UFC 102 Preview – Randy “Captain America” Couture

Randy Couture
Age: 46
Record: 16-9-0

Before UFC 102

Randy Couture is a Hall of Famer and is a legend in the sport of MMA but he’s clearly at a crossroads at this point in his career. At the age of 46, a lot of people want to know whether he still has what it takes to be a credible fighter in the UFC or if his tank is on empty.

Couture will be looking to bounce back from his one-sided loss to Brock Lesnar in his latest bout. It’s unclear whether Lesnar is simply that dominant, whether Couture has faded or whether that loss was a combination of both. At UFC 102 against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, we’ll get our answer.

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Fight With Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira At UFC 102

Captain America will step into the ring against another popular, past his prime fighter who is similarly at the same point in his career. Couture will have the home cage advantage fight in the Pacific Northwest where he’s from but that won’t help him a whole lot once the bell rings.

Couture’s main goal will be to keep this fight standing. If the fight hits the ground, Nogueira has the real edge and it will be difficult for Couture to gain the upper hand horizontally.

Standing, some people wonder if Couture has the power to knockout Nogueira, who normally has a tough chin but was knocked out by Frank Mir. One thing is for sure: if Couture wants another title shot, he’ll have to not only win this fight but he’ll have to be very impressive in doing so.

After UFC 102

The Natural is on the short list of people who can get a shot at Brock Lesnar, but to do so, he has to beat Nogueira.

Nogueira is currently perceived to be a fighter who is falling down the ladder in the UFC and for Couture to struggle with him or to win by a close decision may not get the job done.

Lesnar handled Couture the first time and the only way Couture will get another shot is if he looks dominant.

Overall, there are options for Couture beyond UFC 102. IF he wins, he could also fight Cain Velasquez or Shane Carwin potentially. If he loses, though, those retirement talks will start to surface again.