• UFC 120

Pyle adopting Couture's crafty trade secret

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Mike Pyle will have former five-time UFC champion, Randy Couture, in his corner when he fights John Hathaway at UFC 120, and he admits The Natural's presence is priceless.

Pyle has recorded an unspectacular 2-2 record since entering the UFC, losing to Brock Larson and Jake Ellenberger, yet he has won 20 of 28 fights, 17 by submission.

At 35 years of age he has a 12-year experience advantage over Hathaway, plus he has arguably the greatest ever UFC warrior in his corner. When asked if Couture has passed on one or two trade secrets during training, Pyle revealed that the greatest difference the veteran makes is the contagious mentality he gives to fellow fighters.

"It's a wealth of knowledge. I've been fighting since 1998, and I've been able to go and fight a lot of excellent fighters around the world. But now that I'm settled down, I'm settled in a camp that has some of the best," Pyle told ESPN.

"Couture is at the top of that totem pole. Being at his gym, learning from him, it's really helped my career and it really helps my confidence.

"The most crafty thing about him is his mentality. If you could think like him, it'd be awesome. He's got a such a clear head and such a level mind when he's competing, I'd love to have that, I'd love to have 10 percent of that!"

Couture is currently taking a small break from the sport since his victory over James Toney at UFC 118, but he still has three fights left on his current contract. The Greco-Roman legend is expected to return at light-heavyweight, but Pyle insists there is little point second-guessing him.

"You never know with that guy. One day he could say 'you know what, I'm done', and then the next day he gets a sudden burst of energy and says 'you know what, I'm gonna go again'."

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