Fedor vs Couture On Hold

Well we were lucky enough to be included in Dana White’s Media Conference Call earlier this afternoon.  Dana let some big news go during this announcement, including the upcoming fight on November 15th with Randy Couture vs Brock Lesnar.  Dana White had this to say to open the call (sorry we didn’t get the first 10 minutes):

I am happy to announce that UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture will be returning to action in the Octagon.  He’s a legend in the UFC, and one of the fighters that helped build this sport.  I have always said that wrestling is one of the best bases you can have in MMA and not only is Randy a top level wrestler but his opponent is as well. Brock Lesnar showed the MMA world that he is for real in his last fight, dismantling the far more experienced Heath Herring.  His combination of speed and power was absolutely devastating. It is a fascinating matchup: the crafty, multiple-time heavyweight champion versus the younger, bigger, and stronger challenger. This is one that will go down in the history books.

This fight will be one that will definitely boost MMA to the next level.  While Elite XC has Kimbo, they don’t put him up against the fighters people want to see.  Dana  White says he will!  Dana is expecting this to be the biggest UFC fight ever bringing in over 1 million PPV buys.  I have to admit the fight will be interesting.

Dana has plans on consolidating the belts to one true champion.  After TUF 8, Nogueira and Mir will face off for the interim belt.  This is to be set towards the December time frame.  Bringing us a big match in early ‘09 for the consolidation of the belts.  The winner of Lesnar/Couture will face the winner of Nogueira/Mir.

Many people are asking “Why Lesnar?”.  The answer is simple: MONEY.  UFC asked us what fight we wanted to see, and the majority of us said Lesnar vs Couture.  I’m sure all of us could agree that other fighters should have a shot before Lesnar but when it comes down to business, it just makes sense.  This fight will break records with two high profile fighters going at it.

What about Fedor?  Dana specifically stated in the call today that Fedor is under contract and will wait until the contract is up before contacting Fedor.  Brock began getting very upset over the constant mentioning of Fedor, which I can see his point.  But Brock, you have to understand, people are under the assumption that Couture came back because Dana said he would get the fight that Randy wants.  Dana also made it clear that he will not bend the UFC rules and contract to get Fedor.  Fedor will have to be willing to sign a multi fight deal with UFC to fight Couture in the UFC.  So at this point, it is very slim that the Fedor/Couture fight will happen any time soon.

Either way, UFC 91 fight card is already off to an incredible start with the matchup between Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar.  This event on November 15th will be huge and I personally can’t wait for it.

Last 3 posts by Mat Houchens

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