Couture stuns Sylvia for UFC title

COLUMBUS, OHIO — After losing two out of three fights to Ultimate Fighting Championship light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and a tearful retirement in 2006, it was believed that Randy Couture had run out of chances.

But before a packed house at the Nationwide Arena on Saturday, the 43-year-old UFC Hall of Famer pulled another surprise, dominating Tim Sylvia for five rounds, scoring a shutout decision that earned Couture a third UFC heavyweight championship.

“Not bad for an old man,” said Couture, whose three belts are added to two UFC light-heavyweight championships, giving him five belts.

“He kept me off balance all night,” said Sylvia, a two-time champion. “He kept me guessing the whole 25 minutes.”

Couture improved to 15-8. Sylvia fell to 25-3.

On the undercard, former middleweight champion Rich Franklin utilized his striking skills to punish Jason MacDonald and scored a takedown victory at the end of Round 2 when his opponent could not continue. And former welterweight champion Matt Hughes overpowered Chris Lytle on his way to a unanimous decision.