Couture/Machida possible match up?

**AMF** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 5:55pm

Saw this on 5 oz of Pain today;

Randy Couture Willing to Return to Light Heavyweight for Machida
July 18, 2009 by Brendhan Conlan

Could a drop to 205 pounds be in UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture’s future?

How realistic a move that is may be left to fans’ speculation, but “The Natural” has made one thing certain – he is intrigued by the possibility of stepping into the Octagon against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida.

The former double-division UFC champion expressed his interest during a recent interview with local Oregon media outlet “On Portland“.

“[Machida's] got a very unique style – it’s very unorthodox. He stays pretty true to his karate background and makes it work for him. He’s got great footwork, great balance. He’s very patient. I think he’s terrific,” said Couture of Machida after flashing a coy smile when the subject initially came up.

“I could certainly go back down to 205 if that was something (the UFC) wanted to see. I’d be interested in competing against him. I think he’s a tremendous competitor and somebody I’d like to fight.”

The Xtreme Couture training center’s patriarch’s current focus is undoubtedly on his upcoming clash with fellow Mixed Martial Arts legend Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira at UFC 102, but the seeds for Couture’s possible return to the light heavyweight division and subsequent in-cage chess match with the undefeated Machida have officially been planted.

I think the seeds have more than been planted and this match up absolutely makes sense. Randy is still solid as we saw against Lesnar and if he makes it past big Nog, the hype alone will sell this match.

Thoughts?

**wakarukaya** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 6:12pm

I really doubt Couture could stand with him. Having enough strength and technique to take Machida down is also a pretty huge feat. I think Machida would embarrass him.

**atom** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 6:17pm

yes, please.

**G-Off** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 6:22pm

As long as he's competitive against Nog, I'm interested.

**AMF** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 7:03pm

Originally Posted by G-Off

As long as he's competitive against Nog, I'm interested.

I agree, if he is a total wash with big Nog then Machida has him outclassed.

I honestly don't see that happening though.

**OZZ** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 7:12pm

Coture needs to retire before he tarnishes his legacy.
He is getting old and is in danger of discrediting himself the more he fights and loses.
I love the guy, but when its time to hang 'em up , its time to hang'em up.

**marcusdbrutus** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 7:45pm

Originally Posted by OZZ

when its time to hang 'em up , its time to hang'em up.

No matter how many times people say that, and how much people know it's true, that never happens. Everybody wants one more.

**SBG-ape** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 7:50pm

I am worried that he's getting older but he does have a great skill set for facing Machida. Randy has won fights, in which he had to avoid an opponent’s KO power on the feet & their Jiu-jitsu on the ground, by holding them in the clinch & dirty boxing to wear them down. His Greco skills grind people down & then he goes in for the kill when fatigue is handicapping their offense. That's the sort of game plan that would be needed to beat Machida.

**EmperorCesar** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 8:32pm

Not really interested to see this match up.

**Hesperus** · Posted On: 7/19/2009 11:50pm

Randy's been too old his entire career.

I think a re-match with Lesnar is a foregone conclusion, so somebody at 205's got some reforged subgrappling Captain America in their future.