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 […]
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?
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…
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?
Year Founded: 2006 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Founder: Randy Couture Coaches: Eric Nicksick (current), Dennis Davis (current), Kyle Griffin, Ray Sefo (past), Robert Follis (past), Neil Melanson (past), Shawn Tompkins (past), Ron Frazier (past), Gil Martinez (past) Notable Fighters: Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, Francis Ngannou, Vitor Belfort, Miesha Tate The creation of Xtreme Couture The […]
Coaches: Eric Nicksick (current), Dennis Davis (current), Kyle Griffin, Ray Sefo (past), Robert Follis (past), Neil Melanson (past), Shawn Tompkins (past), Ron Frazier (past), Gil Martinez (past)
The person behind the creation of Xtreme Couture was the man the gym is named after Randy Couture. Randy was in the middle of his first retirement and was starting his life after fighting.
Couture got the idea to open an MMA gym in Las Vegas, because the city was the fight hub of the world. At the time all of the major UFC events took place there, so a top MMA gym would be perfect there.
The Natural also had prior experience opening and running the highly regarded Team Quest gym in Gresham, Oregon. He had the knowledge and location to open an elite MMA gym.
Xtreme Couture opened its doors in 2006 and the rest is history.
Xtreme Couture’s early success
Within the first year since Xtreme Couture opened its doors, they had an influx of students and fighters. Couture’s idea to open a MMA gym in Las Vegas turned out to be a fantastic idea.
He also helped get his gym recognition by coming out of retirement and winning his fifth UFC title in 2007. A year later, Xtreme Couture would have it’s 2nd UFC champion in Forrest Griffin, who beat Rampage Jackson at UFC 86.
The gym would continue to ride this momentum of success for the next few years. Gaining numerous top fighters would join their stable from top UFC contenders to TUF alumni.
Xtreme Couture’s internal problems
Even though Xtreme Couture started out hot and became one of the best MMA gyms in the world. Even though they were successful early on, they did face many internal problems.
Many of the coaches that were brought in at first would leave the gym for other opportunities. Including Shawn Tompkins, who was one of the main coaches.
Since there really wasn’t a leader to guide the fighters, they had no real direction. There were also no programs for non fighters or kids, which really hurt Couture financially.
He needed to come up with a plan to save his gym.
Robert Follis becomes Xtreme Coutures new head coach
The person that Randy Couture called to help turn Xtreme Couture around was his old friend Robert Follis. Couture took Follis under his wing during his time at Team Quest and helped him develop his skills.
Follis became the head coach of Team Quest for a number of years and helped keep it a top gym. Randy believed that his friend Ryan was the person to turn Xtreme Couture around.
Once Follis came on as the head coach, he immediately turned the gym around. Not only did he change the culture of the gym, but he added programs for non fighters and kids. Creating more income for the gym rather than just relying on the publicity of fighters training there.
The team became close and would continue being successful at a high level. Follis was also in the corner of Miesha Tate when she won UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
Robert Follis’ sudden death
In 2017, Xtreme Couture and the MMA world were shocked by the sudden death of head coach Robert Follis. He was a beloved figure to all those that knew him from his time at Team Quest to Xtreme Couture.
His death would leave a large hole at the gym and make the future of the team uncertain.
Eric Newsick takes over
The person that was left to fill Follis’ spot was Eric Nicksick. Eric did not have the pedigree or background of the past coaches/GM, but started his training at the gym’s beginning.
Randy knew that Nicksick loved the gym and had the ability to be a great GM and coach. He already had a connection with many in the gym, so he was able to keep the team together.
Francis Ngannou joins Xtreme Couture
Nicksick’s ability to develop a rapport with fighters was notably apparent when Francis Ngannou joined Xtreme Couture. Ngannou would join the gym after 2 straight losses and was looking to find himself again.
Looking to find his fire again and get another shot at the world title. Francis would develop a good relationship with Nicksick and head coach Dennis Davis, which would bring the monster in Francis back.
