In the world of MMA where fighters often change trainers yearly and jump from camp-to-camp, Randy Couture knew he’d run across his former trainer Shawn Tompkins at some point. Tompkins left Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas and now just four months later, he’s gameplanning for Mark Coleman to help him beat Couture.
"I wasn’t surprised. I knew more than likely when Shawn left for [the] Tapout [Training Center], [Coleman] was gonna turn up over there with Shawn. There are no secrets. If you think you’re protecting something you’re crazy. It’s not happening."
Couture respects his old buddy Tompkins, but says there only so much he can do for Coleman.
"A lot of this comes down to wrestling and establishing that position. And that’s not Shawn’s area of expertise anyway. Shawn’s a striking guy and a good coach. Good motivator and a good coach, and that’s something Mark needs."
Couture said one of his masterminds is grappling/jiu-jitsu coach Neil Melanson, who’s brought a fresh approach recently. Melanson works "catch wrestling," something he learned from fighting legends like Gene LeBell and Gokor Chivichyan. Trainer Ron Frazier from Xtreme Couture referenced Melanson as a hidden gem. For folks who know female fighting star Erin Toughhill, she’s married to Melanson.
Couture was also quick to mention his continued growth as a striker because of his work with Gil Martinez.