It’s time to play the Feud!

Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?

“It also seeks an injunction restraining Couture from participating in any way in any promotion competing against the UFC”

Wankers, gotta spoil it somehow.

This is sad news. I hope I’m not being pessimistic but this looks like it could well put the kaybosh on any chance of a Randy Fedor bout.

Still, if for some reason, Randy did fight again in the UFC a bout with Big Nog would be interesting. If Randy got the win, it would certainly be a notable name to add to the list.

2 fights. I don’t know. Nog and maybe Crocop. I know Mirko is not deserving of a shot at Randy based on his past travails in the octagon but it’s still a nice name to have a win over.

To think they are ” friends “..Dana should just let Couture fight fedor..This is all business right..sometimes doing what’s right is greater than doing what your suppose to do..Dana is bringing Randy to court to protect his business “UFC”..I hope this can clear up soon..as a fan I just want to see this fight happen and get it done with..move on..in this case with a lawsuit against Randy..does the ends justify the means..I don’t think so. For MMA..for us fans..let it go..Dana stop taking everything to super personal..For someone who hasn’t followed the letter of the correct way of doing things..it’s a hell of a time to start now.

off the sub: Kurt Angle responds to IFL and Ken Shamrocks allegations.

http://www.mmanews.com/other/Kurt-Angle-Replies-To-Allegations-Made-By-IFL-Shamrock.html

I will be shocked if a court enters an injunction preventing Couture from “participating in any way in any promotion competing against the UFC.” Broad non-compete clauses like that usually are not enforceable because they essentially prevent someone from earning a living. UFC’s legal remedy is to sue for damages, not to keep Couture from fighting anywhere else.

Also, Zuffa may have trouble enforcing a contract that basically allows them to keep Couture under contract forever, if they decide not to schedule a fight. That’s what they are doing to Arlovski right now. I think that Couture will probably succeed in arguing that the contract expires on a specific date. It’s up to the court to determine what that date actually is.

Couture could deal with this faster by accepting a fight, then taking a dive about 10 seconds in. Just a thought.

Don’t blame Dana for this. The UFC absolutely had to file suit against Randy, not only to protect their business interests in this instance, but also to set a precedent. Dana offered Randy (who was out of the business) the chance of a lifetime a year ago, and Randy took it. Now, he wants out. This is exactly what contracts are for, and the legal system is the proper venue for resolving this dispute.

All jokes aside, I think Randy is way out of line and has been through this whole situation. Randy wanted to come back as a HW when he saw a relatively easy opportunity to get the title. He hadn’t really done anything to earn or deserve the title shot, but Dana gave it to him anyway out of respect for everything Randy had done over his career. Randy made more than $2 million just from the two fights last year, in addition to all the endorsement money, training money, merchandise sales, etc. that come with being the champ. There are plenty of good fights available, but since Randy isn’t getting the one he wants he’s going to take his ball and go home. His behavior is much more reminiscent of a three-year-old holding his breath to get his way rather than a dignified champion and ambassador of MMA and UFC.

cmon….you are dead on the money. was gonna write the same thing so 1 for me.
this sounds non-enforceable.
Plus, things being not so “snappy” for Randy? He had to have been prepared for this. Zuffa’s deep pockets could drag this shit out forever…as vindictive as they seem.
..its on the “heels” btw…sorry to be such a douche…

[quote post="4538"]sorry to be such a douche…[/quote]

It’s ok you can’t help it .

I heard Judge Judy will be the Judge

No wammy no wammy……

From the UFC’s perspective, Nevada has pretty good law regarding covenants not compete.

Still, a maxim of contract law is that someone can breach a contract if they are willing to pay damages. An injunction may not fly, but the UFC can certainly make it economically painfully for Randy to accept the fight. Randy’s actions make it seem like he does not understand this.

On another note, people keep questioning which clause trumps, (i) the duration of the contract, or (ii) the number of bouts.

They are both valid. The UFC is entitled to 4 fights within the specified time. Randy doesn’t have to fight after October, but if offered, he does have to fight before October.

This is precisely why the UFC offered Randy the Noguiera fight — to force Randy either honor the contract or to breach. Randy breached. He’s in hot water.

randy has gotten his head way bigger than my idol. TITO ORTIZ. geeezz, fedor vs randy would just really be a DREAM MATCH..

[quote comment="267862"]All jokes aside, I think Randy is way out of line and has been through this whole situation. Randy wanted to come back as a HW when he saw a relatively easy opportunity to get the title. He hadn’t really done anything to earn or deserve the title shot, but Dana gave it to him anyway out of respect for everything Randy had done over his career. Randy made more than $2 million just from the two fights last year, in addition to all the endorsement money, training money, merchandise sales, etc. that come with being the champ. There are plenty of good fights available, but since Randy isn’t getting the one he wants he’s going to take his ball and go home. His behavior is much more reminiscent of a three-year-old holding his breath to get his way rather than a dignified champion and ambassador of MMA and UFC.[/quote]

well put… agree 100%

Randy must really be a old man by now, because he sure as hell is as stubborn as one.

[quote comment="267859"]
Couture could deal with this faster by accepting a fight, then taking a dive about 10 seconds in. Just a thought.[/quote]

LOL I just imagined Captain American entering the cage fat and out of shape, munching on a hotdog, tapping as soon as round 1 starts and then waltzing out of the octagon while shoving the last bite of his snack into his mouth. Take that Dana White

They should settle this in the ring. The UFC can have Dana, or an acceptable “champion”, fight against Randy in a 5 round bout. Setup the cage in the middle of a courtroom! No warrior who is true can fall against one who is false they used to say.

What if Randy were to fight outside of the United States, something sancitoned by another country. Would this still have any bearing on his contract? I can’t believe Zuffa had the balls to try and restrict Fedor vs Randy!

[quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?

[quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.

FEDOR VS. COUTURE WILL HAPPEN. Whether you will have access to see it remains the big question.

[quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]
Does the fact that Randy has been offered a fight, which he turned down, have any bearing? AA has not been offered a fight, so has no say in his matter.

I like Randy Couture alot, but he really set himself for this. He is not a dumb man, he knew there was going to be legal ramifications involved. I think Zuffa is doing the right, thing the contract business is no joke once you sign the document you sign your life away to an extent.

[quote comment="267934"]What if Randy were to fight outside of the United States, something sancitoned by another country. Would this still have any bearing on his contract? I can’t believe Zuffa had the balls to try and restrict Fedor vs Randy![/quote]

If that were to happen Zuffa could still sue for breach of contract. And if the other orginazation knew about Randy still being under contract with Zuffa and still offered Randy a fight, they could be sued as well.

[quote comment="267955"][quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]
Does the fact that Randy has been offered a fight, which he turned down, have any bearing? AA has not been offered a fight, so has no say in his matter.[/quote]

The UFC’s offer to Randy forces him to either honor the terms of the contract or breach. Randy’s refusal to fight is a breach of contract.

If the UFC didn’t offer him any fights, Randy’s obligation to fight would expire when the term of the contract expired.

But the UFC has contracted for some benefit. It’s preposterous of Randy to think that he is meeting the terms of his agreement by merely refraining from fighting until October. That’s only one provision of the contract.

Randy seems focused only on the duration of the contract. The UFC contracted with him to fight. They have offered him a fight within the contracted period and he’s refused. He’s breached.

They are both valid. The UFC is entitled to 4 fights within the specified time. Randy doesn’t have to fight after October, but if offered, he does have to fight before October.

This is precisely why the UFC offered Randy the Noguiera fight — to force Randy either honor the contract or to breach. Randy breached. He’s in hot water.[/quote]

exactly right

It seems the gloves have officially, publicly come off. Too bad for both parties, I say. Randy did a lot for the promotion of the UFC and for MMA in general, but the UFC provided the opportunity and world stage stage.

Fedor has inked a deal with Affliction! ISNT THAT cOUTURE’S CLOTHING LINE?

