Credit: MMAFighting.com

MMAFighting.com is reporting that UFC President Dana White told the website that Randy Couture’s rumored bout with Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 is a “done deal.”

Couture had said repeatedly over the last two months or so that he was more interested in focusing on his movie career at this stage in his life and that he was only interested in intriguing fights, naming Lyoto Machida and UFC heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as opponents in which he had the most interest; though he indicated that he doubted his recent bouts warranted a shot at either man.

Though “The Natural” hasn’t lost since dropping to light heavyweight in 2009, his three wins have come by controversial decision over Brandon Vera, submission over an aging Mark Coleman and submission over boxing legend James Toney. Regardless, Couture’s skill level looked as sharp as ever and it appears as though the Zuffa heads believe he still has what it takes to make a run at the belt.

Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida recently lost his belt by knockout to “Shogun” Rua and then lost in his return fight to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, albeit by controversial decision. Prior to those to losses, the Brazilian karateka had remained undefeated in sixteen bouts. He has been credited with having one of the most confusing and difficult styles for opponents to decipher.