The fight left UFC commentator Joe Rogan "speechless", but Randy Couture managed to say a few words for the fans in Columbus, Ohio.
"Not bad for an old man," the 43-year-old said after the fight.
The former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion controlled the 6-8, 263-pound Sylvia for five rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory during the main event Saturday night at UFC 68.
Couture, with his best Rocky-type performance, outwrestled, outboxed and outlasted the former champ in one of the greatest UFC performances of all time. The 6-foot-2 Couture (15-8, 12-5 UFC), who was 40 1/2 pounds lighter than Sylvia at the time of weigh-ins on Friday, landed his first punch of the fight, an overhand right, to the side of Sylvia's face and knocked him down. Couture scrambled after Sylvia (25-3, 8-3) and eventually got his back, but Sylvia protected himself from the choke attempts and lasted the round. The sequence of Couture landing more effective punches and then using his takedowns would become the theme of the night.
Sylvia never really attempted to use his kicks, one of his best weapons. With Couture being a world-class wrestler, attempting a kick could've possibly made Sylvia more susceptible to a takedown, but either way, that didn't stop Couture, who seemed to have a flawless game-plan.
"When I thought he was going to stand with me he shot," Sylvia said. "When I thought he was going to shoot he threw hands. He kept me off balance all night."
Couture, who retired in 2006 after his second loss to Chuck Liddell at light-heavyweight, agreed to take the fight after being called by UFC President Dana White.
"I think in the underdog spot I tend to flourish," Couture said. "This was no different. Unfortunately at 43, I think I'm going to be the underdog for the rest of my career, so I'd better watch out."
Other fights:
Rich Franklin's relentless offensive led to Jason MacDonald and his corner stopping the fight after the second round.
Matt Hughes went back to his ground-and-pound/wrestling style and controlled Chris Lytle for three rounds, earning the unanimous decision victory.
Martin Kampmann withstood an early barrage of punches from Drew McFedries and earned a submission victory via an arm triangle in the first round.
Jason Lambert scored a TKO victory against Renato "Babalu" Sobral in the second round after Sobral controlled the first round on the ground.
Comments (2)
the big man should have taken him thru the wringers,just my thoughts-----as the others fights they went as if i had thought they would go
Hi Joe
First time I have seen your blogs. Very well done. I would have liked a bit more enthusiasm on Kampmanns win. He was being owned on his stand up for a short spell and quickly moved it to the ground. Thats a hell of a move for a fighter to recognize that his plan isn't working and shift to plan B. Case in point- Sylvia vs Couture. Couture took Sylvia off his game plan right from the start and owned the fight from then on out. So without going too far.. who do you think will pull of the win GSP or Serra? Koshcheck or Sanchez? Its never too early to smack talk!