Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are 2 of the best mixed martial artiest in the game. Men that have been throwing blows for many years in many organizations and always in the top 10 of MMA greats. They have a combined record of 47w - 14l - 1. Many wars have been waged, and countless rounds fought by these two men. They are men of skill, experience, and the will to win. Randy Couture was at the fore front of the early days of MMA, and at that time he was always competing at its highest level. Randy held many titles early in his career. Nogueira was a Pride sensation winning the Kings 40 man tournament and his debut in Pride. Big-Nog has also ran into Fedor Emelianenko, losing a decision by ground and pound. Both these men have fought the best of the best that MMA has to offer at their respective weight classes. Truly will be a great time in MMA history when these two enter the octagon.
What comes to question as always is age and how it has affected the skills of an individual. Both men are coming off losses. Randy lost to Brock Lesner UFC91. Big-Nog lost to Frank Mir UFC92. Which fighter will be able to overcome the metal side and be confident to showcase their skills and come out a winner. Many people talk about athlete decline. The physicality that MMA requires and a fighters aging body are all part of the formula for decline. Nog has been the fighter that takes a beating in order to tough out a win by decision or catch a fighter in a submission in the later rounds. This style of fighting will take its tool to any athletes body. Randy Couture has also been in long wars with many of the best MMA fighters in the world. Big-Nog looked like decline had come early against Frank Mir. He looked slow and sluggish, no answer to Mir's striking skills. Can Randy utilize that same tactic to bring down the Big-Nog or will there be some type of training secret that the Nog shows up with? I really do not take this aging thing to literally. I mean, athletes that age rely mostly on heart and mental toughness to make things happen. I believe that heart and a motivated mind are ingredients that can make any man forget about how his body is feeling and do great things. Can Randy keep his mind clear and focus on the fight without being side tracked by personal issues? Can Nog weather the storm and show all the critics that he can still smash and tap his opponents?
These are two men that MMA fans have been wanting to see fight for a long time and the time is near. Both careers have spanned a decade and many battles have been fought. They will step into the octagon (August 29th, from the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon) and bang for the first time. Hold onto your seats it is going to be one to remember.
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On November 14th, 2009 (M.E.N Arena Manchester England) a hungry new contender steps into the octagon against a former world champion. Men of country hope to bring pride to their people. May the fists hit the fan! UFC 105 Picks:
