Rumors regarding UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture's (16-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) possible return to the UFC, first reported by MMAjunkie.com (), are continuing to build momentum.
Five Ounces of Pain recently reported that preliminary negotiations would have Couture return for UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Portland, Ore.
New reports from BloodyElbow.com confirm the previously reported negotiations between Couture and the UFC. Additionally, the reports claim that Couture's next fight would be the UFC 91 main event against Brock Lesnar (2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).
It is unknown at this time whether the bout would be for Couture's UFC heavyweight title.
Couture has been inactive for over a year while waiting out the Oct. 11 end of his current UFC contract. BloodyElbow.com is reporting the bout with Lesnar would be under a new contract that would lock Couture into the UFC long-term, but the new deal would also likely pay more and offer additional benefits.
MMA Rated has also reported that the UFC is considering a departure from recent policy and may be open to co-promoting a bout with M-1 Global between Couture and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (28-1). M-1 Global currently holds Emelianenko's contract.
The UFC previously tried and failed to secure Emelianenko's services. It is unclear if the issues that previously prevented the bout between Couture and Emelianenko have now been solved.
Additional reports from the Wrestling Observer note that Couture's new deal would be for three fights. In addition to Lesnar and Emelianenko, possible future opponents discussed with Couture include UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and a fourth bout with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.
MMAjunkie.com was unable to confirm the multiple reports with Couture.
Five Ounces of Pain recently reported that preliminary negotiations would have Couture return for UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Portland, Ore.
New reports from BloodyElbow.com confirm the previously reported negotiations between Couture and the UFC. Additionally, the reports claim that Couture's next fight would be the UFC 91 main event against Brock Lesnar (2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).
It is unknown at this time whether the bout would be for Couture's UFC heavyweight title.
Couture has been inactive for over a year while waiting out the Oct. 11 end of his current UFC contract. BloodyElbow.com is reporting the bout with Lesnar would be under a new contract that would lock Couture into the UFC long-term, but the new deal would also likely pay more and offer additional benefits.
MMA Rated has also reported that the UFC is considering a departure from recent policy and may be open to co-promoting a bout with M-1 Global between Couture and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (28-1). M-1 Global currently holds Emelianenko's contract.
The UFC previously tried and failed to secure Emelianenko's services. It is unclear if the issues that previously prevented the bout between Couture and Emelianenko have now been solved.
Additional reports from the Wrestling Observer note that Couture's new deal would be for three fights. In addition to Lesnar and Emelianenko, possible future opponents discussed with Couture include UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and a fourth bout with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.
MMAjunkie.com was unable to confirm the multiple reports with Couture.
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