Some people are calling it "Age in the Cage," but when 45 year-old Mark Coleman and 46-year old Randy Couture square off at UFC 109 it will be easy to forget that both men are nearly drawing Social Security checks. Both are legends in the sport, former champions looking for one last title shot. Besides the main eventers the card is stock full of young prospects, rising stars, and other old folks looking for that final chance to have their hand raised in the UFC Octagon. UGO is here to help break down who is fighting Saturday and why they matter.
UFC 109: Who to Watch and Why
Watch these guys closely this weekend. They'll be the ones kicking a**.
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February 3, 2010
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Randy Couture
The grand old man of American MMA, Couture is the sport's living legend. A multi-time champion at both light heavyweight and heavyweight, the Natural is looking to catapult himself back into title contention after a disappointing loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 102 and a disappointing performance against Brandon Vera at UFC 106. Couture has clearly lost a step-against Nogueira - he moved with the grace and speed of a zombie. Like a zombie, Couture is driven by brains, in this case his own. He always brings an air tight gameplan to the cage and will need that big brain to make up for his declining physical tools.
Mark Coleman
Sure he looks like his name should be "Guido." And maybe he has packed a lot of hard living into his 45 years. But Mark Coleman shouldn't be underestimated. This is a man who changed the sport of MMA, one of its most dominant early champions. There are few men on the planet the 1992 Olympian isn't capable of putting down on the mat - he's banking Randy Couture isn't one of those men. Coleman has a lot riding on this fight - pride, legacy and financial security. He's going to leave everything he has in the cage. There are few more powerful motivators than cold hard cash.
Nate Marquardt
Nate "The Great" Marquardt is a soft spoken, gentle soul. He seems like he would be a candidate to lead your local church youth group - hell, maybe he does. But behind the easy smile and infectious laugh is a very dangerous young man. His hands are gnarled, knuckles misplaced from early bareknuckle fights. Marquardt is a good man, but he isn't afraid to bring down punishment on the poor soul across the cage from him. He's looking for a chance at redemption against middleweight champion Anderson Silva. And the path to Silva goes through Chael Sonnen on Saturday night.
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