Machida: Flying Crane Front Kick KO

Randy Couture showed some guts taking on a scary fighter in his final MMA tilt. It didn't work out for the 47-year-old legend, but he got to walk out of the Octagon to a huge ovation from the crowd in Toronto and with his head held high. There may never be another fighter like Couture.

Couture took on MMA's great riddle in karate master Lyoto Machida. For six minutes, Machida confused Couture with his movement and counter-striking, then he pulled off an amazing front kick to put the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion on his back. Couture was out and referee Yves Lavigne jumped on top to save him at 1:05 of the second at UFC 129.

Source: Mixed Martial Arts

Randy Couture: An Interview

A high school state champion. A three time Olympic team alternate. A Three time NCAA Division I All-American. A Pan-Am champion in Greco-Roman Wrestling. A three time UFC heavyweight champion. A two time UFC light heavyweight champion.

Randy Couture's past is littered with titles and accolades. Captain America has managed to succeed at every level during his long and illustrious career. He has captivated the hearts of fans with displays of determination and grit during his countless title fights. 

But all good things must come to an end and at 47 years old, Couture is on the downside of the downside of his career. In a sport where most competitors have problems staying competitive at 35, Couture has managed to stay relevant as he edges precariously close to 50.

So it comes as no surprise that 'The Natural' may be hanging up the mitts soon. He says that he is working on the sequel to his cinematic debut, The Expendables, and that he is coaching, training those underneath him.

His next bout comes April 30th against the former Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who is riding a two fight losing streak, coming off his titles loss to Mauricio Rua and then a controversial decision loss to Rampage Jackson. Randy is coming off of a winning streak, beating the likes of Mark Coleman, Brandon Vera, and the always danger boxer, James Toney.

But this is where the criticism begins to weigh in. Randy is stating that he will take Machida down to the ground and 'choke him out.' There is no doubting his ability to constitute this plan and put it into effect. The question lies inside his drive and will to continue fighting. Is the impending retirement in his own mind a set back? Is he already counting himself out?

Many a friend has told me that Machida will win this fight with ease. I say, not so fast. I am going out and putting my money down next weekend on Randy. I believe that his ability to push others against the cage will be too much for the Karate phenom. Got thoughts? Go ahead, comment!

Source: 5 Knuckles

Randy Couture Talks of Retiring...Again

 Randy Couture will be making an appearance in the next fight at UFC 129 in Ontario, Canada. He is set to square off against Lyoto Machida who is coming off back-to-back losses to Maurico Rua and then Rampage Jackson.

Couture on the other hand is riding a three fight win streak clearing through Mark Coleman, Brandon Vera, and most recently, the infamous boxing-MMA bout against James Toney.

Couture has already retired once from MMA, and is now thinking of hanging up the gloves for good this time around.

"There's a big chance this is my last fight," Couture said on the ESPN UFC Podcast. "I'm not going to be making any official announcements, I don't think anybody would buy it - I already did that once!

"But I'm in terrific shape, I'm feeling confident about Lyoto and dialling into the attack and how we're going to get our hands on him. There's a lot of other things calling me now, and there's a chance this is the last one.

"I've got several other movies lined up, The Expendables 2 is coming up in September, and I've got my other businesses like the clothing company and the extension of the gym.

"Frankly, I'm tired of grinding it out, it's time to enjoy life." 

Source and Article: ESPN.co.uk

LYTLE TITLE DERAILED

Chris Lytle found his title shot derailed temporarily as he lost to the hand of another seasoned veteran of sixty fights, Brain Ebersole this past Sunday in Sydney. Lytle was heavily favored against the UFC first-timer and lost in a unanimous decision.

Lytle was having trouble finding his range as the whole fight went to Ebersole. Missing jabs, and failing to land strikes led to a large gash in the forehead of 'Lights Out' as he found himself to be the punching bag for once.

Ebersole showed his unorthodox techniques as the very first action the fight was Ebersole's cartwheel kick which he poorly telegraphed. Nevertheless this kick eventually would be the defining moment for Brian as he moved elusively and bobbed his head, reminiscent of Frankie Edgar or Clay Guida. All three rounds found themselves to be lackluster and somewhat mediocre as Ebersole cried his way to victory in front of the camera as he collapsed to his knees when the final bell rang.

In the post fight speech, he displayed his drive to enter the UFC when he felt his time was right, and as this sport has proved with the likes of Randy Couture and Herschel Walker, age is but a number

RARE SPARRING VIDEO OF LYOTO

Cool video of Lyoto Machida training for his next fight against Randy Couture at UFC 129 in Toronto on April 30th. In the video Anderson Silva spars and rolls with fellow Black House team member. Very cool.