I can confirm Randy Couture will make his return to the light-heavyweight division at UFC 105 in Manchester at the MEN Arena on November 14. These are not rumours.
After much searching, Brandon Vera will be his opponent. There have been discussions over several main events for Manchester, but I understand that Couture v Vera is now nailed down. Both men will have had a ten-week break since their last fight - at UFC 102 in Portland, Oregon. Couture is sure to get a huge reception in the UK, where he has legions of fans.
Fans need no longer carp and moan about the lack of talent on show. This will be a main event alongside several others which will feature Michael Bisping and Dan Hardy.
I’m not arguing that I would not like to have seen Anderson Silva defending his 185lbs title against Dan Henderson - Henderson surely deserves the shot in my view, rather than a fight-off with Nate Marquardt for the privilege - yet Couture’s return to the UK will delight many fans.
The American legend, having signed a new 6-fight deal with the UFC, should now stay at 205lbs. Immediate reaction is that Couture will bring out the best in Vera.
Couture has fought all his MMA contests in the US and Japan. This will mark debut of the fighter known as ‘The Natural’ in the UK.
the.telegraph.co.uk