UFC 129 Fight Card: Would a Win Put Randy Couture In Line for a Title Shot?

UFC 129 is one of the most stacked cards in UFC history. 

The main events will feature two title fights involving two of the most dominant fighters in MMA today.

Before Jose Aldo and Georges St-Pierre try to defend their titles, UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture (19-10) will face Lyoto Machida (16-2). 

The man known as Captain America has won both the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight titles multiple times. 

At age 47 Couture has hinted that he’ll soon hang up his gloves. 

Win or lose, Saturday could be the last time we see him fight. 

If Couture decides he wants one more fight, you have to ask the question, does he deserve a title shot? 

Couture going for a championship would be the story book ending to his career. 

If he wins, he goes out on top. If he loses, he’ll be respected for fighting at the top of the game. 

Some may make the argument that Couture deserves a title shot if he beats Machida. 

A win would be his fourth in a row (yes, one was a gift fight against James Toney, but a win’s a win).

Couture’s last fight being a title fight could also generate a lot of money for the UFC. 

There are guys who have better track records that Couture at the moment. 

Rashad Evans is the first person that comes to mind. 

Evans was originally promised a title shot last May. But injuries on both his and then champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua have kept him from receiving his title shot. 

Evans will have to wait even longer as current champion Jon Jones is out with an injury. 

Evans will also have to get past rising star Phil Davis. 

Davis is a perfect 9-0 so far in his career. A Davis win could possibly set up a matchup between him and Jones, although some feel he is not ready for a title fight just yet. 

Other fighters who could possibly be ahead of Couture in the title hunt are Rampage Jackson and Matt Hamill. 

Although Rampage lost to Evans last May, he was able to rebound with a split decision win over Machida. 

Because of his name, Rampage may always be one of those guys who’s always in the mix. 

Hamill, on the other hand, has put together a nice string of wins, including a DQ win over Jon Jones. 

If Hamill beats Rampage, he could make an argument for a title shot. 

Although these guys may have better wins and are in the prime of their careers, I would not be surprised if they offered Couture a shot. 

Although Couture may not accept it, the storyline for the fight would be great. 

But does Randy have one more title fight left in him?