'Time waits for no man.' This can be seen in many sports, but the likes of boxing and mixed martial arts are particularly grueling and unforgiving for those who carry on for too long. 45 year old, Mark Coleman and Randy Couture, 46 will headline UFC 109 tonight, and try and prove that age does not matter.
Couture vs. Coleman
An intriguing match on so many levels, despite the fact the combined age of these two is 91, this writer is convinced Couture vs. Coleman will not disappoint. Both were elite level wrestlers (in the NCAA Division 1), and it is hard to seperate them in this respect. Both men have also adapted their wrestling well to MMA, and have become legends in the sport, mainly due to their grappling ability.
However, where this fight may be won or lost is standing up and in the clinches. If their wrestling negates each other, they will likely end up standing, as many wrestlers do when confronted with another of their kind. Coleman has heavy hands, but his foe is very technical and has improved his game massively in the last couple of years. The question is will Randy be able to use his dirty boxing though against the strong 'Hammer'? Only time will tell.
If forced into making a prediction, Couture via TKO in round two would seem to make sense. However, Coleman is in superb shape, and could well impose his will on Couture. This should be a cracker.
Chael Sonnen vs. Mate Marquardt
Nate Marquardt proves time and time again that he is a top fighter. With recent wins over the undefeated Demian Maia and Wilson Gouveia, he has consitently put himself in the frame for a rematch with Anderson Silva, only for Vitor Belfort to jump the queue. Tonight, he has a chance to prove beyond a doubt he deserves a title shot, although Chael Sonnen should not be overlooked.
Sonnen is a fantastic wrestler who has beaten fighters such as Trevor Prangley and Paulo Filho, and in his last bout, he dominated the top level Yushin Okami. Make no mistake, if Sonnen can keep Marquardt where he wants him - on his back, 'Nate The Great' could be in for a rough night. An outside bet on a Sonnen decision may not be a bad move.
Best of the Rest
Mike Swick will face off against Paulo Thiago on the undercard. While Swick has very quick hands, and a quickly improving ground game, Thiago probably is the better rounded competitor, tipping the scales in his favour.
Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg is a solid offering. This could go either way, considering Serra is probably the better skilled fighter, but Trigg knows this may be his last chance to make a run for UFC glory, and will make the most of it.
The first bout on the main card will be Dan Miller vs. BJJ specialist Demian Maia. After being blasted by Nate Marquardt in his last fight, Maia will be looking to make a statement, so he should be able to submit the durable Miller in the very first session.
How To Watch UFC 109
In the UK, it is availiable on ESPN at 2am. In the USA, it is live on PPV.
