The term legend has become abused when it comes describing professional athletes but in the world of mixed martial arts, Randy Couture undoubtedly holds a legendary status.
“The Natural” celebrates his 53rd birthday today having only retired from the sport at the remarkable age of 47.
He found notoriety during his storied career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he competed from 1997 to 2011.
Couture is one of only two men to have ever claimed UFC titles in two weight classes –light heavyweight and heavyweight – and at 43-years old is the oldest fighter to win a UFC title in the promotion’s history.
He is considered a pioneer in MMA, defeating the best competitors of his era and helping to expand the sport outside of the cage, landing roles in movies such as the Expendables and Setup.
1965: Lubomir Moravcik, former Czechoslovakia and Slovakia midfielder who also starred for Celtic (51).
1971: Gary Connolly, one of Great Britain’s finest-ever rugby league centres who starred for Wigan (45).
1984: Dustin Johnson, American professional golfer who won his first major on Sunday at the US Open (32).
1987: Danny Green, San Antonio Spurs shooting guard who is one of NBA’s best all-rounders (29).