UFC 109: Randy Couture Overwhelming Favorite Over Mark Coleman

Sports News - January 21st, 2010 - Written By John

The next installment of the UFC takes place at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, as UFC 109: RELENTLESS comes to town on February 6th. In the main event, legends of the past collide, as Randy "The Natural" Couture matches up against Mark "The Hammer" Coleman, in a battle of two of the top grapplers in UFC history. The fight will mark the first time ever that two UFC Hall-of-Famers will square off in the octagon against each other.

"Couture vs. Coleman is one of those dream match ups that fans have always talked about,” UFC President Dana White of the upcoming fight between the veterans. “And when you consider that these are two of the greatest wrestlers turned mixed martial artists ever, and it’s the first time that two guys who have already earned their way into the UFC Hall of Fame are fighting each other, this is not only an intriguing match up, but a historic one.”

Both of these fighters sport similar fighting styles, and will try to get the fight to the ground as quickly as possible. Though both are well training in that style both feel they will have the advantage in that domain. Originally, these fighters were slated to fight each other over a decade ago, but due to injury, the fight was canceled. It took 11 years, but the legendary fight is fully on.

Couture has an overall record of 17-10 in the octagon. He is a five-time champion in the UFC, and has developed a reputation as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. In his last outing, the 6' 2", 205 pound fighter defeated Brandon Vera in a unanimous decision during UFC 105. He comes to UFC 109 confident, but knows that his opposition cannot be taken lightly, as Coleman has an impressive resume' of his own.

“Mark Coleman is another classic match up for me,” Couture remarked during an interview leading up to the match up. “Like (Antonio Rodrigo) Nogueira, this is a fight that was supposed to happen a long time ago and is finally now a reality. Mark has a tremendous wrestling pedigree, and his collegiate and freestyle background has taken him a long way in MMA. I look forward to testing my skills and fighting spirit against another UFC Hall of Fame fighter.”

On the other side of the ring, fellow hall of fame inductee, Coleman, was a National Champion wrestler at Ohio State University before turning to MMA. Coleman is listed at 6' 1", 205 pounds, and is one inch shorter than Couture. Coleman made his UFC debut back in 1997. In 1999, He left UFC only to return 10 years later. In his return fight, he faced "Ultimate Fighter Season one" winner Stephan Bonnar, an opponent he defeated by unanimous decision.

Coleman knows Couture's style, and is aware of the challenge that lay before him.

“This is by far the biggest fight of my career,” Coleman said of the upcoming fight with Couture. “I have nothing but respect both inside and outside of the Octagon for Randy Couture. He is one of the greatest in the history of MMA. It’s an honor to accept this challenge to fight him and a win here would be one of the top highlights of my career. I expect to win, and will prepare for a war. I will do all I can to make this an exciting fight for the fans.”

Couture is an asserted favorite according to UFC Betting Lines listed at Bodog Sportsbook. Listed at -500 to defeat Coleman, Randy Couture is not only a fan favorite, but is also an overwhelming favorite according to oddsmakers.

Assuming the role of the underdog should help Coleman, a slight that he will use as motivation to silence doubters. Coleman currently sits at +300 odds to take down fellow hall-of-famer, Couture.

UFC 109 will take place on the Saturday of "Super Bowl" weekend, February 6th, and can be seen live on on pay-per-view. Consult your local cable company for prices.