Much of the lawsuit is about Randy entering a team in the IFL. Its not like he is fighting in the IFL, leave the guy alone…Dana should just piss off!

i think randy was crazy not to fight big nog. that would have been a hell of alot better than sylvia. after randy came back and beat tim and g.g. he rocketed to the top of my list of favorite fighters, but his ego got in the way and now he is starting to look like the T.O. of mma.(terrell owens). i still dont think its on the ufc to let randy to fight fedor. randy should have honered his contract and fedor should have signed. even guys like wandi and rampage say fedor should have signed w/ the ufc.i dont think fedor was or is afraid to fight anybody or that he is overated. he is a legend that imo is being used by his managers. i would love to see a ful in-depth interview w/ fedor by an non-biased reporter like a kevin iole. i would like to know what he is really thinking.

I think this whole sitaution is the biggest crock of shit I have ever seen. I think that randy should try to make the fight happen overseas and take his chance in court.

[quote comment="267853"]“It also seeks an injunction restraining Couture from participating in any way in any promotion competing against the UFC”

Wankers, gotta spoil it somehow.[/quote]
I think that’s joke!! Don’t f*** with the uFC man… like all other sports NO ONE PLAYER IS BIGGER THAN THE GAME!!!

Now Randy is being made to look like a proper knob, I dont even know why he thinks he’s ALL THAT that he can demand a fight with Fedor… I recon Big NOG would have a good chance of beating Randy.

Zuffa and dana are assholes for how there treating randy here, let him go freaks, he doesn’t want to be with you.

OFF TOPIC, what is Lee Murray up to right now? is he in jail?

[quote comment="267859"]I will be shocked if a court enters an injunction preventing Couture from “participating in any way in any promotion competing against the UFC.” Broad non-compete clauses like that usually are not enforceable because they essentially prevent someone from earning a living. UFC’s legal remedy is to sue for damages, not to keep Couture from fighting anywhere else.

Also, Zuffa may have trouble enforcing a contract that basically allows them to keep Couture under contract forever, if they decide not to schedule a fight. That’s what they are doing to Arlovski right now. I think that Couture will probably succeed in arguing that the contract expires on a specific date. It’s up to the court to determine what that date actually is.

Couture could deal with this faster by accepting a fight, then taking a dive about 10 seconds in. Just a thought.[/quote]

totally agree and Randy can also use injury as a reason not to fight since his arm was broken again during training.

I wondered myself if Randy was capable of that. Taking a dive as the match starts. That would pretty much tarnish your career though. Can you imagine the boo’s that night. It would be redic.

the contact imo is similar to the warranty you get on new vehicles….for example 5 years or 100K miles..whichever some first

[quote comment="268021"]Zuffa and dana are assholes for how there treating randy here, let him go freaks, he doesn’t want to be with you.[/quote]

You just might sound like Randy’s attorney.

There are a few options. Keep in mind K1 has decent pockets to pull cash from. If I were them I would not only offer Randy a one fight contract, but part of this contract would be to pay our any legal fees and costs from this lawsuit. Everyone knows this PPV will be F’N enormous. Could easily jack this up to $50 a pop, $40 for the fight and $10 for the F UFC fund.

Here is the deal. His contract (I believe) was for 2 fights to have been fulfilled within the specified timeframe. One would have been Nov/Dec and another in the Spring. Upon the finale of that second fight Randy would not have been a free agent, still having obligations with the UFC until the time frame is complete. But would not have to fight again.

Randy signed a contract. Randy is not owning up to his end of things. You and I know that Zuffa SHOULD for all intensive purposes not only let him out of the contract given what he has done for this sport. But the contract being what it is makes it clear that they do not have to. If Randy were smart he would fulfill the obligations, take advantage of the opportunity to train and stay fit, perform in a manner that will not render him injured in the ring, and save up for what will almost certainly be the biggest pay day of his life… Couture vs Fedor! Sad thing is itll happen, but not until the 2 parties involved are soo fed up with each other that the relationship is spoiled for good.

Just a few observations and comments:

DW did not give Randy his title fight against Sylvia out of respect for Randy’s past accomplishments. The title shot was given to Randy because the UFC had no other marketable fighter to pit against big boring Tim.

