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NCRadioMan · 08-30-2009, 07:22 PM

COUTURE INKS NEW DEAL TO FINISH CAREER IN UFC

Five-time UFC champion Randy Couture on Saturday evening inked a new six-fight contract that will replace a three-fight deal he signed in September 2008 after a contentious 11-month absence from the promotion.

At a Thursday press conference promoting UFC 102, UFC president Dana White hinted at a contract extension, saying he wanted to keep the beloved champion in the fold until retirement, whenever that came.

At the post-fight press conference for the Pacific Northwest event, White confirmed the deal, stating, (Couture) will be with us for a lot more fights.

Couture said he would end his career in the Octagon, adding the term of the deal was for 28 months.

Coutures decision loss Saturday to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira served as the first obligation of the contract. Couture representative Sam Spira on Saturday evening declined to discuss the terms of the deal, but confirmed its existence.

Matt Walker, Coutures agent, said the deal was a great showing of respect to an icon of the sport.

One source with knowledge of the negotiations MMAWeekly.com spoke with said the contract could be valued at the same amount the UFC allegedly offered Fedor Emelianenko following Affliction Entertainments collapse.

Couture said he would let the dust settle from this fight before deciding his next challenge, which could be another bout at heavyweight or a possible return to light heavyweight.

Whatever he wants to do, Im in, said White.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRISTOL, Conn. -- Kenny Florian looks healthy and happy 19 days after his loss to B.J. Penn at UFC 101, and he says he's hoping to get back into the Octagon in November, with Clay Guida as his likely opponent.

I caught up with Florian here at ESPN's headquarters, where he moonlights as an MMA analyst for the Worldwide Leader, and he said he's feeling good and hoping he doesn't have to wait any longer than November to fight again. He said a fight with Guida at UFC 106 on November 21 in Las Vegas has not been finalized, but that he's optimistic it will get done.

"Clay's a tough guy," Florian said of his likely next opponent. "He'll keep coming at you."

Florian said he loved Guida's June fight with Diego Sanchez, which is regarded by many MMA fans as the best fight so far this year. Florian said he thought Sanchez was about to finish Guida in the first round, and that he admired Guida's tenacity in continuing to fight -- and fight well -- through the second and third.

"You could make a good case that Guida won the second and third rounds," Florian said. "He never quits."

http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/08/27/k...06-in-november

08-30-2009, 07:22 PM	#760
NCRadioMan Chutney Lovebusciut Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chutney Location: On the shores of Loch Shiel Posts: 4,276 Trading: (66)	Re: Official MMA Thread COUTURE INKS NEW DEAL TO FINISH CAREER IN UFC Five-time UFC champion Randy Couture on Saturday evening inked a new six-fight contract that will replace a three-fight deal he signed in September 2008 after a contentious 11-month absence from the promotion. At a Thursday press conference promoting UFC 102, UFC president Dana White hinted at a contract extension, saying he wanted to keep the beloved champion in the fold until retirement, whenever that came. At the post-fight press conference for the Pacific Northwest event, White confirmed the deal, stating, (Couture) will be with us for a lot more fights. Couture said he would end his career in the Octagon, adding the term of the deal was for 28 months. Coutures decision loss Saturday to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira served as the first obligation of the contract. Couture representative Sam Spira on Saturday evening declined to discuss the terms of the deal, but confirmed its existence. Matt Walker, Coutures agent, said the deal was a great showing of respect to an icon of the sport. One source with knowledge of the negotiations MMAWeekly.com spoke with said the contract could be valued at the same amount the UFC allegedly offered Fedor Emelianenko following Affliction Entertainments collapse. Couture said he would let the dust settle from this fight before deciding his next challenge, which could be another bout at heavyweight or a possible return to light heavyweight. Whatever he wants to do, Im in, said White. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRISTOL, Conn. -- Kenny Florian looks healthy and happy 19 days after his loss to B.J. Penn at UFC 101, and he says he's hoping to get back into the Octagon in November, with Clay Guida as his likely opponent. I caught up with Florian here at ESPN's headquarters, where he moonlights as an MMA analyst for the Worldwide Leader, and he said he's feeling good and hoping he doesn't have to wait any longer than November to fight again. He said a fight with Guida at UFC 106 on November 21 in Las Vegas has not been finalized, but that he's optimistic it will get done. "Clay's a tough guy," Florian said of his likely next opponent. "He'll keep coming at you." Florian said he loved Guida's June fight with Diego Sanchez, which is regarded by many MMA fans as the best fight so far this year. Florian said he thought Sanchez was about to finish Guida in the first round, and that he admired Guida's tenacity in continuing to fight -- and fight well -- through the second and third. "You could make a good case that Guida won the second and third rounds," Florian said. "He never quits." http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/08/27/k...06-in-november __________________ The path to loyalty is trust.