Couture Takes On Gonzaga Not for a Title, but for 'Fun'

Randy Couture is the only Ultimate Fighting Championship athlete to ever win a title after being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The 44-year-old said he has learned to listen to his body better, a phrase often heard from one's grandparents. But as UFC President Dana White has said, Couture is a freak of nature.

"You don't see many guys who are able to compete at 44, let alone at his level," White said.

Couture will defend his third heavyweight title for the first time tonight against Brazilian challenger Gabriel Gonzaga at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. But he says he doesn't care about the wins or the titles anymore.

"It's not about proving anything or winning titles," Couture said. "I'm here to compete because it's fun, because I want to do it. It's about the most fun that you can have. I love competing in this sport."

Gonzaga, who shocked Mirko"Cro Cop" Filipovic with a first-round kick in UFC 70, is 16 years younger than Couture and 22 pounds heavier. Couture enters with the odds against him.

"I guess that's what happens when you're still fighting at 44 years old," Couture said. "I've come to expect it now."

Gonzaga (8-1), however, said he feels like he's fighting at a disadvantage because of Couture's experience. Couture (15-8) is a three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time UFC light-heavyweight title holder, making him the first five-time champion in UFC history.

He won his first title a decade ago. After retiring from fighting in early 2006, Couture couldn't stay away from the sport and returned to win the heavyweight title less than six months ago and nearly a year after his retirement, beating previously undefeated Tim Sylvia in UFC 68.

"I have no illusions at 44," Couture said. "At some time, father time is going to catch up to my [butt]. But so far, he hasn't been able to keep up."

-- Ryan Mink