Matt Mitrione Says Randy Couture's Advice Helped Him Become Successful

Transitioning from the National Football League into Mixed Martial Arts didn't necessarily have its benefits for UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione.

The former New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings standout didn't get any special treatment and he made a name for himself throughout the heavyweight rankings. 

After competing on "The Ultimate Fighter Season 10," "Meathead" finds himself in the co-main event against French kickboxer Cheick Kongo at UFC 137. Mitrione's path has certainly had its share of bumps along the way, including a training session with former multiple UFC champion Randy Couture. 

"I remember one day Randy beating the living s--- out of me on the ground and yelling at me in the process," Mitrione wrote in his featured blog on Sportsnet.ca. "He was saying, "Look, kid, you're supposed to have a lot of potential, and one day you might be something, but right now you're on your back getting your ass kicked.'"

Mitrione has accumulated a perfect track record as he heads into his bout against Kongo, finishing four of his last five opponents via TKO. Mitrione has also steadily improved in every one of his bouts, establishing himself as a prospect in the UFC heavyweight division. 

However, Mitrione has the opportunity to emerge as a potential heavyweight contender with a victory over Kongo. While he now trains under head coach Duke Roufus, Mitrione is grateful to have learned from Couture, whom he credits to helping him achieve his goal in the UFC. 

"That beat-down he served up to me was one of the best things to happen to me in my career," he wrote. "I would have continued along the same path I was heading down and probably been exposed at some point in the Octagon.I have Randy to thank for that."