From late 2018 to 2020, Ngannou would win 4 fights in a row by vicious 1st round knockouts. Two of which were over former UFC heavyweight champions.
This would set up a rematch against Stipe Miocic, which Ngannou would also win by knockout to become world champion. The first UFC champion at Xtreme Couture since Miesha Tate submitted Holly Holm.
A new golden age at Xtreme Couture had begun and they had the reigning UFC Heavyweight champion training there. Eric Nicksick would also win MMAJunkie’s coach of the year award.
Xtreme Couture coaches
Xtreme Couture have had some of the best coaches in the world work within the gym. Here is a list of some of the past and present coaches at the gym.
Eric Nicksick
The current GM, coach, and head of the programs at Xtreme Couture is Eric Nicksick. He was given the position after the sudden passing of Robert Follis.
Nicksick was an unlikely person to take the reins at the gym, but he has flourished as the leader. Along with the rest of the top notch staff, he has helped bring Xtreme Couture back to prominence.
Dennis Davis
The other man that has led the gym to its elite level is Dennis Davis. Dennis is a MMA veteran with a pro record of 15-11 and was a protege of Robert Follis.
Like Nicksick, Davis has been at Xtreme Couture first as a fighter and now as a coach. He has a ton of experience and has developed a great relationship with his fighters.
Shawn Tompkins
The late Shawn Tompkins spent a short time as an Xtreme Couture coach in the early days of the gym. He was a highly respected coach that trained some of the best fighters of the era.
Robert Follis
Robert Follis was the Xtreme Couture head coach from the early 2010s to his sudden passing in 2017. During his time as the head coach and head of the gym’s programs, Follis brought new life back into Xtreme Couture.
Not only competitively, but also financially, which saved the gym from possibly closing. Follis was a beloved figure by all that worked with him and is greatly missed.
Neil Melanson
Neil Melanson added Xtreme Couture Jiu Jitsu coach to his impressive coaching resume. Coaching at the gym along with Alliance MMA and the Blackzillians showed that he is one of the worlds best grappling coaches.
Ray Sefo
The K-1 kickboxing legend has worked with Xtreme Couture for over a decade. Before he became the president of the Professional Fighters League, Sefo was Xtreme Couture’s head striking coach.
He has worked with some of the best strikers and has a real eye for seeing and developing talent.
Ron Frazier
One of the early boxing coaches at Xtreme Couture was Ron Frazier. Ron had worked with Couture to prepare for a fight and then was offered a position at the gym.
Frazier worked at Xtreme Couture for a number of years before leaving to start his own personal training business.
Notable fighters
You could do an entire article listing the top fighters who have and currently train at Xtreme Couture. Here are some of the gym’s most notable fighters.
Randy Couture
You can’t talk about Xtreme Couture without mentioning the person it’s named after. Randy Couture is an MMA legend and UFC Hall of Famer.
He is one of the best to ever do it as a fighter, coach, and gym owner. Without him, there wouldn’t be an Xtreme Couture.
Forrest Griffin
The first TUF winner and UFC Hall of Famer, Forrest Griffin was the 2nd ever UFC champion from Xtreme Couture. He was a fan favorite as a fighter and still trains at the gym from time to time.
Miesha Tate
Miesha Tate was the first UFC women’s champion to train out of Xtreme Couture. She was a long time student of Robert Follis and is now in the middle of her comeback. Looking to get her title back.
Francis Ngannou
The reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou makes his home at Xtreme Couture. Since moving to the gym and working with Nicksick, Ngannou has returned to his dominant form. Winning his last 5 fights by knockout, which includes winning the championship.
Xtreme Couture’s legacy
Since Xtreme Couture opened its doors in 2006, the gym has been immediately successful. Considered one of the world’s best MMA gyms along with Jackson-Wink, American Top Team, and AKA.
The gym has been home to some of the world’s best fighters for over 15 years, including 4 world champions. Xtreme Couture has had their ups and downs, but they are back on top as one of the best gyms in the world.
Former six-time UFC champion Randy Couture backs Glover Teixeira to join him in the post-40 champs club with a victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. Teixeira will have the chance to become the second oldest champion in UFC history when he faces Blachowicz at the promotion’s non-pay-per-view numbered event on October 30. Following UFC […]
Former six-time UFC champion Randy Couture backs Glover Teixeira to join him in the post-40 champs club with a victory over Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267.
Teixeira will have the chance to become the second oldest champion in UFC history when he faces Blachowicz at the promotion’s non-pay-per-view numbered event on October 30. Following UFC Fight Night 194 in 2018, where the Brazilian’s defeat to Corey Anderson marked his third setback in just five outings, not many would have given Teixeira a chance at climbing back into title contention.
At the age of 41, Teixeira finds himself ranked #1 at 205 pounds and just over a week away from his second championship opportunity. The veteran secured a clash with the current light heavyweight kingpin after building an impressive five-fight win streak, which includes wins over Ion Cu?elaba, Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, and Thiago Santos. His destructive and brutal performance against “Lionheart” put the division on notice, but it was his submission of “Marreta” last November that secured a meeting with Blachowicz.
Despite his form, Teixeira is understandably heading to Abu Dhabi as the underdog. After all, Blachowicz is riding a five-fight win streak of his own, one that includes wins against former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold, legendary Brazilian Ronaldo Souza, Corey Anderson, Dominick Reyes, and current 185-pound king Israel Adesanya. While many still underestimated the Polish behemoth heading into 2021, handing “The Last Stylebender” his first setback certainly changed that.
Nevertheless, Randy Couture, the UFC’s only post-40 champion, believes Teixeira can’t be counted out at UFC 267. Not only is ‘The Natural’ the only man to win gold in his forties, but he did it three times, at UFC 44, 49 and 68. The three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time 205-pound titleholder recently discussed Teixeira’s chances of achieving the rare feat later this month. In an interview with James Lynch, the 58-year-old backed the challenger to perform well on October 30.
“I don’t think you ever count an old dog like Glover Teixeira out. You know, we all have a lot of ups and downs… He’s certainly had his ups and his downs, and I think you’re seeing him back on the upswing. He’s got a lot of fight left in his body and in his heart. So, I think he’s gonna do well.”
March 3, 2007
11 years ago today, Randy Couture defeated Tim Sylvia via unanimous decision at UFC 68 to win the UFC Heavyweight title.
The win was the 1st Heavyweight fight for @Randy_Couture since 2002 & he came in as a +225 underdog, giving up 6” in height & 35 lbs to Sylvia. pic.twitter.com/0dAw1tKHzE
Having not fought at heavyweight since a 2002 championship defeat against Ricco Rodriguez, Couture returned to the weight class at UFC 268 in 2007. At the age of 43, the Washington-born legend challenged Tim Sylvia for the belt. After five rounds, Couture secured his third heavyweight title triumph via unanimous decision.
Teixeira will be hoping to display a similar level of longevity by having UFC gold wrapped around his waist for the first time at UFC 267. According to the champ, the Brazilian will be KO’d into retirement in Abu Dhabi.
Do you think Glover Teixeira will become the UFC’s second post-40 champion at UFC 267?
DOB: June 22nd, 1963 Nickname: The Natural Gym: Team Quest(1999-2006), Xtreme Couture Location: Las Vegas, Nevasa Martial Arts Background: Wrestling/MMA Martial Arts Record: 19-11 Notable Fighters: Forrest Griffin, Vitor Beltfort, Miesha Tate, Francis Ngannou Randy Couture’s start in wrestling Randy “The Natural” Couture grew up in Everett, Washington and grew up wrestling from an early […]
Randy “The Natural” Couture grew up in Everett, Washington and grew up wrestling from an early age. He was one of the top wrestlers in the state from the time he started in middle school.
In high school, he would win the state championship. Then from college, he would enlist in the US Army and stay there from 1982-1988.
