I’ve been waiting for this story for months. Zuffa LLC, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting championship has filed a lawsuit against Randy Couture. To the average observer, the lawsuit is very clear cut. It would appear that Couture is in gross violation of his UFC contract. However, Zuffa is seeking damages for much more than just a simple contract breech.Donald J. Campbell, one of Zuffa’s lawyers issues this statement to the press in Nevada. "We are alleging numerous intentional torts, which have caused Zuffa and the UFC significant harm. Based upon that harm we are seeking to address these matters before a court of law."
They are also saying that Couture has publicly slandered the company, damaging their public image. Campbell also revealed that in addition to his current UFC contract, there is a one year “no compete” clause on the deal which kicks when the contract expires in 2010. This no compete clause specifically refers to direct and indirect competition. This would mean any form of MMA, pro sports, pro wrestling … heck any television property could theoretically be deemed and indirect competitor to the UFC.
Currently, Couture is scheduled to captain a team in an upcoming IFL tournament. A court injunction will likely ensure that doesn’t happen.
If this is held up in court, it would mean that Randy Couture would not be able to fight until 2012.
Tha O Show has made calls to several key principals and will have more on this story shortly.
1 comments: on "UFC To Sue Couture"
This just smacks of pro wrestling. 2012? Really? They might as well just say "You cant fight ever again. Deal with it!" I know that Randy is an awesome athelete, but there is no way in hell he could fight at 49 years old and be of any relevance. Yes, I know that Severn mentioned fighting at such an age but he's an anamoly and a freak of nature. In a good way.
Hopefully they can come up with some sort of agreement. This isnt just a matter of "Oh, you wanna trash talk us? Fine. You no make with the punch-kick no more!" This is Randy's life. This is what he does. To take that away from him and then say he is allowed to do it at an age where he can get permanently injured or worse is just cruel.
Yeah, its silly to go around bashing the company that made you but to destroy a fighter that helped build you is just as if not as horrible (this is the equivelent of having someone build your shabby ass house into a mansion and then chopping their hands off). If this suit goes through and Randy is done then thats a damned shame and a sad ending to a great career.
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