In case you didn’t know, the Pacquiao – Cotto fight ain’t the only big pay per view event this weekend.

Because as far as UFC president Dana White is concerned, he wants a piece of the viewing audience too. And since UFC 105 is in the UK, viewers around the world will get to see it first while they wait for Pacquiao and Cotto get it on. Yes, Dana White is one smart sonuvabitch.

And perhaps what makes him even smarter is the fact that he was able to get Randy Couture inside the Octagon once again. This time, Couture has Brandon Vera, a guy trying to establish himself as a title contender in the light heavyweight division.

Of course, a win over Randy Couture will do just that.

Couture, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, continues to be on top of his game as he faces Vera. Looking impressive even in his losses, Couture uses his base in Greco – Roman wrestling combined with ever improving boxing to grind away at opponents.

Vera on the other hand, has an 11-3 mark and has achieved a measure of success as a light heavyweight after a failed run in the heavyweight division. Vera also possesses a solid ground game and has fought strong grapplers before. Vera has a strong clinch game which will be tested by Couture.

So who’s your pick?

Randy Couture is known for developing strong game plans and following through them while Brandon Vera has been inconsistent in executing fight strategies. If Couture can entice Vera into a clinch war or drag him to the ground, Couture has a shot of coming up on top.

In the undercard, Mike Swick is looking to earn a title shot as he looks to defeat Dan Hardy. Swick, who is fighting out of the esteemed AKA camp, regularly trains with UFC veterans providing a strong training foundation as seen in his last UFC fight where he outclassed his opponent Ben Saunders. Half of Swick’s wins came from knockouts. He will be tested by Dan Hardy with his lanky striking style.

Dan Hardy, at 22-6, 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 knockout. 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.

Another fight to watch out for is this fight between Michael Bisping and Denis Kang. Bisping has an aggressive fighting style with knockout power in his hands. And after getting humiliated by Dan Henderson in his last fight, Bisping can’t afford to lose to a virtual unknown like Kang.

Can Randy Couture beat Brandon Vera in UFC 105? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Randy Couture 1.80

Brandon Vera 1.95

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more UFC betting odds. Want to watch UFC 105 live? Get UFC 105 tickets online now.

Randy Couture Brandon Vera