UFC 105 Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera Preview
Analysis Of UFC 105 On November 14, 2009 in Manchester, England
Oct 25, 2009
Randy Couture looks to rebound off his loss to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira while Brandon Vera looks to establish himself for a title run in this light heavyweight contest. Mike Swick and Dan Hardy also meet in a welterweight contest with a win bringing either fighter into title contention. Michael Bisping, an alumnus from The Ultimate Fighter, faces the formidable Denis Kang. A solid undercard of up and coming fighters balances three key fights with title contender implications.
Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera
Former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture (16 Wins – 10 Losses) continues to compete at the age of forty – six. Looking impressive even in his losses, Couture uses his base in Greco – Roman wrestling combined with ever improving boxing to grind away at opponents. He also possesses a strong submission defense. Look for Couture to press Vera against the cage, look for a trip, and establish top control on the ground allowing him to neutralize Vera’s strengths.
Brandon Vera (11 Wins – 3 Losses) has achieved a measure of success at light heavyweight after a failed run in the heavyweight division. Considered a hot prospect a few years ago, he looks to ignite a title run utilizing his Muay Thai skills. Vera also possesses a credible ground game and has fought strong grapplers before. Vera has a strong clinch game which will be tested by Couture. His keys to victory lie in effective striking at the outer range and using his footwork to avoid being cornered by Couture.’
Randy Couture is known for developing strong game plans and following through while Brandon Vera has been inconsistent in executing fight strategy. If Couture can entice Vera into a clinch war or drag him to the ground he stands a good chance of victory. Vera can use his strong kicks and striking to pick away at Couture who tends to stalk opponents and lacks the explosiveness to close the distance. However, Couture has fought strong kick boxers before in Pedro Rizzo, and is a resilient fighter. Vera is not likely to submit Couture, but will out strike him to take a decision victory.
Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy
Mike Swick (14 Wins – 2 Losses), an alumnus of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, is as strong striker coming off of four straight wins and looking for a title shot. Having honed his kickboxing skills in Thailand, he outclassed Ben Saunders in his last UFC fight. With half of his wins coming through knockout, Swick will test Dan Hardy with his lanky striking style. Fighting out of the esteemed AKA camp, Swick regularly trains with over UFC veterans providing a strong training foundation.
Dan Hardy (22 Wins – 6 Losses) with his trademark red mohawk will be the local favorite coming off of six straight wins. A split decision victory over Marcus Davis in his last outing highlighted Hardy’s well – rounded fighting skills. A strong striker, half of his wins come through knock out. He is an aggressive fighter and will likely press the action. He uses crisp striking and if he can land the first telling flurry he will exploit it to victory.
Both fighters are solid strikers which indicates they may neutralize each other on the feet forcing them to fight in the clinch or on the ground where Swick will likely have the advantage. Swick’s key to victory is looking for a takedown and establishing control. However, fights start standing, and given the aggressiveness of both fighters, the first one to land a telling blow will move in for the knockout. Look for Mike Swick to win through strikes on the ground in the third round.
Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang
Michael Bisping (17 Wins – 2 Losses), a winner of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, faced a crushing knockout at the hands of Dan Henderson in his last fight. He has however faced strong competition before as he looks to rebound from his loss. Bisping has an aggressive fighting style with knockout power in his hands. Denis Kang (32 Wins – 11 Losses – 1 Draw – 2 No Contests) fell into an easy submission in his UFC debut, but won his last fight. A well – rounded fighter with a run of success in Asia, he looks to establish himself in the UFC. Bisping who spent his last fight circling into Dan Henderson’s power hand compensates for a lack of fundamentals through power striking. Vera is competent on his feet and will secure victory on the ground through strikes in round three.
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