UFC 129 Fight Card: Does Anyone Game Plan Better Than Randy Couture?

As Randy Couture prepares for his last bout inside the Octagon against fellow former light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, analysts and fans alike have begun to break down “The Natural’s” legacy as a fighter.

Will he be remembered for his five championships, being the first fighter to win the belt in two divisions?  Or will it be his almost superhuman ability to compete at such a high level late into his forties?

The true genius of Randy Couture is not in his accomplishments, but his ability to prepare his mind and body for any opponent put in his way. 

Utilizing his strength and athleticism coupled with a methodical mental game plan, “The Natural” has the uncanny ability to circumvent his opponents’ strengths and force them to clinch up, dirty box and eventually ground-and-pound.

At UFC 74, Couture was set to defend his heavyweight belt against Gabriel Gonzaga.  A grappling specialist, Gonzaga also posed a threat on his feet, coming off a head-kick knockout victory over Mirko Cro Cop.

Couture came into the bout with the perfect game plan.  Setting a high pace from round one, he used his elusive head movement and punching combinations to get in on Gonzaga, forcing them to clinch.

The five time champion kept the fight on his terms, neutralizing Gonzaga’s BJJ on the ground and closing the distance to avoid any hazardous strikes standing up.  Using a vicious array of strikes and takedowns, Couture pummeled his way to victory.

Coming into this title defense, Couture knew what Gonzaga was going to do and planned to neutralize his strengths while capitalizing on his weaknesses in the clinch.

One of the more obvious examples of Couture’s strategic prowess came against James Toney at UFC 118.   Tactically, he used the best strategy against the one dimensional fighter.  Not trying to prove a point by standing toe-to-toe with Toney, Couture implemented his will, took him down and submitted the former boxing champion.

Although not the hardest fight of his career, Couture exemplified his excellent game planning skills, quickly exploiting the flaws in Toney’s game.  

When this UFC Hall of Famer enters the Octagon for the last time on April 30, expect to see his preparation and hard work shine once again.