Rumours regarding UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture’s (16-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) possible return to the UFC are continuing to build momentum around the internet.

A number of sites are reporting that Couture will be returning for UFC 91 on Nov. 15 in Portland, Ore.

Even more, it is believed that Couture’s next fight would be on the main event of that card against Brock Lesnar. Although we can’t confirm or deny these rumours, I have had it on good authority for well over a month that the UFC have been pushing to get Lesnar in the octagon at the November show. Therefore, it makes good sense that these rumours are taking place.

The fight against Lesnar would be under a new contract for Couture - which would see him paid more and would include additional benefits.

Even more exciting is the rumours that the UFC is believed to open to the idea of co-promoting a bout with M-1 Global between Couture and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko.

A number of different sources have told me that the UFC have almost completely resolved previous issues that prevented a bout between Couture and Fedor.

It’s believed a potential fight would take place on February 2nd next year and that Couture is already training heavily as he prepares for up to four fights over the next eight or nine months.

The Wrestling Observer believes that Couture’s new deal would be for three fights. In addition to Lesnar and Emelianenko, possible future opponents discussed with Couture include UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and a fourth bout with former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

Sources are telling me to keep my eyes peeled on UFC.com over the next week and more specifically on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’d certainly expect some sort of announcement soon.

Martin Smith
martin@mmapreview.com