Former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida borrowed a page from teammate Anderson Silva’s playbook, as he knocked out hall of famer Randy Couture with a spectacular jumping front kick in the second round. Couture, in his final Octagon appearance, bowed out 65 seconds into round two. “I trained this kick a lot. My daddy taught [it to] me. Mr. Steven Seagal taught me also,” said Machida, who snapped a two-fight losing streak. “It was a dream for me to fight this guy. He is a hero. This is the man.”
Machida kept Couture at bay with straight lefts, quick combinations and knees and kicks to the body throughout a one-sided first round. The 47-year-old Couture, one of the sport’s most decorated competitors, tried in vain to secure clinches. Machida shrugged off those attempts without much trouble.
In round two, Machida waited for the opening. His kick found its mark with stunning precision and pace, knocking the dazed Couture backwards. Machida pounced to finish, but referee Yves Lavigne beat him there, saving “The Natural” from further punishment. Afterward, Couture, a five-time UFC champion, announced his retirement.
“You’re not going to see me again. This is it,” said Couture. “I’ve been coming to this decision for a while, and it’s a fight I’ve wanted for quite a while. I think I had all my teeth the last time we had this discussion. I felt like I was standing still out there. He’s a tremendous athlete.”
Article according to Sherdog.com