In the Army, Couture would also take up boxing while he was serving. After going through basic he signed up for freestyle wrestling team, but a clerical error put him in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Even though he never wrestled Greco-Roma style, he still made the team. Then after being discharged in 1988, Randy signed up at Oklahoma State University. Becoming a walk on with their wrestling team.
During his college career wrestling, Randy would nearly make the US Olympic team on 4 different occasions. Also a 3 time All American.
Randy Couture’s early MMA career
Randy would make his MMA debut on UFC 13 on three weeks’ notice as part of a 4 man heavyweight tournament. In his debut, he beat Tony Halme by RNC in a minute of the first round.
Then in his 2nd match he would beat Steven Graham by his patented ground n pound to win the tournament. His next fight would be at UFC 15, 5 months later against Vitor Belfort.
A fight that he would again win by TKO to become the #1 contender for the heavyweight championship. He would face the champion Maurice Smith at UFC Japan and beat him by decision. Earning his first UFC championship.
Although it would be short lived as he would drop the title due to contractual disputes.
Randy Couture helps found Team Quest
Randy Couture’s first time owning and coaching an MMA gym was helping co-found the legendary Team Quest in Gresham, Oregon. He along with UFC legend Dan Henderson opened Team Quest in 1999.
It was one of the earliest MMA gyms in the country with many of their fighters having a base in wrestling. Randy along with Henderson would help train some of the top sports fighters from 1999-2006.
During this time Randy would help train Henderson for his fights along with Matt Lindland, Chael Sonnen, and Nate Quarry.
Randy Couture wins the UFC Heavyweight Title
After Couture and the UFC made amends with their contract dispute, he would make his return. Fighting for the heavyweight title again against Kevin Randleman. Winning the title in the 3rd round by ground and pound.
He would defend the title twice against Pedro Rizzo after losing to Valentijn Overeem at the Rings promotion in Japan.
The natural would then drop two straight UFC fights. Losing his title to Josh Barnett and again to Ricco Rodriguez.(Josh Barnett was stripped after a positive drug test.)
Randy Couture’s move to light heavyweight
Couture would move to the light heavyweight division after his two losses. Facing Chuck Liddell for the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
He would dominate the iceman in his light heavyweight debut and win the interim title by ground and pound. In his next match, Couture would become the undisputed champion by beating Tito Ortiz.
Randy would then have his 2nd and 3rd fight against Vitor Belfort. Losing his title due to a cut in the first and getting his title back by doctor stoppage in the 3rd round.
Randy Couture coaches on TUF 1
The natural was the very first coach on the Ultimate Fighter. Members of his team consisted of Stephan Bonnar, Kenny Florian, Chris Leben, Nate Quarry, and Mike Swick.
Of his team, Bonnar, and Florian would make it to the finals of the competition. Both losing the finals.
In the pay per view after the finals, Couture would lose by KO and lose his title. After losing the third fight with Liddell, Couture would retire from MMA for the first time.
Randy Couture opens Xtreme Couture
In 2006, Randy Couture would open his own MMA gym, Xtreme Couture. One of the first state of the art MMA gyms to ever be built in the heart of Las Vegas.
This was the perfect place for Randy to put his gym since the UFC held most of their events in Vegas. Couture would hire some of the world’s best MMA trainers to oversee his gym. He would also have a hand in training some of the gym’s top fighters.
The gym has had its ups and downs, but it is still one of the best MMA gyms in the world.
Randy Couture’s comeback
Couture would only stay retired for a year before coming back to fight at heavyweight. He would face the champion Tim Sylvia and shock the world with a dominant decision win. Earning his 4th UFC title.
The natural would defend his title one time against Gabriel Gonzaga before losing it to Brock Lesnar. Then after losing to Minotauro, he would return to the light heavyweight division.
Going 3-1 and then retired again in 2011 after losing to Lyoto Machida.
Notable fighters
Randy has had a hand in helping some of the best fighters in the world become champions. Here are some of the most notable fighters that have trained at his gym.
Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin was on team Liddell during the TUF 1 season, but ended training with Couture at Xtreme Couture. Before getting on The Ultimate Fighter, Griffin went 9-2 on smaller MMA promotions.
Then he would earn his way onto the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. He would reach the finals and have an epic fight with Stephan Bonnar. Winning the first Ultimate Fighter tournament.
He would join Randy at Xtreme Couture when it opened in 2006 and stayed there throughout his career. In his time with the gym, Graffiti would go 7-4 in 6 years.
The high point was winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Rampage Jackson at UFC 86.
Vitor Belfort
Once rivals, Vitor Belfort would become a member of Randy’s gym. Belfort joined Xtreme Couture in 2008 and it helped lead to a resurgence in his career.
After 2 KO wins, Belfort would have his third tour with the UFC. In his 3rd run, Belfort would go 8-6 and 1 no contest before being released from the promotion. During this run, he nearly won two world titles during this time and is now looking to make a comeback.
Miesha Tate
The best female fighter to ever fight out of Xtreme Couture is Miesha Tate. Before getting into MMA, Tate was an amateur wrestler in the state of Washington.
This wrestling and Washington connection would make the transition to MMA easy for Tate. She would travel to Xtreme Couture and begin her MMA training.
She would go 8-2 in her first 10 bouts before fighting for the promotion Strikeforce. Tate would win her first 4 fights in the promotion with the 4th won earning the bantamweight championship.
Then she would go 1-3 in her next 4 fights with 2 being her first fights in the UFC. Miesha would then win 4 straight to earn a title shot against Holly Holm.
In the fight, Tate was a heavy underdog, but would put Holm to sleep in the 5th with an RNC. Cupcake would lose the title to Amanda Nunes and then another to Raquel Pennington before retiring for 5 years.
Tate would make her comeback in 2021, beating Marion Reneau by TKO.
Francis Ngannou
The latest member of Xtreme Couture is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. Before he began training at Randy Couture’s gym, Ngannou was already the most feared fighter in the UFC.
Going 11-3 with all of his wins by KO or submission. When Ngannou came to Xtreme Couture, he was on a three fight skid and needed to find himself again.
Once he began training with Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick helped turn his career around. Since then, Francis the KO artist has returned with 5 straight knockouts. All of which came in the first or second round.
The last win would be avenging a loss to Stipe Miocic by KO to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Randy Couture’s legacy
Randy “The Natural” Couture is one of the greatest UFC fighters that have ever lived. Winning 4 UFC titles and earning his rightful place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Then on top of being an accomplished MMA fighter, Couture is also an accomplished MMA coach. Having founded elite MMA gyms in Team Quest and Xtreme Couture.
Couture’s gym has been open for 15 years and is constantly one of the best gyms in the world.
Former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture has given his take on why CM Punk’s transition to mixed martial arts failed. After achieving stardom in professional wrestling under the WWE banner, Punk announced that he’…
Former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture has given his take on why CM Punk’s transition to mixed martial arts failed. After achieving stardom in professional wrestling under the WWE banner, Punk announced that he’d signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC in December 2014 following his release from the Vince McMahon-led company […]
Year Founded: 2006 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Founder: Randy Couture Coaches: Eric Nicksick (current), Dennis Davis (current), Kyle Griffin, Ray Sefo (past), Robert Follis (past), Neil Melanson (past), Shawn Tompkins (past), Ron Frazier (past), Gil Martinez (past) Notable Fighters: Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, Francis Ngannou, Vitor Belfort, Miesha Tate The creation of Xtreme Couture The […]
DOB: June 22nd, 1963 Nickname: The Natural Gym: Team Quest(1999-2006), Xtreme Couture Location: Las Vegas, Nevasa Martial Arts Background: Wrestling/MMA Martial Arts Record: 19-11 Notable Fighters: Forrest Griffin, Vitor Beltfort, Miesha Tate, Francis Ngannou Randy Couture’s start in wrestling Randy “The Natural” Couture grew up in Everett, Washington and grew up wrestling from an early […]