UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture takes on Gabriel Gonzaga, Georges St. Pierre faces Josh Koscheck and Joe Stevenson takes on Kurt Pellegrino
The UFC returns to Vegas and so does Randy Couture. Couture prepares to defend his title for the first time since defeating Tim Sylvia at UFC 68, to win it.
To do succeed, he will have to take on Gabriel Gonzaga.
Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga- UFC Heavyweight Championship
This is Couture’s second fight back in the UFC. He took care of Sylvia in five rounds to win the Heavyweight title. Some considered that bout to be the biggest upset of the year.
Gonzaga also pulled off one of the other stunning upsets in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) this year, when he defeated top Heavyweight fighter, Mirko Cro Cop, via knockout.
Gonzaga’s star has been on the rise ever since he defeated Cro Cop at UFC 70. Both fighters face an equally tough challenge.
For Couture, it is a chance to add to his legacy in the UFC. For Gonzaga, it is a chance to prove that his win over Cro Cop isn’t a fluke and that he is the real deal.
Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck- Welterweight Bout
Coming off a loss to Matt Serra at UFC 69 in April, Georges St. Pierre looks to get back on winning ways, as he takes on rising Welterweight fighter, Josh Koscheck.
St. Pierre went in to the Serra fight as the champion, but was knocked out in the first round, to lose the belt.
Koscheck also fought at UFC 69. He went the distance against Diego Sanchez, giving Sanchez his first loss.
A win for Koscheck brings him one step closer to getting a Welterweight title shot. A win for St. Pierre would certainly get him another shot at the Welterweight title.
Joe Stevenson vs. Kurt Pellegrino- Lightweight Battle
One of the biggest fights of the night will come when Joe “Daddy” Stevenson takes on Kurt Pellegrino.
Both fighters are coming off wins and are hoping that a win will get them a title shot in a confusing Lightweight division.
If Stevenson wins, it could mean a title shot. But the question is, against who? With the failed drug tests of both Hermes Franca and Sean Sherk after UFC 73, last month, anything is possible to happen at this point.
Sherk has appealed the decision and will learn his fate sometime in October.
Neither Stevenson or Pellegrino are considered to be the top contender. BJ Penn is slated to take on Sherk, if his appeal stands.
But if Stevenson wins and the appeal is granted for Sherk, the most likely scenario is that Penn will face Sherk for the Lightweight title and Stevenson will get the winner.
UFC 74: Respect will take place in Las Vegas, this Saturday, August 25.
For more information on UFC 74: Respect, go to UFC.com
