Randy Couture is a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts. When the former UFC two-division champion was one of the first “name brands” to join the PFL, folks took note. Since that time, Couture has watched as the promotion has grown not only in the U.S. but around the world.
Randy Couture: PFL Has ‘Morphed Quite A Bit’ In Last Few Years
Former UFC champion Randy Couture has been around the world of mixed martial arts for years.
He has watched as promotions have tried – and failed – to compete with the UFC.
Now, as a member of the PFL non-fighter roster, Couture is able to help them do what so many others have been unable to do in the past.
“(The PFL) has morphed quite a bit in the last five seasons,” said Couture in a recent interview with Sportsnaut. “The company has exploded. I think we had 24 or 25 nations represented in the last season and we’ve definitely taken on an international flavor.”
The finals of the PFL season are set for November with six championship matches planned. All six winners of those fights will leave The Anthem in Washington, D.C. with $1 million.
Set for ESPN+ pay-per-view, the main event pits Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Clay Collard. Renan Ferreira meets Denis Goltsov, Larissa Pacheco takes on Marina Mokhnatkina, Magomed Magomedkerimov fights Sadibou Sy, Jesus Pineda tackles Gabriel Alves Braga and Josh Silveira collides with Impa Kasanganay.
Kayla Harrison returns in non-tournament action to fight Julia Budd and Derek Brunson makes his promotional debut vs. Ray Cooper III on the ESPN+ prelims.
Randy Couture: PFL Offers ‘Voice’ For Fighters
“I’m excited about everything that’s going on and the direction of the company,” Couture said. “They are giving fighters a voice and that is a step in the right direction.”
Couture also noted the recent expansion progress with the launch of PFL Europe and added that “we are going to see PFL Australia and PFL Latin America come on in the next couple fo years.
“It’s been a fun thing to be part of. It’s fun to be involved with and watch this company grow.”
As someone who was always willing to take on a fight, Couture respects the level of devotion needed by PFL fighters to battle within a season-long tournament. Action starts out with the regular season fights as athletes compete for points to advance.
From there, a single-elimination tournament goes down until one fighter remains standing.
“It’s about fighters stepping up,” Couture said. “Embracing the grind and that has been the most impressive part.”
Couture captured both the UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight titles, winning them a combined five times. His last official match came in 2011 and he has since not only joined PFL as an analyst but starred in a number of major motion pictures including The Expendables series.
PFL Championship is set for November 24.
