Posted by Meagan Kate
UFC 1 was held in a Denver, Colorado sports arena on November 12, 1993 with the tagline ‘There are no rules!'
The UFC is, by far, the leading and largest MMA organization in the country. MMA is a full contact combat sport; combining Greco-Roman wresting and kickboxing, Judo and karate, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among others It may seem violent, but it's technical demands and rigorous training make it unique and intriguing for its fans.
Randy “The Natural” Couture began his athletic career as a wrestler; by his senior year at Lynnwood High School in Lynnwood, WA he was a Washington state champion. After six years serving in the U.S. Army, Couture became a three-time Olympic wrestling team alternate and a three-time NCAA Division-I All-American. He went on to live in Corvallis, Oregon as an assistant wrestling coach for Oregon State University.
At the age of 34, UFC 13: The Ultimate Force was Couture's first appearance (and subsequent win) with the UFC. He stands as one of only two men to hold UFC titles in two weight classes and the only man to hold those two titles in heavyweight and light heavyweight. He is also the only five-time UFC title holder.
Outside of the UFC, Couture's focuses have been his new training centers, film career and the charitable work he continues to donate his time to. Of course, UFC 102 is coming up August 29th and will be held right here in Portland at the Rose Garden.
The now 46-year-old Couture will be taking on 33-year-old Brazilian, Antonio Rodriguo Noguiera. Noguiera started in the Japanese Pride Fighting Championship and is known as an excellent striker and Braziian Jiu-Jitsu artist. This will be the first time that the UFC visits the Pacific Northwest and fans are definitely ready.
Last month, I was given the chance to sit down with Coutoure. My knees nearly gave out, and the following questions fell from my tongue.
Meagan Kate: First things first. Why is this the right time for UFC to come here to Portland?
Randy Couture: I think it's a long time coming. I mean, there are a lot of great fighters that have come out of this area — you have got to represent the constituency here. There's a bond between wrestling, which has always been big in the Pacific Northwest, and mixed martial arts. People get it. I'm glad we are going to have the biggest and best production coming here because people are ready for it.
The smaller events, like Read the rest of this entry »
August 7th, 2009. Local celebrities Chris Standing and Tony Buffa battle royal for the Welterweight Title.