Dana White deserves a lot of credit for building up the UFC and giving us the sport that we love, but lets not forget that Dana was the only one doing it with the backing of billionaires who could invest $44 million. With the Fertitta’s, the UFC would probably have gone belly up like so many other upstart MMA promotions. Let’s not overestimate DW’s business acumen based solely on past accomplishments.

The UFC and DW think that they are protecting their business by suing Randy, but they are on very dangerous ground. They could potentially offend a lot of loyal fans by beating down one of the most popular fighters in MMA history. I personally feel that DW doesn’t have to run the UFC like Saddam Hussein ran Iraq, but like Hussein, the Iraqi citizens had no place else to go, so they took it. UFC fans (and fighters) really don’t have anywhere else to go either.

Randys not as smart as he thinks he is. He had it coming. He deserves it.

Randy should file a counter lawsuit. Not for money though,
for the right to work in the IFL or any other promotion he chooses. THe UFC so far has been flying under the radar, but once in a court room the government takes notice.
Mystery money, percentages, bonuses.??
How about a nice audit for dana and his crew.

[quote comment="267853"]“It also seeks an injunction restraining Couture from participating in any way in any promotion competing against the UFC”[/quote]

If Randy’s attorneys are smart, they will dig up all of Dana White’s interviews, press conferences, etc. where Dana says that none of the other MMA orgs are a threat or competition to the UFC. Dana publicly claims that EliteXC, Strikeforce, and others are not really competition, but are more of a farm system. He may have shot Zuffa in the foot when it comes to getting this injunction. Not that Zuffa would have succeeded in getting it anyway….

[quote comment="268039"]OFF TOPIC, what is Lee Murray up to right now? is he in jail?[/quote]

i was wondering the same – i dont think they have training camps for MMA in morrocon prisons, so hes got a long time if he ever makes a comeback – which might just be too late to get a rematch with silva… time will tell i guess

This little clip is taken from an ESPN story and I thought it summed up exactly how I feel about this whole situation really well.

“That’s just the business side of it. When he was backed into a personal corner by uppercut bombs thrown by Couture, White covered up, then unleashed a knockout counterattack. White busted out documentation that squashed many of Couture’s claims about pay. White almost did the same thing after last week’s Los Angeles Times story in which Couture and Tito Ortiz tag-teamed the organization about not paying fighters enough. Speaking with ESPN.com, White said he double-checked the UFC’s payouts and disputes Ortiz’s claim of earning “only” $1.5 million for his fight with Liddell.

“He made well over $2 million for that fight,” White said.

As tough as White has been in destroying opposition, it’s even tougher to argue with his rationale in each case. In a capitalist country, in a sport where athletes try to pummel each other into submission, the strongest businesses survive. And Couture and Ortiz sound pretty silly moaning and groaning about money. They are millionaires because of the UFC. Their claims of fighting for the little guys who make up the undercards of UFC events are hollow. Both come off sounding foolish.

Call it a five-round championship title defense for White and the UFC. “

[quote comment="267855"]To think they are ” friends “..Dana should just let Couture fight fedor..This is all business right..sometimes doing what’s right is greater than doing what your suppose to do..Dana is bringing Randy to court to protect his business “UFC”..I hope this can clear up soon..as a fan I just want to see this fight happen and get it done with..move on..in this case with a lawsuit against Randy..does the ends justify the means..I don’t think so. For MMA..for us fans..let it go..Dana stop taking everything to super personal..For someone who hasn’t followed the letter of the correct way of doing things..it’s a hell of a time to start now.[/quote]

I don’t know what’s in the contract, (and irreparable damage, bullshit) but it’s going to take a long time to clear up in court. Dana is just being a DICKHEAD…. This is the type of person Couture has disrespected all along in Dana White….

POSSIBLY one of the MOST anticipated fights ever.. is not going to be allowed…

DANA himself is causing the irreparable damage…

“I WILL NOT BE WATCHING UFC 80″

[quote comment="268137"]This little clip is taken from an ESPN story and I thought it summed up exactly how I feel about this whole situation really well.

