UFC 129 Preview: Will Father Time Run Out for Randy Couture?

One cannot count out Randy Couture in any situation. 

Call it luck, or call it rare athleticism, but Couture is as successful as any fighter could hope and he has earned his moniker, "The Natural" for good reason.

And at the tender age of 47, Couture still finds the drive in him to compete and win as well. It is that same competitive nature inside that immediately had him requesting Lyoto Machida as his next opponent. 

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Couture will look to extend that winning streak when he squares off against Machida at UFC 129. 

However, the interesting thing is that what attracts Couture to this particular bout is that Machida presents an entirely different challenge than any three of Couture's past opponents. 

And while "The Natural" believes he can exploit some weaknesses in his opponent is a pretty bold prediction because very few have come close to figuring out the enigma that is Lyoto Machida. 

Machida presents an unusual style that is quite hard to adjust to and he is even harder to strike when his opponents plan to attack him.

His footwork and speed create problems for his opponents. Machida is very aware of opponents' game plans and he has the ability to move in and out of the pocket with ease. 

Meanwhile he remains composed and patient, an excellent counter-striker, waiting for his opponent to make the first move.

Once they reveal the slightest opening, Machida makes his move, attacks and leaps out of the pocket quick enough for his opponent to regain their consciousness and composure. 

And it's funny because in that moment, Machida has them beat.

Maybe not at that particular time during the bout, but he picks them apart and has them figured out not too long after they throw their first strike. 

From there, the fight becomes a slow and tiresome for his opponent, and while Machida might not attack using all of his energy, he uses just enough energy to attack them while they remain open.

It's his intention to hit you, and not get hit. And he intends to attack with accuracy and speed, before his opponent can even blink. 

And now it is understandable to see why Couture wants this match up. But after so many years of turning people into believers and defying the odds, this is a matchup where the odds might really be stacked against Couture.

Dealing with the caliber opponent like Machida, who even some of the best strategists have formulated a plan to work in their favour, is a tough task to endure.

It all leads to if he can actually defy the odds one more time, or whether the clock has stuck midnight on Randy Couture's Cinderella career.