Under the Microscope: Analyzing Heavyweight Greats

Randy Couture

* Heavyweight Record: 10-5
* Opponent Winning Percentage: .660
* Longest Winning Streak: 4
* Record in Major Heavyweight Title Fights: 7-3
* Finish Percentage: 70
* Finished Percentage: 80
* Notable Victories: Gabriel Gonzaga, Tim Sylvia, Pedro Rizzo (twice), Kevin Randleman, Maurice Smith, Vitor Belfort
* Career Accomplishments: UFC Hall of Fame (2006); three-time UFC heavyweight champion, with three total defenses; UFC 13 heavyweight tournament winner; tied for the most total and consecutive heavyweight title defenses; record for most fights and wins in UFC heavyweight title fights; two-time UFC “Performance of the Night” winner at heavyweight; oldest fighter to win and defend the UFC heavyweight championship

CASE FOR: “The Natural” was not just the longtime face of the UFC heavyweight division; he was the face of the UFC brand. Though his detours into light heavyweight propelled him to legendary status, his best work was accomplished in the hulking pits of the heavyweights, where the undersized Greco-Roman wrestler Jenga’d larger foes for over 10 years. This does not even mention the fact that he started his career at the ripe age of 34, when most fighters start to decline. What stands out most, however, is that two-thirds of his fights were for UFC gold; his record in UFC title fights looks good enough to be an overall UFC record. That he won 70 percent of those title fights -- with four of the seven wins being finishes -- against the highest level of competition available is a testament to his greatness. Couture has the hardware, the records and the iconic aura to plant his flag as the Greatest of All-Time.

CASE AGAINST: Couture has an outstanding record in title fights, but some of that luster is lost when you consider the fact that many of those opponents were hardly world-beaters. It shows: “The Natural” has by far the statistically weakest strength of schedule on this list. This is matched by the fact that Couture also has the worst record on this list -- and the fewest total wins. Really, if it were not for his head-scratching number of title fights, Couture would not even be close to being considered one of the greatest heavyweights. The nail on the coffin, of course, is Couture’s predilection for getting knocked out and inability to put together more than a feeble four-fight winning streak in the division. Couture is a legend of the sport but not because he is the heavyweight G.O.A.T.

Continue Reading » Junior dos Santos