“That’s just the business side of it. When he was backed into a personal corner by uppercut bombs thrown by Couture, White covered up, then unleashed a knockout counterattack. White busted out documentation that squashed many of Couture’s claims about pay. White almost did the same thing after last week’s Los Angeles Times story in which Couture and Tito Ortiz tag-teamed the organization about not paying fighters enough. Speaking with ESPN.com, White said he double-checked the UFC’s payouts and disputes Ortiz’s claim of earning “only” $1.5 million for his fight with Liddell.

“He made well over $2 million for that fight,” White said.

As tough as White has been in destroying opposition, it’s even tougher to argue with his rationale in each case. In a capitalist country, in a sport where athletes try to pummel each other into submission, the strongest businesses survive. And Couture and Ortiz sound pretty silly moaning and groaning about money. They are millionaires because of the UFC. Their claims of fighting for the little guys who make up the undercards of UFC events are hollow. Both come off sounding foolish.

Call it a five-round championship title defense for White and the UFC. “[/quote]

DANA WHITE is now punching himself in the chin by not allowing the COUTURE VS FEDOR happen… he is halting the spetacular event every fan wants to see happen! White is the sum of this problem in this particular issue.

[quote comment="267860"]Don’t blame Dana for this. The UFC absolutely had to file suit against Randy, not only to protect their business interests in this instance, but also to set a precedent. Dana offered Randy (who was out of the business) the chance of a lifetime a year ago, and Randy took it. Now, he wants out. This is exactly what contracts are for, and the legal system is the proper venue for resolving this dispute.[/quote]

I agree, the fact is Randy signed a contract and has 2 more fights, he needs to fight them fights then he can do as he pleases. I understand if UFC was paying other fighters coming over from pride more, or the offer to fedor, why randy would be mad, but that still doesnt change the fact hes under contract, which he signed and a contract is used for things just like this. IMO randy needs to stop his BS and fight 2 more fights.

[quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]

MANIA, since you are one of the few guys to answer that with wisdom, in your opinion, what grounds does Dana White have to say that Couture has to honor that contract?… often in contracts there’s a lot of legalize’ where one clause is contridictory to another clause… that’s how lawyers often stay in the legal battle to make money in interpreting and battling those clauses when lawsuits arise.. do you think that’s the case? or is White just being a DICKHEAD?

[quote comment="268199"][quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]

MANIA, since you are one of the few guys to answer that with wisdom, in your opinion, what grounds does Dana White have to say that Couture has to honor that contract?… often in contracts there’s a lot of legalize’ where one clause is contridictory to another clause… that’s how lawyers often stay in the legal battle to make money in interpreting and battling those clauses when lawsuits arise.. do you think that’s the case? or is White just being a DICKHEAD?[/quote]

I’ve never seen the contract nor am I lawyer so I can’t really comment on the first half of the question.

I think the UFC has a lot invested in Couture and wants to ensure that it is preserved. This seems more about business than being a “dick.”

“The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $10,000″

MANIA: Is this a typo? Only 10K?

[quote comment="268255"]“The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $10,000″

MANIA: Is this a typo? Only 10K?[/quote]

That’s what the article states. But “in excess” could be the $500K signing bonus for all we know.

[quote comment="267862"]All jokes aside, I think Randy is way out of line and has been through this whole situation. Randy wanted to come back as a HW when he saw a relatively easy opportunity to get the title. He hadn’t really done anything to earn or deserve the title shot, but Dana gave it to him anyway out of respect for everything Randy had done over his career. Randy made more than $2 million just from the two fights last year, in addition to all the endorsement money, training money, merchandise sales, etc. that come with being the champ. There are plenty of good fights available, but since Randy isn’t getting the one he wants he’s going to take his ball and go home. His behavior is much more reminiscent of a three-year-old holding his breath to get his way rather than a dignified champion and ambassador of MMA and UFC.[/quote]
You’ve hit the nail on the head.

