Who’s next? Randy Couture’s next fight, title shot? Keith Jardine? Tito Ortiz rematch?

Published on: 15th November, 2009

Who's next? Randy Couture's next fight, title shot? Keith Jardine? Tito Ortiz rematch? | read this item

Yesterday at UFC 105 Randy Couture squeeked out a controversial decision victory over Brandon “The Truth” Vera to continue his storied career at the age of 46. While many feel that this was a fight that would earn Couture a chance to capture his 5th light heavyweight title, critics will be quick to point out that the champion was not impressive and undeserving of the fight so soon.

So who will Randy Couture face in his next fight?

The winner of the Rashad Evans vs Thiago Silva fight at UFC 108? Both Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva suffered their fight loss and it’s to current light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Their fight at UFC 108 will have direct consequences on who will get another chance at the title in 2010. The winner of this fight would be a perfect opponent for Couture in his next fight.

Keith Jardine? He recently suffered a loss to Thiago Silva at UFC 102 and is always a threat to beat a fighter who does not take him serious. He is currently not booked or rumored for a fight, but will the UFC give him another big fight after losing to Thiago by knockout? Every time we count Jardine out he some how surprises us and wins. This could be a possible opponent for Couture in 2010.

If Tito Ortiz defeats Forrest Griffin at UFC 106, could he fight Couture next? We know that the UFC wants two of their biggest draws over the course of their history to be successful and competing for titles to draw in pay-per-view buys. If there was any way to put the two veterans into contention with a big win it would be over each other. Many will argue that the winner of Thiago Silva vs Rashad Evans may be more deserving, but they do not have bigger names then Ortiz or Couture. I excluded Forrest Griffin because he is one of Couture’s training partners at Xtreme Couture.

The winner of the Luis Cane vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira fight at UFC 106? These are two perfect opponents for Couture in his next fight. They are both hungry and with a win at UFC106 will be in immediate title contention. Rogerio was considered a top 10 light heavyweight fighter while fighting for PRIDE in Japan and has fought for smaller promotions outside the UFC going virtually under the radar. Luis Cane is undefeated and looks like a future contender in the light heavyweight division. He has also gone under the radar lately, but that could change for both fighters after UFC 106.

If Quinton Rampage Jackson returns in 2010, could he fight Randy Couture? No one knows that status of the former light heavyweight champion while he is playing B.A Baracus in the ”A-Team” movie, but if you listen to him in interviews lately it sure sounds like he wants to fight. No one expects Rampage to stay retired, but if he does return in 2010 this would be a major fight for the UFC. A win would be enough reason to give Couture a title shot soon after.

A title shot against the winner of the Lyoto Machida vs Mauricio Shogun Rua light heavyweight title fight in 2010? After his performance at UFC 105 last night it does not seem like Couture is ready for a immediate title shot, but we never know what Joe Silva and Dana White are planning next. I have said it before what makes sense to us does not make dollars for the UFC and their planning. Couture has said it several times he wants a shot at Lyoto Machida, but I am sure that if Mauricio Shogun Rua comes along with the title he will be ready to fight him as well.

Who will Randy Couture fight next?

Keith Jardine (31%, 13 Votes)
Tito Ortiz rematch (29%, 12 Votes)
Rashad Evans vs Thiago Silva UFC 106 winner (21%, 9 Votes)
Title shot against the winner of Machida vs Shogun 2 (19%, 8 Votes)
Luis Cane vs Nogueira UFC 106 winner (2%, 1 Votes)
Quinton Rampage Jackson (2%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 42

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- Photo of Couture and Vera from UFC.com

Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author