria, then I think the sport changes and for the better,” concluded Couture.

While tensions already appeared high prior to Ngannou’s unification showdown with Gane, subsequent actions and revelations, including Dana White’s post-fight absences and news of legal threats sent to the champ’s team prior to the main event, have increased attention and focus on the dispute tenfold.

With neither party appearing to back down, it’ll be interesting to see which path this contractual dispute heads down in the coming weeks and months.

Do you agree with Randy Couture? Will it take the likes of Francis Ngannou standing up to the UFC to force change?

Continue Reading Couture: It Will Take Guys Like Ngannou To Bring About Change at MMA News.

Randy Couture Thinks UFC, Dana White Were Hoping For Francis Ngannou Loss At UFC 270

Dana White, Randy Couture, Francis NgannouUFC legend Randy Couture thinks UFC president Dana White wanted heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to lose his belt at UFC 270. Ngannou retained his title with a unanimous decision win against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. It was a long journey to his first title defense nearly a year after defeating Stipe Miocic for the […]

Dana White, Randy Couture, Francis Ngannou

UFC legend Randy Couture thinks UFC president Dana White wanted heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to lose his belt at UFC 270.

Ngannou retained his title with a unanimous decision win against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. It was a long journey to his first title defense nearly a year after defeating Stipe Miocic for the belt at UFC 260.

Ngannou has been at odds with the UFC brass and White over an ongoing contract dispute. He doesn’t just want more money, but fair terms that will allow him to pursue potential options in boxing.

Couture has had his own fair share of beef with the UFC headman after a legendary career in the octagon. During a recent interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Couture went as far as claiming that the UFC didn’t want Ngannou’s hand raised.

Randy Couture Thinks Dana White’s Absence During Francis Ngannou Fight Was Calculated

“Honestly, I’m not surprised,” Couture said. “This is classic Zuffa and Dana White. At the end of the day they don’t want [Francis Ngannou] to have that power. They would have been much happier if Francis would have lost that fight. I think that’s what they expected to happen. I think Dana White can say whatever he wants but he didn’t show up in that cage to put that belt around his heavyweight champion. He didn’t show up to the post-fight press conference. And there’s a reason for that.” (h/t SportsKeeda)

Couture and Ngannou have both been critical regarding the UFC’s treatment of its fighters. Ngannou has called for better treatment by White and the brass and has alluded to not feeling appreciated by the promotion.

Ngannou is expected to miss some time with a knee injury and could potentially return later this year.

Do you agree with Randy Couture regarding Francis Ngannou?

Flashback To When Fedor Dared Dana White To Let Him Fight Couture

Fedor Emelianenko hasn’t thought too highly of UFC President Dana White for well over a decade now.

The year was 2007. Fedor Emelianenko was the PRIDE FC world heavyweight champion for over four years strong and was days away from his 24th consecut…

Dana White, Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko hasn’t thought too highly of UFC President Dana White for well over a decade now.

The year was 2007. Fedor Emelianenko was the PRIDE FC world heavyweight champion for over four years strong and was days away from his 24th consecutive victory, with the then 1-0 Choi Hong-man pegged as the next victim.

It was during this December that Dana White was quoted as saying the following:

“I don’t think Fedor is a top-five heavyweight in the world, and I’m not saying that because I didn’t get Fedor. I’ve always felt that way about Fedor and I always felt Randy Couture would beat Fedor … Fedor is a farce.” 

In a 2007 interview with MMA Weekly, Fedor was asked to respond to these comments, and the Russian legend was sure to include a daring proposal to Dana White in his retort.

“Dana talks a lot and uses words lightly. Let Randy Couture fight me. Allow this fight that everyone wants to take place. Me, Randy and MMA fans all over the world want it. The only obstacle is Dana.”

Fedor’s interest in fighting then-UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture was purely professional. Many people, Dana White included, have lamented the fact that the MMA world never bore witness to Fedor vs. Lesnar. However, a Russian icon in Fedor Emelianenko going against an American icon in Randy Couture in a champion vs. champion clash would have been pure money, and Fedor was convinced everyone wanted to see it. 

“People want to see this fight and I want to meet him in the ring. I have the greatest respect for Randy and have always admired him. I am also thankful that he has such a high opinion of me.”

As recently as two months ago, Fedor was still letting his thoughts on Dana White be known. The legend stated that White was selfish and lacks respect for fighters. That said, even though Fedor is incredibly still fighting, and winning, at age 45, don’t expect his swan song to include any high notes in the UFC.

Who do you think would have won between Fedor Emelianenko and Randy Couture?

Want to advertise your site in this space? E-mail the website staff today!

Continue Reading Flashback To When Fedor Dared Dana White To Let Him Fight Couture at MMA News.