Tompkins training Coleman to beat former boss Couture
For renowned MMA trainer Shawn Tompkins, the transition from Xtreme Couture to the TapouT Training Center has been smooth, even…
For renowned MMA trainer Shawn Tompkins, the transition from Xtreme Couture to the TapouT Training Center has been smooth, even though it can sometimes lead to seemingly awkward situations.
For example, Tompkins is currently in the midst of training MMA legend Mark Coleman for his upcoming fight at UFC 109. Nothing awkward about that, right? Well, maybe this: Coleman will be squaring off against Tompkins’ former boss, Randy Couture.
“It’s just business,” Tompkins said of the upcoming bout. “Anyone who’s ever spoken to Randy, as far as competition, that’s how he feels, too.
“For Randy, it’s about the fight, not the drama,” Tompkins continued. “He’s real cool about it. We talked about it. I let his camp know first. I started working with Mark for the Stephan Bonnar fight [at UFC 100]. I have my own team now, and this is how I make my living and how my family survives, so if Mark Coleman comes to me and asks me to coach him in a matchup against another UFC Hall of Famer, I’m going to say yes. It’s nothing personal. It should happen for the sport and the fans, and when it’s all said and done, Randy and I will still be friends, and I’ll still respect him for everything he’s done for me.”
Tompkins left Xtreme Couture in October, mainly for the opportunity to run his fight team his own way, he said.
