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Jul. 16, 2009
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Lesnar's actions disgust Couture

Former champion: No place for such behavior in UFC

By ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
More Info


Randy Couture
Stunned by Brock Lesnar's 'WWE antics' after victory over Frank Mir

Randy Couture was just as stunned by Brock Lesnar's actions Saturday night as most people watching UFC 100 on television.

"I haven't seen him act that way personally when I've been around him. He's a very personable guy. I don't know if he lost his mind or what happened," said Couture, who lost the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title to Lesnar at the MGM Grand in November.

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    • Lesnar behaved much more gentlemanly after that win than after knocking out Frank Mir on Saturday at Mandalay Bay, when he flipped off the crowd, made an off-color remark about his bedroom plans with his wife, insulted a sponsor and taunted a bloody Mir.

    Couture said there is no place in the sport for that type of behavior.

    "I don't really know what he was thinking. I don't know if he's been paying attention to our sport in the last couple of years, but on the whole, the athletes in our sport don't act that way. We've spent a long time building a reputation of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

    "It was disappointing to see Lesnar go out there, both prefight and postfight, and kind of ham up the WWE antics and display this negative persona. It's not something a lot of us want to be associated with. That's kind of how I felt about it. I was disgusted."

    Couture was not at the event. He watched on television while spending time with his son in Oregon.

    Despite Lesnar's tirade, Couture said he enjoyed seeing the UFC reach a milestone.

    "Having been in UFC 13 and now having a UFC 100, it was pretty cool," the 46-year-old Couture said. "We are definitely hitting the mainstream of sports in America, and it's a pretty cool place to be."

    Couture will be back in Oregon for his next fight, meeting Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in Portland on Aug. 29.

    "I grew up in Seattle and lived in Oregon for almost 13 years," Couture said. "I still consider that my home and my roots and where I came from. To be able to be the main event and bring a big show like the UFC there is very special."

    The winner of the bout has an outside shot at being Lesnar's next opponent.

    "I would love a rematch with him. I think I was doing a lot of things right in that fight," Couture said. "I got caught with a good shot. He's a long, strong guy, and you've got to be diligent."

    First, Couture must deal with Nogueira. He is back in Las Vegas training for the fight, but Couture will take time out to participate in the ESPN Radio AM-1100 24-hour broadcast to benefit The Caring Place on July 24.

    It is one of several charities Couture supports. He said MMA's increased popularity has opened more avenues to give back to the community.

    "You get the opportunity to be a positive influence on people and show that you're a real person," he said, before adding a final quip about Lesnar. "It's those types of things that we're going to have to do more of if Brock's going to continue to act the way he's been acting."

    Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.

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    Steve wrote on July 18, 2009 07:09 AM: Lesnar was a sore loser when he quit against Mir the first time. Mir lost the second one but did not quit as Lesnar did. Rematch please Dana White so Frank Mir can break something on the WWE guy and end his ufc career.


    Brock wrote on July 16, 2009 04:51 PM: Dana White cant set Lesnar straight. Dana is a piece of work himself. Dana has no respect for anyone or thing.

    Sore loser... Last time I checked he is the champ, pround of it, selling tickets and people are still talking about him.

    If Mir is so upset, maybe he should not of got himself knocked out.

    Fact is all you UFC posers are upset a WWE "FAKE" fighter took over your sport and there is no one to stop him!


    Norma Chase wrote on July 16, 2009 03:33 PM: Lesnar has no class and forgets that he is no longer part of WWE. He misrepresents UFC and I hope Dana can set him straight out. There is nothing worse than a sore looser than an ungracious winner.


    kyle wrote on July 16, 2009 01:18 PM: So yeh he acted a bit outta hand. I don't think randy is all the dissapointed. Sounds like he's hyping up a good story line for if he gets a shot at Lesnar again. "I'll teach you respect" or something along those lines.


    phred wrote on July 16, 2009 10:24 AM: Dr J knows nothing MMA and his opinion is worthless.

    I wish Mr Couture well in his next match this fall.


    Vegas John wrote on July 16, 2009 10:16 AM: @dr j - you seem to be the typical person who posts such comments without giving the sport a chance. I am not a huge fan but can appreciate the business they have built. When you take fighters such as these that are disgusted with the antics displayed by Lesner and the charity work they are completing, it is difficult not to be a little impressed.


    dr j wrote on July 16, 2009 09:35 AM: Lesnar's behavior seems likes it's right in line with this type of sport: Crude, uneducated, boorish and child like. Look for more of the same.