UFC 129 Video Interview: Randy Couture Talks Solving Machida and Retirement

Preparing for what he says will be the final fight of his career, Randy Couture talked with MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani following the UFC 129 Pre-fight Press Conference.

During the interview, Couture explained that his retirement has been in the works for quite some time.

"I just felt like it was time. It's been coming on," Couture said.

For quite some time, Couture has been intrigued by a bout with Lyoto Machida. One of his main reasons for his interest in the matchup has been to find out if he can solve the puzzle of one of the most unique fighters in MMA.

Although Machida has now lost two fights in a row, that still remains the reason for Couture accepting this fight with Machida as his final appearance in the Octagon.

"I've watched him fight over the years, the last couple of years especially, and I just felt like everybody was having trouble solving the puzzle, solving the problem," Couture said, "I felt like style-wise I match up well with him and it makes it interesting to compete against a guy like that."

Many who question whether Couture will actually retire after this fight have pointed to his prior returns from retirement. However, Couture doesn't see a scenario for a return this time.

"I just don't see it happening," said Couture, "I'm kind of over the Fedor (Emelianenko) thing. I think were both in different places in our life and I feel like its time to commit 100 percent to the acting that I've been getting the chance to do the last few years and move away from the fighting."

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Sean Smith is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @BR_Sean_Smith.