RANDY COUTURE: Keeping up with an old friend...

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Friday, June 6, 2008 - Huntington Beach, California
Written by: Rebecca Lee

I've missed seeing Randy's smile over recent months on my TV. As many times as I've had to meet and greet what I consider to be one of the greatest and most endearing champions in recent memory, I am still a bit shy when he enters a room. I know. I know. Me? Shy?!

I think I am cautious not to seem like a groupie (even though I am) and a bit humbled by his common courtesy toward each and every one of the fans waiting in line to shake his hand, snap a photo, and garner his Hall of Fame signature on a piece of memorabilia. This time seemed no different.

Amidst all of the legalities that Randy Couture must face, his smile still lights up the OTM Fight Shop in Huntington Beach. He enters and gets right to the task of greeting fans one by one. The staff of OTM takes great care in making sure that the shop isn't too crowded for individual pictures and signings. Lots of families are on hand as well as long-time fans and hopeful fighters. Xtreme Couture raffles off several new shirts and every fan gets face time with "The Natural". I even steal a moment between photos to talk with Randy about our time on the set of "Redbelt" last year and to ask about his wife's debut. In just two (2) weeks, Kim Couture will make her MMA Pro debut back in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center, UNLV. He feels she will do very well and seems excited about her involvement in the sport.

An hour and a half after arriving, Randy is on his way to yet another appearance. The staff and I get a moment to say our goodbyes and, just like that, he's gone. On his tour of Southern California, Randy will spend time at four (4) different OTM Fight Shop locations and a few other retail outlets in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and the surrounding areas. In all, he will likely appear at more than a half dozen signings over 3 days. And he'll be smiling all the way...


* Photos of local fans at this signing can be found in my Fight Gallery.

I am always down to help people out - friends and strangers alike...so when the request for "girls" to help ProElite promotions at ASR was posted, I knew I wanted to volunteer, but wasn't sure just what I'd be getting myself into.  After all, beyond writing MMA coverage and training my clients, my other life is at home with the family...  :) 

But a chance to party with the big dogs???  Why not?

I met up with Downtown and the staff of ProElite at City Boxing just after they wrapped up filming with KJ Noons (what a nice guy!) After we grabbed a bite to eat, we decided I would head straight over to "Belo", while they went back to their hotel to change clothes.  It was open bar when I got to Belo and the club was being set up for the arrival of B Real of Cypress Hill who was scheduled to perform that night.  Skinnie Magazine co-sponsored the event with Elite XC, ProElite, and Triumph United amongst others, so I was sure it would be a great show!   

While I waited, I ran into Hans of Triumph United and Art of Skinnie Magazine and was invited to take a seat at their VIP table - flattering to say the least.  When the crew showed up, we all had a great time hanging with reps from other companies (OTM, Skin, etc…), promoting the site write-ups, watching Cypress Hill, partying with KJ Noons, Larry Jackson, and some of their friends....

Man! I can't tell you how lucky I felt!  Not only did I get to hang out at one of the coolest spots in San Diego, but I got to hang with some of the coolest people as well!


Thanks to the ProElite staff for letting this fight fan be part of such a great event! 

Love to all - Peace!