Distance: 5-inch reach difference
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (2.8 vs 1 takedowns per 15) and a volume gap (2.9 vs 1.6 strikes per minute); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 10 vs 1 five-round fights
| Attribute | Couture | Belfort |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 41 | 27 |
| Height | 6′1″ | 6′0″ |
| Reach | 75″ | 74″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Couture has 10 archived five-round fights to Belfort’s 1; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors CoutureCouture has been finished 3 times in the archive and absorbs 1.5 strikes per minute.
Favors BelfortBelfort has finished 100% of archived wins (6 KO/TKO, 1 submission), 4 of them inside round one in the last 5.
Favors BelfortBelfort has 4 first-round finishes in the last 5 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Couture keeps landing takedowns at 2.8 per 15 minutes; if Belfort stays upright, the striking rates (2.9 vs 1.6 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