i’m sorry but this is getting old like randy. randy wants to prove 2 everybody he is the best heavywieght in the world but zuffa won’t sign fedor. zuffa grow up let him prove it. quit getting in his way and move. the zuffa people have no balls. tell me what 1 of the owners would ever do this 4 a living? the heavest thing they pick up is a paper wieght. i’m getting sick of the crappy fight cards the ufc is coming out with 1 or 2 good fight on a fight card is bullshit. and i think a good fight is if someone takes it 2 the ground they should do something then lay on a sweety guy. not what i want 2 watch. i’m not paying $40 2 c that come on. so many fights don’t mind the jugdes cause they get alot of points 4 takedowns. even if they don’t do anything with it. and very few fights do most of them just want the win even though they say otherwise. actions speak louder then words. don’t just say it do it. that is why i like vitor belfor. he puts all he has into the fight and has nothing left. win lose or draw he is always a winner in my eyes. when he fought tito, tito saved engery 2 run 2 the top of the stadium. what a bitch he could of used that engery 2 finish the fight but no he just whated the win. and more and more fighters r doing it. and the ufc is ok with it.

[quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
wow someone on here is paying attention. 1st person in a long time who uses there brain on here. c-war your ok in my book

THis is a fight very similar to the ones we see in the ring or inside the cage, and i think Randy has a chance here.
Contracts are binded by many key points that affect both parties and if Randy did his homework before he signed that paper there could be underlining factors that can break right through Zuffa’s case.
One thing’s for sure……they can’t control a man from fighting…anywhere.

[quote comment="268176"]“I WILL NOT BE WATCHING UFC 80″[/quote]

Good riddance. The UFC does not need selfish fans like you who only care about getting the fights you want, while ignoring the consequences to the sport.

[quote comment="268255"]“The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $10,000″

MANIA: Is this a typo? Only 10K?[/quote]

I think that $10,000 is probably the minimum requirement for that court to have jurisdiction over the claim. So the complaint just says that the damages are “in excess of $10,000″ to show that the court has jurisdiction.

The part that says “the amount of both compensatory and punitive damages would be proven at trial” means they will be asking for exactly one shitload more than $10k.

i think that you guys are out of your minds randy couture is the man. He can beat anybody up thats why he is the champion…rock on randy!!!!!

Respects to Randy, those of you who condemn his actions, he is doing this for future fighters, so they can make a better living, not sweating a 2 fight losing streak and out of a job.

Hopefully Randy can pay his way out and get ready to fight Fedor. He is going to rock Fedor, I can’t wait.

[quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]
Yeah that makes sense, except that the way they are trying to stop Randy from participating in any other organization makes it sound like there is no time limit, he has to complete his two more fights in the UFC, weather it takes a 100 years, before he goes anywhere else.

what a mess! it doesnt deserve to reach up to that point.

[quote comment="267855"]To think they are ” friends “..Dana should just let Couture fight fedor..This is all business right..sometimes doing what’s right is greater than doing what your suppose to do..Dana is bringing Randy to court to protect his business “UFC”..I hope this can clear up soon..as a fan I just want to see this fight happen and get it done with..move on..in this case with a lawsuit against Randy..does the ends justify the means..I don’t think so. For MMA..for us fans..let it go..Dana stop taking everything to super personal..For someone who hasn’t followed the letter of the correct way of doing things..it’s a hell of a time to start now.[/quote]
nah, Dana can’t let it happen. as much as it sucks, Couture signed it and he’s gotta live with it. this is the difficult thing sometimes when you become friends with your employees…inevitably role-conflicts happen.

if the UFC lets this one go it’ll be a bad example for the other fighters. and they can’t just “roll over” as if nothing was signed. it’s just naive to think that they would ever resort to that. the UFC’s #1 obligation is to their shareholders. period. to think they would do anything for the fans is absolutely childish. they couldnt give a stuff about the fans…they only care about providing a good enough product so people can part ways with their hard earned cash. future market share is at stake if they dont take legal action.

that’s just the way it is.

[quote comment="267902"][quote comment="267862"]All jokes aside, I think Randy is way out of line and has been through this whole situation. Randy wanted to come back as a HW when he saw a relatively easy opportunity to get the title. He hadn’t really done anything to earn or deserve the title shot, but Dana gave it to him anyway out of respect for everything Randy had done over his career. Randy made more than $2 million just from the two fights last year, in addition to all the endorsement money, training money, merchandise sales, etc. that come with being the champ. There are plenty of good fights available, but since Randy isn’t getting the one he wants he’s going to take his ball and go home. His behavior is much more reminiscent of a three-year-old holding his breath to get his way rather than a dignified champion and ambassador of MMA and UFC.[/quote]

well put… agree 100%[/quote]
Dana had no choice but to go with Randy. AA vs Sylvia 4, not likely. Vera was out due to managerial conflict. Monson just lost. Mir wasn’t exactly deserving. Who else was there?

Couture is screwed. I particularly like the conspiracy part of the article. His businesses just took a direct hit. Whoever is advising him has “their head up their ass.” It is not possible for Couture to “outmuscle” the Fertitta’s outside of the Octagon. Talk about a self inflicted wound!

I don’t see anyway Couture will survive through this unless they settle outside of court with 1) satisfying the contract or 2) somehow using his injury (he refractured his arm) to prove he could not fight through the time of the fight offered to him.

Since day one in this UFC vs Couture battle I have agreed with the UFC. Since day one I have sited the undeserved title shot the UFC gave Randy as being the main reason for my support. Many on this site strongly disagreed with my favor so it’s a nice reward to see these same people change their sides and place blame where it is properly due. These people could save a lot of time and face if they just started to agree with the man who can’t spell deuce.

man in this buisness you cant just make someone fight, if you do he will just take a fall and walk off with atleast 750000 for two fights

good i hope Couture gets srewed he dont give a shit about his fans he could have fought big Nog that andwhoever then leave to fight a pussy Fedor and i hope his team doesnt make in ifl, he an asshole the company that mad him and gave him so many opertunities(spellin) going to there rivals? Randy and Fedor are both pissin me off

[quote comment="267896"]From the UFC’s perspective, Nevada has pretty good law regarding covenants not compete.

Still, a maxim of contract law is that someone can breach a contract if they are willing to pay damages. An injunction may not fly, but the UFC can certainly make it economically painfully for Randy to accept the fight. Randy’s actions make it seem like he does not understand this.

On another note, people keep questioning which clause trumps, (i) the duration of the contract, or (ii) the number of bouts.

They are both valid. The UFC is entitled to 4 fights within the specified time. Randy doesn’t have to fight after October, but if offered, he does have to fight before October.

This is precisely why the UFC offered Randy the Noguiera fight — to force Randy either honor the contract or to breach. Randy breached. He’s in hot water.[/quote]

AHHH”’ ok, if that’s true, thanks for the insight, first time I’ve heard that one…

[quote comment="268552"]Since day one in this UFC vs Couture battle I have agreed with the UFC. Since day one I have sited the undeserved title shot the UFC gave Randy as being the main reason for my support. Many on this site strongly disagreed with my favor so it’s a nice reward to see these same people change their sides and place blame where it is properly due. These people could save a lot of time and face if they just started to agree with the man who can’t spell deuce.[/quote]

The only reason the ufc gave that so called undeserved title shot to Randy was because he was considering taking a huge payday offer from Bodog to fight Fedor when he was in retirement.

[quote comment="268237"][quote comment="268199"][quote comment="267947"][quote comment="267944"][quote comment="267851"]Why is there an expiration date on the contract if he is already obligated to fight his last two fights?[/quote]
Good point. Anyone know the answer to that?[/quote]

Contracts are structured so that it’s, for example, four fights for two years. He can do all those fights in 12 months and the contract will be satisfied. It’s whatever comes first, two years or four fights.

Arlovski, another example, has one fight left on his deal. His contract (I believe) expires in April. If he fights before that (without renewing) his contract is satisfied. If he doesn’t fight, his contract is up on a certain date in April and he doesn’t have to fight that last fight on his contract.

Hope that makes sense.[/quote]

MANIA, since you are one of the few guys to answer that with wisdom, in your opinion, what grounds does Dana White have to say that Couture has to honor that contract?… often in contracts there’s a lot of legalize’ where one clause is contridictory to another clause… that’s how lawyers often stay in the legal battle to make money in interpreting and battling those clauses when lawsuits arise.. do you think that’s the case? or is White just being a DICKHEAD?[/quote]

I’ve never seen the contract nor am I lawyer so I can’t really comment on the first half of the question.

