Couture’s farewell

Randy Couture has waited long enough for the grand finale to his mixed martial arts career. The 47-year-old MMA pioneer says he’s finally finished with competition after taking on Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 in Toronto this weekend. He plans go out in front of what’s likely to be the biggest crowd in UFC history at the Rogers Centre, taking his famed cauliflower ears out of the octagon for the final time. “I realize I’ve pushed it a lot further than anybody is going to push it, and I just feel like I want to go out on my terms,” Couture said. The five-time UFC champion has defied age, occasional inactivity and numerous outside demands to remain a competent, dangerous fighter well into his 40s. He’s also a successful actor, businessman and MMA trainer.

– Associated Press