Former UFC Champion "Dancing With The Stars," UFC Cuts Fighter, TUF Winner Lines Up UFC 181 Bout
- Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture got out of the fighting business as an athlete several years ago. That doesn't mean he isn't keeping in prime shape, as evidence by his recent performance on "Dancing With The Stars."
Couture is one of several well-known personalities competing on this season, and you can see his first dance in the video below. "The Natural" survived the opening-night cut and will continue on with his dancing partner.
- Francis Carmont, who won his first six UFC fights, has been released from the promotion. Carmont, a member of the Tristar Gym out of Canada with former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, has lost his last three.
Carmont (22-10) released a statement on his official Facebook page saying he was "no longer a UFC fighter." He started his Octagon career in 2011 with a win over Chris Camozzi, but decision losses to top contender Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and C.B. Dollaway this year were followed up by a knockout loss to Thales Leites.
"I announce that after 6 win and 3 defeat, I am no longer a UFC fighter. However it is with determination that I will continue my career in combat sports. A friend told me, after my loss against Thales, 'You will come to understand it is the best thing that could've happen for your career, it'll make you stronger,'" he wrote. "At that moment i did not quiet understand, and after reflecting i came to auto-criticize myself. I come to the conclusion that in sports just like in life, there are many and different stages. By looking for perfection on my technique, I slowly estrange myself from the combat by instinct. Seeking to score points instead of finishing my opponent. My last loss pushes me to grow everyday. Life is a learning path and my career is far from finish. Thank you very much for your constant support."
- Corey Anderson, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 19, will face Gian Villante this December at UFC 181. The card takes place December 6 and features two title fights. Chris Weidman defends his middleweight belt vs. Vitor Belfort and Anthony Pettis battles Gilbert Melendez for the lightweight title.
Anderson (3-0) scored a first round knockout over Matt Van Buren to win the recent season of TUF after two decision wins to advance to the finals. Villante (12-5) has gone an even 2-2 in four UFC appearances, including a recent win over Sean O'Connell.