Will Couture Regain His Championship Form Against the Maine-iac?

I have to admit that I am still in shock over the recent news that was dropped by Randy Couture on 'Inside the UFC' Spike TV program. Randy quickly stated that he will jump into the octagon with the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World - Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia.

Couture has been retired from fighting for close to a year now since he was knocked into retirement by the Iceman Chuck Liddell during the Light Heavyweight title fight on February 4, 2006. Immediately following the fight, Randy announced his retirement from the UFC and MMA altogether.

For MMA Fans, this was a bitter-sweet announcement back then and I can say the same is true with the announcement of his comeback to fight Sylvia for the Heavyweight crown. On one hand, I want to see The Natural fight again and on the other hand, I don't want to see a circus side-show like we have seen with Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie.

Although, there is a major difference with Couture as opposed to Shammy and Gracie and that difference is that he has evolved with MMA over the years so this definitely gives him an advantage over other geriatric fighters. That's right, Randy Couture is 43 years old which is unheard of in combat sports.

Randy Couture earned the UFC Heavyweight title back in 1997 against Maurice Smith at UFC (15.5) Japan. He vacated the belt over a contract dispute with the UFC and did not return until November 2000 at UFC 28 where he regained the title from Kevin Randleman in the 3rd round by way of TKO.

Couture held on to the title by defending twice in very memorable battles with Pedro Rizzo until The Natural met his match in a loss against a younger, hungrier and juiced up fighter in Josh Barnett by technical knockout in the 2nd round in March 2002. Josh failed the drug test following the fight and fled to Japan beltless and currently fights in Pride FC.


Tim Sylvia still has a cloud of controversy following him when he was also caught using banned performance enhancing drugs.

Sylvia first captured UFC Heavyweight Championship from Ricco Rodriguez at UFC 41, and defended his title with another quick victory over 6'10" Giant Gan McGee at UFC 44.

After the fight with McGee, Sylvia tested positive for the banned substance Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. He was stripped of his title, handed a six-month suspension and a $10,000 fine by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He later commented that the steriod usage was for shedding excess weight. Sylvia apologized for his wrongdoing and made no effort to claim innocence.

All of that is past and Tim is the current champ and arguably the most disliked Heavyweight champ in UFC history. Many UFC fans will boo Tim when he fights because he has recently employed a less aggressive fighting style that is, for lack of a better word, "boring" to watch. This is something you would not expect from someone who is 6'8"and 265Lbs who had a grocery list of TKO victories up until his last two title defences which went the full 5 rounds and he won by decision.

Personally, I say let Tim fight Tim's fight, boring or not, he does seem to fight smart and not hard which, has most likely made all the difference in his retention of the belt he so covets.

My Prediction?

Couture is going to get murdered!

Sylvia is fighting smarter than he ever has and still possesses that snapping knockout power at the end of his mile long arms. Tim also has thunderous leg kicks that we haven't seen used in a while and I have a feeling that we will see Tim utilize all of his skills NOT to impress the UFC fans, but to impress Randy Couture to shut him up for good.

Sorry Randy, you are no Mirko "Cro Cop"Filipovic who will be the only one in the current stable of UFC Heavyweights to cut down the Tim Sylvia tree and give the fans back what they have been craving... an exciting Heavyweight champion fighter.

Cro Cop & Arlovski, now that's a fight!

Here is a snippet of what Randy says about his return to the octagon from the Couture Chronicles courtesy of the Fight Network:

"I think just seeing that and analyzing that made me realize that I could get in there and I could beat these guys.

In the last few weeks, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic has come on the radar, obviously another top fighter who’d be another interesting fight. Tim’s standing there with the title and needing an opponent, and is also, I think, an interesting and
formidable opponent.

It has always been about the competition for
me. These are some interesting fights. These fights excite me. These fights challenge me. Even at 43 years of age, I have more things I can accomplish and more things that I can do. In my opinion, I can still compete with these guys and beat them.

Am I doing the right thing? Is this stupid? Is this another Michael Jordan-esque stunt, another pro athlete that can’t let go? I don’t feel like that. I’ve enjoyed doing commentary and all the other things that have kept me busy. I don’t think it’s a huge issue of letting go.

Hell, maybe I’m just kidding myself and Tim’s going
to point it out to me. I don’t think that’s the case. I guess we’ll find out on March 3. Maybe I just don’t have it anymore and I’m just as crazy as everyone thinks I am.

If you feel this legend should stay retired, then let this “old man” live out his glory days, at least one more time. If you believe I’ve still got in me, like I believe I do, then come along for the ride. Regardless, I will fight my heart out for you come March 3.

I just feel like I’ve got more fighting in me to do."