Couture To Promote, Not Fight, At UFC 99

In recent days, rumors have abounded about Randy Couture's next fight. In early January, the former heavyweight champ could not accept a fight with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the first half of 2009 due to a nagging elbow injury that needed surgery. Couture expected to eventually face the Brazilian, but was booked for the coming months with the upcoming action flick "The Expendables" starring Sylvester Stallone.

Several reports said Couture's rumored participation in the UFC's trip to Germany at UFC 99 had become a reality, with the 46 year-old fighter scheduled to face off-again/on-again UFC'er Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in the main event of the June 13 card.

However, a source close to Couture says it is virtually impossible that the popular fighter will grace the card due to his film obligations and need for a proper 8 week training camp. Couture will, however, assist the UFC in a yet-undefined promotional role for the event.

Couture is fluent--with a little dust-off--in German from his days there in the US Army.

The source said a summer appearance was likely, but there were a number of variables that would play into Couture's eventual return. Of the "Natural"'s elbow, he is reportedly back in the gym as his hectic schedule allows.

Labels: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Randy Couture, UFC 99

posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 9:58 PM 

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