Sore from Couture

What has Randy started? Randy Couture, estranged UFC heavyweight champion opened the flood gates. Couture walked out on his contract as a UFC fighter, commentator and ambassador. Citing a lack of respect, failure to sign Fedor Emelianenko and money.

The irony in this is Randy's supposed lack of respect stemmed from the UFC offering other notable fighters more money. Including Fedor, Mirko Cro Cop and Brock Lesnar. Opponents Randy wanted to fight.

Specifically, the inability to sign Fedor was listed as a reason randy walked. The only fight Randy wants to fight before he retires. Well when the UFC offered Fedor more Randy's ego got hurt. Who knew fighters were so sensitive?

Now other fighters think they no longer need to honer their contracts. Case in point Drew Ficket and KJ Noons.

Ficket's unprofessional behavior has been well documented. He has been banned from three major MMA organizations. UFC, EliteXC AND MFC. Ficket must have nine lives in this sport because Affliction is giving him a shot in November.

KJ Noons is a victim of poor management. Mark Dion, the ass-clown that kept Brandon Vera on the sidelines for over a year until Vera wised up and canned him. Noons who is under contract with EliteXC and is their current lightweight champion. EliteXC has been trying to book a fight between Noons and their number 1 contender Nick Diaz, who Noons beat to win the title. Dion has publicly stated that they believe Diaz is not a worthy opponent and Noons isn't paid what he deserves. Diaz has won three straight since losing to Noons.

Dion and Noons felt the contract was worthy when they signed it. Noons was embarrassed by Charles Bennet in his first fight with EliteXC, however EliteXC stayed with him and gave him a title shot.

This is a trend that Randy has started. Attempting to leverage a championship belt against a current contract. A scenario that can cripple a weight division in any organization.