Monday 6 February, 2006
Dragon bows his head
Saturday night at Ultimate Fighting Championship 57, after being defeated by Chuck "the Iceman" Liddell, one of the all-time great martial artists, Randy Couture, announced his retirement from professional fighting.
There is only one guy I know who can use "the Star-spangled banner" by Jimmy Hendrix as their theme tune as well as get nick-named "Captain America" and get away with it. Randy Couture is that man.
First time in all the years I've watched his career, I could see a tear on his face, and I'll be honest, it moved me. Not because he lost, but because his is dying in a sense. It is said that athletes die twice: their first death is the death of their sports careers.
Randy Couture, world-class Olympic wrestler, started fighting in Mixed Martial Arts at the age of 34, when most men are past their prime or already in retirement. He swiftly rose through the ranks and became both the World Heavy-weight Champion and Light-Heavyweight champion, defeating the very best boxers, wrestlers, jiu-jitsu fighters, Muay Thai boxers and Kickboxers in his path. But more amazing than his victories were Randy's demeanour: in a sport dominated by big-mouths and egos, brutal streetfighters and thugs, Randy was known for his kindness, politeness, simplicity of ways and his accessibility to the fans. He won millions of fans in the "Ultimate Fighter" TV-show, where he acted as one of the head coaches. His compassion and humility endeared him to the people who before would have never dreamed of taking interest in professional fighting.
But no man can defy time. At 42, as a professional fighter, Randy is older than the mountains. He made the right decision to hang up his gloves for good. Like a warrior he is, Randy went out on his shield, fighting against the very best competition in his final fight. Of course I would have wished that he'd won, but I try to look at the positives: he is healthy, in incredible shape, and he has found a new love after the break-up of his marriage.
Fans are already speculating on Randy's possible move to Japanese fighting organisation PRIDE, but I hope Randy sticks to his decision and becomes a coach for future champions. If I ever had to fight professionally, Randy would be the man I'd pick to train me.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Randy "the Natural" Couture. Thank you for all the memories Randy!
I'll miss him, too - he was my all time UFC favourite in many respects.
Then again, it's like you said: the first death comes to every athlete. Personally, I'd love for the pros to start thinking about their health before it's too late.
*sigh* It's such a shame we lost Eddie. Now I worry for Kurt; I hope he has the sense to quit while on top.
# 2 - Dragon (on February 7, 2006 12:37 PM):
I have high hopes for Randy, I think his wisdom and humility will overcome his natural will to compete. I am not saying that we will never see him in the ring, but I do hope it will be just for exhibition matches.
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