[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43-cVOY8NB0][/youtube]

Consecutive losses to Brock Lesnar and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira have done nothing to diminish UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture's desire to face the best competition he can find. Just days before his showdown with Brandon Vera, Couture told Sherdog.com he feels he can compete with the best in the 205-pound division and he welcomed an opportunity to fight champion Lyoto Machida.

The 46-year-old five-time UFC champion is returning to the light heavyweight division for the first time since February 2006. Couture (16-10) went 2-2 as a heavyweight over his past four fights. In this exclusive interview, Couture discusses the controversial match between Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, fighting in the UK and his strategy for his bout with Vera.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/coutur ... hida-20861

I like Randy. I think he's a focused fighter and he plays to his strengths. The majority of UFC fighters have gotten where they are by rolling over weaker opponents until their weakness gets exposed, then it's just a race down the hill of their career. He proves that a warrior can get older, change the way he fights, and continue to have some success. Do I think he'll be fighting in 4-5 years? Naw. Does he deserve a shot at Machida? Maybe if he beat Nogeira. But as it stands, he has to win a few more before I think he's earned a shot at the title, especially folks in the 205 weight class.