Exclusive: Randy Couture lauds Jake Paul for highlighting UFC's flaws and lack of transparency: "It's way too much power for the promoter"
Randy Couture recently shared his thoughts on the UFC's operating methods and praised Jake Paul for shedding light on the promotion's flaws and lack of transparency. 'The Natural' also lauded the PFL for their annual tournament-style fighting season format.
Couture is a bonafide MMA icon and is widely known for winning the heavyweight championship three times and the light heavyweight title twice during his time in the UFC. Despite having a history in the UFC, Couture has a bone to pick with the promotion.
During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the 61-year-old pointed out some flaws that plagued the UFC and praised 'The Problem Child' for highlighting the same. He questioned the UFC's interim championship system, which often bypassed the official divisional rankings, and said:
"Why is there an interim championship to begin with? Because that's going to sell and get more fans' attention. They don't use the rankings they have, they bypass those all the time... That's all in the same boat of a lack of transparency. It's way too much power for a promoter to be making matches and ranking those same fighters that are going to get those matches."
Couture continued:
"One of the reasons why I love the PFL model, is their true sports format with a regular season, a playoff and a championship every year... It's not the traditional prizefighting model either, but it makes a lot more sense... I'm happy that Jake Paul is highlighting that through these crossover boxing matches."
Catch Randy Couture's comments below (14:20):
When Randy Couture explained his support for Jake Paul voicing concerns regarding MMA fighters
In Aug. 2023, Randy Couture explained why Jake Paul was instrumental in highlighting fighter pay and medical insurance issues despite the former Disney star's lack of an MMA background.
Over the past few years, Paul has cemented his name in the boxing world and defeated several ex-MMA icons, such as Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz. He's also been critical of UFC CEO Dana White for not paying fighters more and for denying them benefits like post-retirement pensions.
During an interview with MMA Junkie, Couture lauded Paul for using his platform to speak up and said:
"If it takes a guy like Paul to shine a light on the disparaging difference in our sports, and the issue in our sport, then I’ll get behind that guy all day long. He’s stepped in there, he’s done the work, he’s talented, he’s got a great platform, and he’s helping all of us as MMA fighters by shining a light on that and by poking Dana White in the chest the way he does."
Catch Randy Couture's comments below (22:41):