I think the UFC has a lot invested in Couture and wants to ensure that it is preserved. This seems more about business than being a “dick.”[/quote]

Scooby made an interesting point, the first time I’ve heard what sounds like a solid explanation between:
4 Fight Contract/Expiration date.

I don’t know if it’s true, but it makes sense!

[quote comment="268021"]Zuffa and dana are assholes for how there treating randy here, let him go freaks, he doesn’t want to be with you.[/quote]
Then he shouldn’t have signed the contract!

[quote comment="268329"][quote comment="268176"]“I WILL NOT BE WATCHING UFC 80″[/quote]

Good riddance. The UFC does not need selfish fans like you who only care about getting the fights you want, while ignoring the consequences to the sport.[/quote]
I totally agree Michaelthebox! Just b/c fans want the fight doesn’t mean shit. It’s simply smart business by Dana and Co. Zealous fans obviously don’t know squat about how to run a business.

Couture approached Dana, and then signed a 4 fight deal over a 2 year period. Therefore, one can conclude that Couture wanted to fight for the HW belt against Tim Sylvia, and if he won, then defend it 3 times, and go on from there. When he signed the contract, he had no reason to believe that Fedor would sign with the UFC, and that he would make his second title defense against him. And in the off chance that he did, then he should have put that stipulation in the contract. He needs to take responsibility for his actions (i.e. – signing the contract). For all of you that are crying for the UFC to let him go, you are like the parents that don’t teach your children responsibility, and you are only revealing how little business sense you have.

However, as fight fans, I know where you’re coming from.

[quote comment="269110"][quote comment="268329"][quote comment="268176"]“I WILL NOT BE WATCHING UFC 80″[/quote]

Good riddance. The UFC does not need selfish fans like you who only care about getting the fights you want, while ignoring the consequences to the sport.[/quote]
I totally agree Michaelthebox! Just b/c fans want the fight doesn’t mean shit. It’s simply smart business by Dana and Co. Zealous fans obviously don’t know squat about how to run a business.[/quote]

Zuffa is only suing on the basis of the employment/commentating contract for now, they’re still seeking the injunction that they truely want.

IF anything goes badly for Zuffa in this legal issue. Expect another lawsuit to be filed with legal claims about Couture’s fighting contract. As to date Zuffa is seeing if they can get an injunction without having to subject all of their fighter contracts under the legal microscope.

The lawsuit also alleges conspiracy?… Nasty.

The legal battle goes further than October of 2009. White/Zuffa wants to OWN Couture FOR LIFE with these clauses if he is unable to accept a fight regardless of resignation, injury, retirement or anything else.. period.. No-compete clauses lasting more than one year generally do not do well in court. IF Zuffa wins this legal battle they will OWN ALL FIGHTER’S for the duration of the contract, regardless of any time limitations … yet.. cancel a fighter’s contract at will.. which they have done plenty of times.

Smarten up MICHAEL THE BOX & JAMES SMITH… Have your opinions… just don’t be so ‘Zealous’, you miss points on both sides.

I love watching Randy fight, and I like to listen to him as a announcer as well. I just hate to see him ruin his reputation with the UFC.

He has been a staple for years, and since the big boom of MMA in the last 4 years he has been one of, if not the main face of the UFC. EVERY time he enters an arena the crowds are defining with applause and cheers of love and respect. Granted that he was a major part of that big boom, so you could argue that without him the UFC would not be where it is today. All that the UFC has done for/with Randy over these past years should be given it’s respect as well. They gave him all the oppritunities for him to excell and be in the position he is in today, fighter and finiacially.

Once he retired it was over, they gave him a chance to come back and fight for the title, just because he thought he could win it. So if I think I can beat Anderson Silva does that mean I should get a shot. No, but he is Randy so they gave him that shot, as they should of.

Fedor and Randy would be a dream fight for most fight fans, how could it not be. I just wish that Randy would finish out his career with the UFC on good terms not bad, and retire the Legend that he is……

Looks like Randy’s going to miss his chance and big maniac Sylvia’s going to be getting his ass handed to him by Fedor.