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[pa99fighter]

Report: Randy Couture could return to UFC for bout with Brock Lesnar
by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:15 am ET
Rumors regarding UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture's (16-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) possible return to the UFC, first reported by MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com), are continuing to build momentum.

Five Ounces of Pain recently reported that preliminary negotiations would have Couture return for UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Portland, Ore.

New reports from BloodyElbow.com confirm the previously reported negotiations between Couture and the UFC. Additionally, the reports claim that Couture's next fight would be the UFC 91 main event against Brock Lesnar (2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

It is unknown at this time whether the bout would be for Couture's UFC heavyweight title.

Couture has been inactive for over a year while waiting out the Oct. 11 end of his current UFC contract. BloodyElbow.com is reporting the bout with Lesnar would be under a new contract that would lock Couture into the UFC long-term, but the new deal would also likely pay more and offer additional benefits.

MMA Rated has also reported that the UFC is considering a departure from recent policy and may be open to co-promoting a bout with M-1 Global between Couture and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (28-1). M-1 Global currently holds Emelianenko's contract.

The UFC previously tried and failed to secure Emelianenko's services. It is unclear if the issues that previously prevented the bout between Couture and Emelianenko have now been solved.

Additional reports from the Wrestling Observer report that Couture's new deal would be for three fights. In addition to Lesnar and Emelianenko, possible future opponents discussed with Couture include UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and a fourth bout with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

Report: Randy Couture could return to UFC for bout with Brock Lesnar | MMAjunkie.com
I have Couture losing in every fight they just mentioned. I'd love to see him back in the UFC.

[UFC-chef/Hughes-fan]

How hughe would that be, but it probably wont happen.

[Noise Chopped]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Mac]

Nothing really new here, but I see Lesnar beating him even though I'll probably get flamed for it.

[valheruking]

Yeah I'm still not believing it until I hear it from one of the parties involved, guess it could be true though. Kinda odd for Randy to sit out his contract for a long ass time only to renew it a month or so before it is up, kind of a waste of time.

[the_dark_angel_4ever]

Originally Posted by Mac

Nothing really new here, but I see Lesnar beating him even though I'll probably get flamed for it.

I'm with you. Couture typically has trouble with big guys and Lesnar certainly has the size and strength advantage. I think if you pair Lesnar up with any solid wrestler and he'll get the nod. I'd love to see Couture with a 3 fight contract to put him against Lesnar, Nog, and then Fedor before retiring.

[valheruking]

Originally Posted by the_dark_angel_4ever

I'm with you. Couture typically has trouble with big guys and Lesnar certainly has the size and strength advantage. I think if you pair Lesnar up with any solid wrestler and he'll get the nod. I'd love to see Couture with a 3 fight contract to put him against Lesnar, Nog, and then Fedor before retiring.

Randy would be retiring with at least 2 losses I think.

[Paytheplayer]

Originally Posted by Mac

Nothing really new here, but I see Lesnar beating him even though I'll probably get flamed for it.

Same here, I don't know why, but I see Lesnar winning. I just dont see Randy controlling the octagon against Lesnar as he did with his last opponents.

[Madd Wilk]

I call bullshit.

The UFC doesn't need to co-promote. One fighter (Fedor) is not going to make or break the UFC.

Couture has already stated the ONLY fight that makes sense at this point in time in his career is Fedor. Can't see him taking a long-term contract especially at his age.

[TapOut27]

Randy does not do well against big wrestlers. Ricco and Barnett messed him up, and Lesnar is WAY bigger physically then both of them. This is a bad matchup style wise for randy, although I will never count out the natural, i just wouldn't put any money on him in this fight.