• UFC 129

Machida marks end to Couture's legacy in thrilling style

Lyoto Machida finished Randy Couture off in the second round of their light-heavyweight battle at UFC 129 © Getty Images

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Toronto played witness to the final chapter of Randy Couture's unbelievable career at UFC 129, and the great man bowed out to one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history against Lyoto Machida.

For 14 years Couture has led MMA into the mainstream, winning five UFC championships, competing in 15 title bouts, and playing his part in some of the most memorable encounters ever seen in the sport. But at the age of 47, Machida proved more than a step too far.

It was Couture who had called out the Brazilian, believing he had figured out Machida's elusive style, but for six minutes Couture tried and failed to get his hands on his rival. Then, in almost a mirror-image of Anderson Silva's knockout of Vitor Belfort, Machida delivered a phenomenal front kick to the face to silence the record 55,000 crowd.

Prior to the contest, it had seemed nothing would overshadow Couture's exit from the sport. But Machida's second-round knockout gave it a good run for its money, faking with the left leg before simultaneously finding the target with his right.

"You're not gonna see me again, this is it," said Captain America. "I've been coming to this decision for quite a while. I beat James Toney, and then I'd wanted Lyoto for quite a while. I think I had all my teeth the last time we had this discussion!"

"He's a tremendous fighter. I probably looked like I was standing still out there."

Ben Henderson opened the main card in style, marking his UFC debut with a unanimous 30-27 decision against home favourite Mark Bocek in the lightweight division. Henderson had to survive one huge scare when he was almost submitted by Bocek, but the best work was done by the former WEC man out of the clinch via nasty knees and elbows, cutting Bocek across the head en route to victory.

Elsewhere, Vladimir Matyushenko needed just 20 seconds to knock out Jason Brilz, landing a big right uppercut followed by a left to do what Antonio Rogerio Nogueira had previously failed to manage, lifting his recent record to five victories in his last six fights.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.