This is a topic that’s been up for debate since Tito Ortiz was mowing through UFC competition circa 2000. During his MMA reign as champion, Ortiz defended his title five times, dismantling challengers, Yuki Kondo, Evan Tanner, Elvis Sinosic, Vladimir Matyushenko and Ken Shamrock. The run leaves Ortiz in the history books as the 205 pound champion with the most consecutive successful defenses of the title, but one must weigh the level of competition and capabilities of your typical “a level” fighter in 2000. It’s not exactly a stretch to say that the game has evolved in a tremendous way, and fighters today are decisively more refined in their attack and overall fight IQ. However, I’m not aiming to discredit Ortiz’ run as champ either: he faced those assigned to challenge, and he did a fine job of disposing each one, until he ran into Randy Couture.
Couture in contrast was unquestionably one of the finest champions to compete in this sport. The man won multiple titles stretching multiple divisions. Throughout his career he projected a classy persona that led legions of fans to dedicate their time to following “The Natural”; few ever faltered in their fanaticism. While Couture will go down in the history books, it won’t be due to remarkable stretches as champion, it will come as a result of the odds he defied, the upbeat attitude always proffered, and his otherworldly game planning inside the cage.
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