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Randy Couture wants no part of Junior Dos Santos

ESPN staff
June 6, 2012
Randy Couture is a former UFC heavyweight champion © Getty Images
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Former UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture insists he does not want to get near reigning champ Junior Dos Santos after seeing him obliterate Frank Mir at UFC 146.

Couture, who won UFC gold at heavyweight and light-heavyweight, produced his most famous moment of an astonishing career when he came out of retirement to beat champion Tim Sylvia back at UFC 68.

Now 48 years of age, 'The Natural' insists there is no chance of him being tempted to try and repeat the feat against Dos Santos, who is currently dominating everybody who challenges him.

"No, he's really on fire," Couture told MMA Weigh-in courtesy of Fighters Only. "I thought Mir would have more in that fight - I actually picked Mir to win. But Dos Santos showed he's the real deal.

"He's the total package, amazingly quick hands, very sharp with his combinations, I've no illusions - I don't want any of that!"

Asked if there is anybody who can beat Dos Santos, Couture looked at next rival Cain Velasquez, who has already been beaten once by the Brazilian. Velasquez was knocked out in 64 seconds of the first meeting, but Couture wants him to force Dos Santos to wrestle.

"I looked at the Cain Velasquez that was against Bigfoot Silva, he was sharp, crisp, used his wrestling; I would love to see a rematch between Velasquez and Dos Santos.

"I think Velasquez is the total package, he's strong, good hands, good kicks, tremendous wrestling pedigree...

"We don't know what Dos Santos' grappling pedigree is. Somebody needs to put it to the test."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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