Randy Couture facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Randy Couture
Couture in 2012
Born	Randall Duane Couture (1963-06-22) June 22, 1963 (age 62) Everett, Washington, U.S.
Other names	The Natural
Residence	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
Division	Light Heavyweight (2003–2006; 2009–2011) Heavyweight (1997–2003; 2007–2009; 2010)
Reach	75 in (191 cm)
Style	Greco-Roman Wrestling
Fighting out of	Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.
Team	Team Quest (1999–2006) Xtreme Couture (2006–2011)
Rank	Black belt in Neil Melanson's Submission wrestling System
Wrestling	NCAA Division I Wrestling Olympic Alternate Greco-Roman Wrestling
Years active	1997–2011
Mixed martial arts record
Total	30
Wins	19
By knockout	7
By submission	4
By decision	8
Losses	11
By knockout	7
By submission	3
By decision	1
University	Oklahoma State University
Notable relatives	Ryan Couture (son)
Notable school(s)	Lynnwood High School
Medal record Men's Greco-Roman Wrestling Representing the  United States Pan American Games Gold 1991 Havana 90 kg Pan American Championships Gold 1991 Havana 90 kg Silver 1990 Colorado Springs 90 kg Silver 1992 Albany 90 kg Silver 1998 Winnipeg 97 kg Bronze 1997 San Juan 97 kg World Cup Bronze 1991 Toledo 90 kg Bronze 1992 Moscow 90 kg Collegiate Wrestling Representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys NCAA Division I Championships Silver 1991 Iowa City 190 lb Silver 1992 Oklahoma City 190 lb
Military career
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1982–1988
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	101st Airborne Division
Other work	Professional mixed martial arts

Randall Duane Couture (born June 22, 1963) is an American sports commentator, actor, and former soldier. He is best known as a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and wrestler. During his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), he won championships in two different weight classes. He became a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. This made him a six-time UFC Champion in total. He was also the winner of the UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament.

Randy Couture was the first fighter to win a UFC championship in two different divisions. He has competed in 16 title fights. He holds the record for the most championship reigns in the UFC, with six. His last fight in the UFC was his 24th match. He is also a member of the UFC Hall of Fame. Couture is one of only two fighters over 40 years old to win a UFC championship fight, which he did four times. He is also one of the few MMA champions to win back a title he had lost, and he did this three times.

Couture was an alternate for the Olympic Games wrestling team. For much of his career, he lived in Corvallis, Oregon. There, he worked as an assistant wrestling coach and a strength coach for Oregon State University. He helped start Team Quest, a training camp for fighters. Later, he moved to Las Vegas and opened his own chain of gyms called Xtreme Couture.

Couture is known for his wrestling skills. He often uses takedowns to get his opponents to the ground. From there, he uses a style called "ground-and-pound" to strike them. He also has good skills in boxing and catch wrestling. He is the only UFC fighter to win a championship after being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. He is also the oldest champion in MMA history, winning a title at 45 years old.

Randy's Early Life and Military Service

Randy Couture was born in Everett, Washington. He started wrestling at Lynnwood High School in Lynnwood, Washington. He won a state championship in wrestling during his senior year. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1982 to 1988. He reached the rank of Sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division. While in the Army, he continued to wrestle and also did some boxing.

He wanted to try out for the U.S. Army freestyle wrestling team. However, by mistake, his application was sent to the Greco-Roman wrestling tryouts. Instead of waiting, he decided to try Greco-Roman wrestling, even though he had never done it before. He made the team and went on to win the U.S. Army Europe title.

After leaving the Army, Couture became an alternate for the Olympic wrestling team three times (1988, 1992, and 1996). He was also a top wrestler at Oklahoma State University. He was a three-time NCAA Division I All-American. He finished second in the NCAA Division I championships twice, in 1991 and 1992. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in literature.

Randy's Mixed Martial Arts Career

Starting in the UFC and RINGS

Randy Couture began his professional mixed martial arts career at UFC 13 on May 30, 1997. He was called to join a four-man heavyweight tournament with only three weeks' notice. In his first fight, he quickly defeated Tony Halme, who was much heavier than him. Couture took him down and won with a submission move called a "rear naked choke." In the tournament final, he beat Steven Graham, another larger opponent, by TKO (Technical Knockout).

At UFC 15 in October 1997, Couture fought Vitor Belfort. Belfort was a young, powerful fighter, and Couture was not expected to win. But Couture used his wrestling skills to take Belfort down and strike him. He wore Belfort out and eventually won by TKO. This was a big surprise in MMA at the time.

On December 21, 1997, at UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan, Couture challenged Maurice Smith for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Couture won the fight by decision, becoming the new UFC Heavyweight Champion.

In 1998, Couture left the UFC for a short time and fought in Japan. He had one fight in Vale Tudo Japan and lost by armbar. Then he fought in RINGS, where he also lost. After these fights, he took a break from MMA to focus on his amateur wrestling.

Couture returned to MMA in October 2000 for the RINGS King of Kings Tournament. He won two fights, which qualified him for the tournament finals. Before the finals, he was offered another chance at the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Kevin Randleman. Couture won by TKO in the third round, becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion for the second time.

In February 2001, Couture continued in the RINGS King of Kings Tournament Final. He won his first fight but then lost to Valentijn Overeem by guillotine choke. After this, Couture returned to the UFC.

He defended his UFC title against Pedro Rizzo at UFC 31. It was a tough fight, but Couture won by decision. Because the fight was so close, they had an immediate rematch at UFC 34 in November 2001. This time, Couture won more clearly by TKO in the third round.

In March 2002, Couture defended his title against Josh Barnett. Barnett won the title by TKO. Later, it was found that Barnett had used banned substances, so he lost the title.

Couture then fought Ricco Rodriguez for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 39 in late 2002. Couture was winning for the first three rounds, but he got tired. In the fifth round, Rodriguez took him down and won the fight.

Moving to Light Heavyweight

After two losses in the heavyweight division, Couture decided to move down to the light heavyweight division. In his first fight at this new weight, he faced Chuck Liddell for the UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship. Couture was again the underdog, but he outsmarted Liddell and won by TKO in the third round. He became the first UFC fighter to win titles in two different weight classes.

His next fight was against the champion, Tito Ortiz. Couture, who was 40 years old, won by decision and became the undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Couture's first title defense was against Vitor Belfort, whom he had beaten before. In the first round, Belfort accidentally cut Couture's eye with his glove. The doctor stopped the fight, and Belfort won. They had a third fight later that year. Couture dominated the fight and won by doctor stoppage due to another cut on Belfort. This made him a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

On April 16, 2005, Couture lost his title to Chuck Liddell in a rematch. This was his first knockout loss. He came back in August to win against Mike van Arsdale. He faced Liddell for a third time at UFC 57 on February 4, 2006. Liddell knocked him out in the second round. After this fight, Couture announced he was retiring from MMA.

On June 24, 2006, Randy Couture was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. He was the fourth person to receive this honor.

Coming Out of Retirement

After retiring, Couture worked as a commentator for UFC events. He also appeared in movies like Big Stan.

On January 11, 2007, Couture announced he was coming out of retirement. He said he would fight Tim Sylvia for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 68. He also signed a new contract with the UFC.

At 43 years old, Couture defeated Sylvia by decision to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion for a third time. This was a UFC record. Couture controlled the fight for all five rounds, using strikes and takedowns.

At UFC 74 on August 25, 2007, Couture successfully defended his title against Gabriel Gonzaga. He won by TKO. Couture broke his left arm during this fight while blocking a kick.

Return to the UFC and Final Fights

On September 2, 2008, the UFC announced that Couture had signed a new contract. On November 15, he returned at UFC 91 and lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship to Brock Lesnar. Lesnar knocked Couture down in the second round and won by TKO. After the fight, Couture said he still wanted to keep fighting.

On August 29, 2009, Couture fought Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102. He lost by decision in a fight that was named "Fight of the Night."

After this loss, Couture signed a new six-fight deal. On November 14, 2009, at UFC 105, Couture faced Brandon Vera. Couture won by decision. At 46 years old, he became the oldest fighter to win a UFC match.

Couture then fought fellow UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman at UFC 109. This was the first time two UFC Hall of Famers fought each other. Couture won by submission in the second round.

Couture's next fight was against three-time boxing world champion James Toney at UFC 118. Couture quickly took Toney down and won by submission.

Couture's final fight was against Lyoto Machida on April 30, 2011, at UFC 129. Couture had said this would be his last fight. Machida knocked him out in the second round with a jumping front kick. After the fight, Couture announced he was "finally done fighting" at 47 years old.

After Fighting: Coaching and Commentary

On January 29, 2013, Couture joined Bellator as a coach for their reality show, Fight Master: Bellator MMA. He also worked as a commentator for Bellator events.

Randy's Acting Career

Randy Couture has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He had a small role in the film Today You Die and on the TV show The Unit. He played a fight commentator in the movie Redbelt. He also starred in The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior.

