Posted on 3/3/2007 12:50:45 PM

UFC 68 Betting - Randy Couture Returns

By Adam Prince

The Natural is back. At 43, Randy Couture (14-8-0) is stepping out of retirement and into the octagon to face current Heavyweight Champ, Tim Sylvia (23-2-0). Couture hasn't fought since his UFC 57 KO loss to Chuck Liddell in a Light Heavyweight title shot.

Coming from a wrestling background - he was an alternate on the American Olympic team in 1988, 1992, 1996 - Couture is known for his agressive ground and pound. He's a take down specialist with some submission abilities.

Born in Washington, fighting out of Oregon and currently residing in Las Vegas, Randy's second nickname is "Captain America".

 

The UFC Hall of Famer (one of only four members) is a fan favorite, but also a +280 underdog. Couture has been fighting in the UFC since 1997. Part of Randy's charm and popularity has come from winning when he wasn't supposed to.

In Couture's victories over Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz in UFC 43 and 44, respectively, he was a tremendous underdog that went above and beyond everybody's expectations. Couture became the first UFC athelete to win a belt in two different divisions.

That is how Randy Couture shot up the ranks and popularity of the UFC. Granted that was a few years, three losses and one retirement ago, but Randy Couture really believes he's going to win.

He simply wouldn't be coming out of retirement if he didn't think that he could take the title and shake up the boring UFC Heavyweight Division. He's made a career out of victories like that.

 

Tim Sylvia certianly has a different idea about that. Sylvia stands at 6'8'', is 13 years younger and is the current Heavyweight Champion of the UFC. He's confident coming in, and with those stats, he's got every right to be. He's won his last six fights but has been criticized for relying on very conservative (boring) tactics. As a title fight, this is a must win for Sylvia, but it's also a should win.

With nothing to lose in this match up, Randy Couture will be supported by the sell out crowd. He'll also be coming in aggressive, fast and determined.

As the wyly veteran, Couture could pull a surprise upset, winning believers $280 for every $100 wagered. Nice.

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