that guy is my hero (breaking news)

[Austin.]

The following is a major breaking story from WrestlingObserver.com:

The Fight Network has just reported that Randy Couture has quit the promotion, vacating his heavyweight title and leaving his job as a color commentator.

Couture, who works for The Fight Network itself, so there is no way they are going to miss on this story, wrote a letter from South Africa where he's filming the Scorpion King movie, to Dana White.

Not getting a match with Fedor Emelianenko played a part in his decision. The decision was made when it became clear the match with Fedor wasn't happening.

It is known Couture was one of the top UFC fighters who was unhappy when reading about the huge money guaranteed in the company's offers to Emelianenko, because he felt he and a few others were the fighters who helped build the current popularity and they weren't getting guaranteed income for fights anywhere near that level, particularly since they were bigger drawing cards.

OH MY GAWD.
that guy ws my hero, now he quits because he wanted a match they he probbly would have lost?

[storm4]

You have GOT t be kidding me. I am so depressed right now, I might kill the messenger. Come here austin.... :tease2: Seriously, I am shocked and dissapointed. I'm gonna go cry now...

[Dean]

From Derek Luciano:

With the UFC’s apparent inability to sign top free agent Fedor Emelianenko to a contract, current UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture has reportedly decided to walk away from the UFC and the two fights remaining on his current deal. The shocking news comes from The Fight Network, with whom Couture has a longtime relationship. According to the website, Couture delivered his resignation with a letter to UFC President Dana White. “I appreciate this opportunity the sport of MMA and the UFC has given me,” Couture told the website. “However, I’m tired of swimming upstream at this stage with the management of the UFC. It only makes sense at this point in my career to fight Fedor Emelianenko, and since he’s now signed with another organization, I feel like it’s time to resign and focus on my other endeavors.“

Just thought I'd post this from another source confirming it is legitimate...

This is shocking news. Fedor versus Randy was a dream fight for a lot of fans, including myself, and it's a shame UFC couldn't make it happen, but... sh*t. Couture must really feel like he has nothing left to do in MMA to just quit UFC like this.

This is a huge blow. They're gonna have to scramble to find a new champ now...

[storm4]

Sherdog.com is also reporting this. Couture also said that he was tired as being portrayed as the UFC's "nice guy" while being walked over by management (that's a paraphrase.) I'm really bummed about this. I can't argue for it or against it, because it's his decision (and for some reason he didn't ask me), but on a selfish note, I wish he'd stayed.

[Dean]

Couture was the franchise of UFC, pretty much. He and Rampage are their top two stars with Liddell's recent losses.

Gonna be some big shoes to fill, and frankly, I don't think there is anybody in the heavyweight division who can do it... Gonzaga, Sylvia, Arlovski, Cro Cop... meh...

There is only one Randy Couture.

[Austin.]

I cant believe this, Cotoure killed Sylvia. And now he just walks out? That guy WAS my hero

[Gabby Jay]

I can understand him leaving, but I am very sad to see him go. He was my favorite fighter in the UFC. But I can understand him leaving. He wants the challenge, and UFC just couldn't draw Fedor. The thing I'm going to miss the most is his Color Commentary. He ALWAYS said something better than what Joe Rogan and Bill Goldberg said. Couture's comments always gave insight to the fighter's fighting styles, and I'm pretty sure he got every prediction right.

Man, this sucks.

[Dean]

He ALWAYS said something better than what Joe Rogan and Bill Goldberg said.

Erm... That's Mike Goldberg.

And yeah, I wish Randy would've at least stayed for commentary. He's a great fight analyst.

[Gabby Jay]

Sorry, my mistake. Fighting reminds me of wrestling a little bit I guess.

I'm also upset we wont get to see any of Fedor's fights. I am yet to see this guy in action and he must be pretty damn good if he's the only one Randy Couture felt could give him a challenge. Anyone seen him fight?

[Underground Man]

Sorry, my mistake. Fighting reminds me of wrestling a little bit I guess.

I'm also upset we wont get to see any of Fedor's fights. I am yet to see this guy in action and he must be pretty damn good if he's the only one Randy Couture felt could give him a challenge. Anyone seen him fight?

Yeah...the guy is a monster. I'd have love to have seen Fedor vs. Randy, it would've been awesome (though IMO Couture would have gone down in the first round).

You can see some of Fedor's fights on Youtube, but if you can find the DVD "Pride Fighting Geniuses: Fedor Emelianenko" you should rent/buy it, because its awesome.

EDIT: But I agree about the commentary, Couture always had great commentary... although Joe Rogan isn't too bad either (its just that other guy I don't really like).

[storm4]

There is an interview up on UFC.com. It looks like Dana is taking the high road with the whole thing. I like how they're calling it Couture's retirement, though he never called it that.

[Austin.]

Fedor is 26-1 if I'm not correct.
He is a animal.
Who was it that gave him his only loss?

[storm4]

Fedor is 26-1 if I'm not correct.
He is a animal.
Who was it that gave him his only loss?
Tsuyoshi Kohsaka

[Austin.]

Who? When was this and who is this guy?
*dangit andy i guess ill just have to wait like everyone else*

[Dean]

It was by ref stoppage (Fedor got a bad cut early and the fight was stopped).

Fedor kicked his ass a few years later to avenge the loss.

[Austin.]

Hm... So Fedor really never "lost". The match was stopped via cut, not japanese guy killing him or knocking him out.
I really like Fedor as a fighter.

[Underground Man]

Its actually a little more f*cked up than that...

It was an illegal elbow given the ruleset for that match, but it was in a tournament and they had to have somebody to advance to the next round. Since Fedor was unable to continue, the other guy was given a win, even though in a normal situation he would have been disqualified. So technically, that loss should be a win by disqualification. 27-0.

[Austin.]

Hm sounds like the right call was made.

Dang I post way to much in this sub-forum :-)
I love UFC Pride Bodog IFL King of the Cage etc...