I’ll lead off this preview with some harsh words from our own Alan Counihan.

This is gonna to be the first UFC since I started watching in 2005 that I’m considering skipping. I have absolutely ZERO interest in it. I don’t really blame them as honestly the thing that’s killed my interest in the company recently is all the injuries scuppering big matches. Although I do blame them for still building shows around Couture. I have no interest in seeing him again ever.

He used the word scuppering.

I understand his opinion on the UFC still building shows around Randy Couture. But I don’t feel the same way. That is, unless he loses this week and they still continue to book him. If he looks strong and gets a good win, I’m fine with him still fighting. But if he loses here, I’m not so sure I’d want to see him anymore.

Duan and I have predictions for the top three fights.

Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy

GG says: Swick by decision

I’d love to see someone like Hardy who has a little personality to him win a fight like this. Let’s face it: neither of these guys is more than likely beating George St. Pierre. It would probably be more interesting for the guy who is colorful to be the guy fighting GSP. But in looking at Swick’s body of work, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. He’s relentless and I think he’s a smart enough fighter to stay away from Hardy’s strengths and just keep him on the ground.

Michael Bisping vs Denis Kang

Duan says: Bisping by 2nd round TKO

I don’t think Kang has looked the same fighter since getting shattered by Akiyama back in 07, and he has certainly been underwhelming in his UFC run. I expect Bisping will be looking to make a statement here, and I think this is the right opponent for him to do that.

Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera

Duan says: Vera by 3rd round TKO

I have been very vocal in my calls for Couture to retire. I don’t think dropping down a weight helps anymore. If anything it will probably just accentuate the problem further. It’s the noticeable decline in speed and movement which has hurt Randy in his recent fights. This will only become more pronounced at 205.

I hate to say it, but I see Vera dismantling him on the feet. A loss here will position Couture as just another guy in the Light heavyweight division, and Randy Couture should never be just another guy.

GG says: Vera by 3rd round TKO

Duan and I agree here. I think Vera kills Randy with leg kicks. The key for Randy is to be able to take him down once Vera’s foot goes in the air. But let’s not forget that Vera is a credible wrestler. He’s nowhere near the stature of Randy as a wrestler, but he’s not a pushover either. I hate to say this, but I think Vera finishes him. And if it happens, I’m going to be really bummed.

We won’t have live coverage of the show (since it’s in the UK), but we’ll have something up late on Saturday night.

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