UFC 129's Randy Couture: 'I'm the Best Fighter I've Ever Been Right Now'

The 47 year old Randy Couture has certainly not shown a lack of confidence when discussing what he claims will be his final bout in the Octagon at UFC 129.

When discussing how he thinks the fight with Lyoto Machida will play out, Couture was very straight forward.

"I don't think there's any secret about what I'm going to do, and I don't think he's going to change his fighting style wholesale, either, in 10 weeks. It's not going to happen. I think both of us know what to expect.”

Couture elaborated "He's going to run away and try to draw me into that range where he likes to be, and I'm going to try to pressure him, and cut him off, and get my hands on him.”

"I think it's in his head. He's worried about the fight and how it's going to be for him. Obviously, coming off two losses, his confidence isn't as high as it probably was a year ago."

Meanwhile, “The Natural” is riding a three fight win steak, although two of those wins were against the then 45 year old Mark Coleman and loudmouthed professional boxer James Toney, so the competition certainly could have been stiffer.

Nevertheless, “Captain America” tells fans that his submission and striking game are still world class.

"I've been focusing on getting my black belt in the last two years, I'm getting more submissions than I ever have in my whole career. My striking has come a long way and really improved that part of my game.”

Couture told ESPN’s MMA Live that "I'm definitely the best fighter I've ever been right now. The tactics and techniques that we've refined up to this point are perfect for me.”

This was in response to a question asking Couture how he stacks up to the fighter that beat Chuck Liddell in June of 2006.

In case there was any doubt about how Couture felt heading into the upcoming UFC pay-per-view event, he also claims he has “never had so many tools at his disposal to win a fight.”

Will fans really have the privilege of seeing a new and improved Randy Couture at UFC 129? 

The answer will come soon enough, but in the meantime, The Natural tried to put to rest any rumors that this may not actually be his last professional fight.

When asked if he would consider remaining active for a long awaited dream fight with fellow legend Fedor Emilianenko, Couture responded with:

"I just don't see that happening. I toiled over that fight for quite a while. I thought I had to get out of the UFC to make it happen, but wasn't successful. I've come to terms with it. I don't think it's going to happen."

Thanks to ESPN.com for providing the quotes from Couture.