When I first heard about the headline match up for UFC 109 I was not very excited; Two older fighters who are far past their primes. But after thinking and reading about it, as well as watching the preview show (aka the “hype show”) I’m now looking forward to it(the hype show can have that effect on you). Coleman and Couture have both made a mark in MMA. Couture is the oldest competitor to ever win a UFC fight (46 years, 145 days). Some other facts about him include:
• UFC tournament winner (UFC 13)
• Two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
• Three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion
• Only fighter in UFC history to win a championship after being inducted into the Hall of Fame
• First fighter in UFC history to win championships in two different weight divisions
• Most championship fights in UFC history (15)
• Won Fight of the Night in two of the last five fights (TKO3 over Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 74 and UD loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102).
Many fans aren’t familiar with Coleman, aside from his recent return to the UFC, so here are a few facts about him:
Coleman was the first UFC heavyweight and the originator of Ground and Pound in the UFC. He was also: Two-time UFC tournament winner (UFCs 10 and 11)
• PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix Champion 2000
• Won Fight of the Night in 205-lb debut (TKO3 by Rua at UFC 93).
They are both excellent wrestlers and actually battled it out on the wrestling mat MANY years ago, with Coleman winning by one point. They were supposed to fight in the UFC a long time ago (like 13 years ago) but Couture got injured and it never happened. Couture prefers to clinch an opponent then take him down. Coleman prefers to use double leg takedowns to get his opponent to the ground. I have to give the striking edge to Randy. I actually like both these guys a lot and hate to see either one have to lose. In the end, I’d have to give it to Randy for the W, but it’s MMA so who knows?
I’m very excited about the Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen fight. I like both of these fighter a lot as well and again, I hate to see either one have to lose. They are both great fighters, but I have to give the edge to Marquardt due to his strength, skill, and well roundedness (I also think it’s time for him to get a title shot-a rematch with Silva), but I wouldn’t mind if Sonnen wins either.
The Mike Swick V Paulo Thiago fight should be a great one as well. If it stays standing up, Swick wins; if it goes to the ground, Thiago wins.
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I’m very excited to see Damian Maia back. He’s facing a tough and talented opponent in Dan Miller, but I gotta go with Maia on this one.
Matt Serra V Frank Trigg: Serra wins no problem.
Not terribly excited about the prelim fights, with the exception of seeing Rolls Gracie fight. Not only do I think he’ll win this fight, but I predict he’ll be a force in the UFC in the future, the first of a new generation of Gracie fighters.
Main Card
• Light Heavyweight bout: Randy Couture vs. Mark Coleman
• Middleweight bout: Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen
• Welterweight bout: Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago
• Middleweight bout: Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller
• Welterweight bout: Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg
Preliminary Card (Spike TV)
• Lightweight bout: Mac Danzig vs. Justin Buchholz
• Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Ronnys Torres
] Preliminary Card
• Lightweight bout: Phillipe Nover vs. Rob Emerson
• Light Heavyweight bout: Brian Stann vs. Phil Davis
• Heavyweight bout: Tim Hague vs. Chris Tuchscherer
• Heavyweight bout: Rolles Gracie vs. Joey Beltran
