Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture to host

 

UFC champion, Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture was announced as primary host of the upcoming Fighters Only 2010 World Mixed Martial Arts Awards, sponsored by Bodybuilding.com, at a press conference at the Palms Resort and Casino today in Las Vegas, NV.

Arguably the most recognized MMA fighter in the world, Couture is not only a three-time former UFC heavyweight champion, two-time former UFC light heavyweight champion and a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, but is also in the current number one film at the box office, The Expendables.

 

“We are honored to have someone who embodies the sport as completely and legitimately as Randy Couture to co-host our third awards show,” said Fighters Only CEO and President, Rob Hewitt. “We wanted to up our game for fans and appeal to new fans for The 2010 World Mixed Martial Arts Awards and we know Randy will deliver like the champion he is.”

Randy Couture, who was involved in the 2009 World MMA Awards as both an award presenter and as the star of a video skit, "Randy Couture: Divorce Attorney," said he was honored to take a more active role in this year's version.

"It's really cool to be a part of our own awards show for our sport. To be able to host it this year is a great honor,” said Couture. "It's another kind of 'pinch me' moment. I've had an amazing year already, and to be able to add hosting the awards as one of the things that's happened this year is pretty cool. I'm looking forward to it.”

The awards are now in their third year and have proved a big hit with industry insiders and fans alike. This year’s awards ceremony, which is being staged at The Palms on December 1st, is sponsored by BodyBuilding.com and will air via tape-delay on the Versus network, home of the WEC.

At today’s conference, Palms Casino Resort Owner George Maloof said the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards are a perfect fit for the venue.

"I think it's perfect for The Pearl. It's a celebration of all the great athletes in this great sport,” said Maloof. We're very excited to be the hosts on December 1st here at The Pearl at the Palms.”

 

Devised to celebrate success and achievement within the MMA industry, the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards gives fans across the globe the chance to cast their vote on which athletes, brands, and industry professionals have made the greatest impact on the sport in the last 12 months. Voting will take place across 20 different award categories including Fighter of the Year, Knockout of the Year, and Best Lifestyle Apparel.

 

The website www.worldmmaawards.com is now open and ready to take nominations from fans. It gives details on the live event, voting processes, and includes photo galleries from last year’s ceremony.

The 2010 awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday December 1st 2010 in the exclusive Pearl Concert Theatre inside the Palms Casino Resort and will be a black tie event.

 

Couture's fellow host is expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks.