Randy Couture
Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts

Randy, a Lynnwood High graduate, won a state wrestling title as a senior. After high school he served in the U.S. Army, 1982-88, and became a Sergeant in the 101st Airborne. He then attended Oklahoma State University (OSU) where he wrestled and was a 3-time NCAA Division 1 All-American and 2-time NCAA Division 1 runner-up (‘91 & ‘92). At OSU in 1988 & 1992 and after OSU in 1996, he was an Olympic team alternate.

After OSU he was a wrestling coach at Oregon State U. when he decided to compete in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). By late 1997, he competed to be the number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. He won the match, which was considered a major MMA upset. Two months later he became the new UFC champion only to lose the title in his next fight. He, however, later regained it. He is a 3-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and a 2-time Light Heavyweight Champion. Additionally, he: a) is the first of only 2 fighters to hold two UFC titles in 2 divisions, b) holds the record for most title fights, 15, and most UFC title reigns, 5, d) is the 4th inductee of the UFC Hall of Fame, and e) is the only fighter over age 40 to win a UFC championship fight.

He retired in 2006 and came out of retirement in 2007 to reclaim the heavyweight title for the 3rd time. He then resigned temporarily but returned to the UFC and eventually to the light heavyweight division. His final retirement was in 2011 at age 47. During his first retirement, he became a UFC events broadcast commentator and a co-host of Before the Bell and After the Bell. He also did some acting including an appearance in Rob Schneider’s movie, Big Stan.