UFC President Dana White

By FCF Staff

After word surfaced this week that one of the greatest fighters and personalities in UFC history, Randy “The Natural” Couture, had signed a broadcasting deal with Bellator and Spike TV, many observers likely wondered how it would sit with his former employers. According to UFC President Dana White, however, the outspoken executive is apparently fine with Couture’s departure, but not because he and Couture are on good terms.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, White reportedly blasted the character of Couture, by stating that the popular fighter is the “furthest thing from” being the “greatest guy in the world”. White proceeded to cite Couture’s 2007 dispute with the UFC, which ultimately led to legal action, as a key reason why “I’m happy that I don’t have to be in business with him anymore.”

During his battle with the UFC, Couture criticized the promotion regarding various issues, including compensation and the company’s control of his likeness. Couture was also hoping to secure a bout with PRIDE legend Fedor Emelianenko, which at the time, would have likely been the biggest in the sport’s history.

The promotion proceeded to argue that Couture had been paid more than he had claimed. White repeated this assertion in the aforementioned interview.

After deciding to end his legal battle with ZUFFA, Couture returned to the UFC and remained one of the promotion’s most popular and promoted fighters until his retirement in 2011.

Although neither Spike or Bellator has yet to announce any agreement with Couture, according to multiple reports, the decorated fighter will coach the promotion’s upcoming reality show and will be an on air personality with the company.