Couture Tracker: New Figurine, Feature Film Release, Aug. 28 Fight

You know you’ve made it when you have two collectible figures made in your likeness.

This week, Round 5 unveiled an updated version of former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture as part of its “Ultimate Collector” series. The shoot-off line blossomed from a licensing agreement the Canadian-based company signed last year with Jakks Pacific, which produces the UFC’s action figures. The collaboration allows both to partake in licensing deals of previously-signed fighters like Couture, who signed exclusively to Round 5 in 2007.

Couture will be joined by former UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn, Internet sensation Kimbo Slice, The Ultimate Fighter 3” winner Michael Bisping, and the original “Ultimate Fighter” Forrest Griffin in the newest series.

But the bus doesn’t stop there for the 46-year-old living legend.

Couture, who threw out the opening pitch at a Cubs game last week, moved on to appearances at his Xtreme Couture gym in Toronto and sits cageside Saturday to take in Machida-Rua II at UFC 113 in Montreal. Couture, whose won his last two bouts at 205, said he hopes to get a shot at the winner.

The four-time Olympic wrestling alternate and NFL reporter Jay Glazer have also launched “MMAthletics,” a cross-training program for professional athletes in others sports, including football and lacrosse. MMAthletic instructors, all fighters from the Xtreme Couture camp, are currently working with the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons teams in their off-seasons.

On Aug. 13, Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables” hits theatres nationwide. Couture has main billing alongside action stars Jason Statham, Jet Li, Stallone and others and will be a part of the movie’s promotional tour -- including east and west coast premieres -- as he trains simultaneously for a bout at UFC 118 on Aug. 28 in Boston. Former pro boxer James Toney is the front-running candidate to face Couture in the co-main event.

“I think there’s going to be some struggling and some concessions made there, but I’ll be able to get it done,” said Couture of juggling training with the tour. “If I have to, I’ll take a trainer with me and get it done while I’m on the road.”

Meanwhile, collectible and action figure sales sound healthy. Round 5, of which Couture is an original partner, looks to put out its 40th figure by the end of the year and will be in mega-outlets like Walmart, Kmart, Target and others.