He is well-known for playing the character Toll Road in The Expendables movies. He appeared in the first movie in 2010 and returned for the sequels in 2012, 2014, and 2023. He also starred with 50 Cent and Bruce Willis in the 2011 film Setup.

In 2012, he played the main role of a police officer in the action film Hijacked. In 2014, Couture competed on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. He was eliminated in the third week. He has also appeared in four episodes of the TV series Hawaii Five-0.

In 2018, he was a guest on the show Impractical Jokers. In 2019, Couture starred in the movie The Hard Way, which was popular on Netflix. He also appeared in the film Outlaw Johnny Black.

Randy's Personal Life

Randy Couture has three children: Aimee, Ryan, and Caden. He also has four grandchildren. He often works with his long-term partner, Mindy Robinson.

Couture believes that MMA could be improved with health insurance and retirement plans for fighters. He lives in Las Vegas and enjoys hunting.

In 2012, Couture was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

In October 2019, Couture had a heart attack after training. He walked himself to a hospital and made a full recovery after a successful operation. In July 2025, he was involved in a racing crash and suffered burns, but he was discharged from the hospital shortly after.

Championships and Awards

Wrestling Achievements

• Pan American Games
  • Won gold in Greco-Roman wrestling (90 kg) in 1991.
  • Won gold in Pan American Championship Greco-Roman (90 kg) in 1991.
  • Won silver in Pan American Championship Greco-Roman (90 kg) in 1990 and 1992.
  • Won silver in Pan American Championship Greco-Roman (97 kg) in 1998.
  • Won bronze in Pan American Championship Greco-Roman (97 kg) in 1997.
• FILA Wrestling World Championships
  • Won bronze in FILA World Cup Greco-Roman (90 kg) in 1991 and 1992.

College Wrestling Achievements

• National Collegiate Athletic Association
  • Named All-American in NCAA Division I (1990, 1991, 1992).
  • Finished 6th in NCAA Division I (190 lb) in 1990.
  • Finished as Runner-up in NCAA Division I (190 lb) in 1991 and 1992.

Mixed Martial Arts Achievements

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Hall of Fame (Class of 2006).
  • UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
  • UFC Heavyweight Championship (3 times).
    • Successfully defended the title three times overall.
  • UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times).
  • Interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time).
  • First fighter to win championships in two different weight classes in UFC history.
  • The only fighter to win back a title after losing it multiple times (twice at Heavyweight, once at Light Heavyweight).
  • Tied for the second most championship fights in UFC history (15).
  • Holds the record for the most championship reigns in UFC history (6).
  • Tied for the most heavyweight title fights in UFC history (9).
  • Oldest fighter to be a champion in UFC history (45 years old).
  • Oldest fighter to win a championship in UFC history (43 years old).
  • Tied for the second most knockouts in UFC title fights (5).
  • Oldest fighter to successfully defend a championship (44 years old).
  • UFC Viewer's Choice Award.
  • Fight of the Night (Two times).
  • UFC Encyclopedia Awards:
    • Fight of the Night (Eight times).
    • Submission of the Night (One time).
  • Tied for the most main event bouts in UFC history (18).
  • Oldest fighter to win a bout in UFC history (47 years old).
  • UFC.com Awards
    • Ranked #3 Fighter of the Year in 2007.
    • Ranked #9 Upset of the Year in 2007 (vs. Tim Sylvia).
    • Ranked #9 Fight of the Year in 2007 (vs. Tim Sylvia).
    • Ranked #2 Fight of the Year in 2009 (vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira).

• Black Belt Magazine
  • 1997 Full-Contact Competitor of the Year.
  • Black Belt Magazine Hall of Famer.
• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • 2013 George Tragos Award.
• Inside Fights
  • 2009 Fight of the Year (vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira).
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • 2001 Fight of the Year (vs. Pedro Rizzo).
  • 2003 Most Outstanding Fighter.
  • 2007 MMA Most Valuable Fighter.
  • MMA Most Valuable Fighter of the Decade (2000s).
• World MMA Awards
  • 2010 Outstanding Contribution to MMA Award.
• Fight Matrix
  • 1997 Rookie of the Year.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Pay-Per-View Fights

Randy Couture was a big draw for pay-per-view events. Here are some of his major fights:

Filmography

Randy Couture has appeared in many films and television shows.

Key

Denotes works that have not yet been released

Video Games

Images for kids

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  Couture in 2005

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  Couture trains at his own gym, Xtreme Couture.

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  At the Arnold Sports Festival for WEC 47 on March 6, 2010

See also

In Spanish: Randy Couture para niños

• List of male mixed martial artists
• List of UFC champions
• Double champions in MMA
• UFC Hall of Fame