UFC returns to Britain in Manchester(credit:
deskounlmtd.net)
The main event of the evening this coming Saturday at UFC 105 in Manchester sees Hall of Famer Randy Couture return to the Light Heavyweight division as he takes on Brandon Vera at 205 lbs.
Couture is a slight favourite to win on the UFC's return to the United Kingdom, best priced at time of writing 5/6 with Paddy Power.
The only question mark over Couture going into the bout at the MEN Arena is his age - as at 46 he is 16 years old than 32-year-old Vera.
Eventually, Couture is going to have to call it a day. He already runs the risk of losing again in the same way he did to UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, but whether he will be beaten in similar fashion on Saturday remains to be seen.
Vera, who not so long ago was seen as a top contender to both the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight titles, has seen his career falter, losing three out of his last six fights in the Octagon.
But Vera, currently available at 5/4 with Sky Bet, heads to Manchester having won his last two fights, the most recent being at UFC 102 when he beat Krzysztof Soszynski by unanimous decision.
Couture's style is well known. He possesses power, is a solid boxer, can wrestle extremely well and can easily take his opponent down before causing further damage.
But after defeats against Lesnar and last time out against Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera, questions are starting to be asked of 'The Natural'.
Vera, while not at his peak in his last two fights, did show glimpses of great ability that previously made him a top contender. If he takes his A game to Manchester and use his Muay Thai, he could cause serious problems for Couture.
But standing up, Vera's strengths may well be cancelled out by Couture's own strengths and we expect the 46-year-old to use his dirty boxing throughout the bout.
Age may not be on his side, but at 5/6, Couture still looks a good bet to get back to winning ways this weekend.