Legal battle keeping Couture from fighting Fedor

by Alex Marvez

Updated: July 21, 2008, 2:38 PM EST 125 comments

Couture told FOXSports.com that a Texas state court is set to rule this week on his contractual standing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC claims that Couture still owes the promotion two fights as its heavyweight champion. Couture, who announced his intention to leave the promotion last fall, contends that his UFC obligations should end when a non-compete clause expires on October 11.

A UFC spokesman declined comment on Couture's legal situation.

Couture said his status probably won't be finalized even after the ruling because appeals are expected from the losing party. But Couture said he ultimately expects to face Emelianenko, the renowned Russian fighter who scored a 36-second submission victory over Tim Sylvia in the main event of Saturday night's Affliction pay-per-view show in Anaheim.

"When, where and with what promotion — we don't know," said Couture, who exchanged challenges with Emelianenko after the Affliction show. "It could happen in UFC. We just don't know. I want it to happen. Fedor wants it to happen. In some way, shape or form, we're going to make it happen."

For more comments from Couture about Emelianenko, his UFC contract and recently released autobiography Becoming the Natural, watch my interview with him.