Pros Pick: Couture vs. Coleman
Mike Sloan Feb 6, 2010
Two UFC Hall of Famers clash Saturday in a matchup that was first
scheduled to take place in 1998.
In the UFC 109 main event, Randy Couture, the only man to capture a UFC title at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, will lock horns with former UFC heavyweight champion and inaugural Pride Grand Prix winner Mark Coleman.
It’s an MMA matchup that pits freestyle wrestling against
Greco-Roman, the godfather of ground-and-pound against an innovator
of the clinch game. Couture has a much more refined fighting style,
but Coleman has nevertheless bulldozed his share of opponents with
a more rudimentary approach.
How will it unfold when they finally meet in the cage? Sherdog.com caught up with several professional fighters and trainers for their opinion on the matchup.
Shonie Carter: I am going to have to say that this fight is going to be an epic fight between two legends and it’s going to go the distance. Surprisingly I am going to give it to Mark Coleman by narrow decision because of takedown attempts.
Mike Ciesnolevicz: I'm pulling for Coleman because he needs it more than Randy. He was the man back in his day and he is the underdog. This fight is going to be an uphill battle for him, and it's almost impossible to win for him due to Randy being more well-rounded with better gameplans and cardio. Randy wins this fight by late TKO or maybe decision after Coleman gasses hard trying to keep up.
Benji Radach: This, like all fights, could go either way, but I think Randy has kept himself in the game competitively more than Coleman. It doesn't seem like Randy stays away from the gym much. That alone keeps your mind game ready and gives you the cardio to beat Coleman in the later rounds of that fight. I pick Randy, decision win.
Jason Dent: I'm going with Randy Couture in this one, no doubt. Randy is the superior wrestler and boxer of the two. Randy can defend himself off of his back better than Coleman can as well. I see the fight being competitive for round one and then Randy taking over in round two and getting a referee stoppage late round two or early round three. So that’s who I'm picking to win for my analysis, but nothing would make me happier than for Coleman to prove me wrong and get the win. Coleman definitely needs it more in his career right now. I'm a HUGE fan of both men and have been watching and looking up to both of them for years. I hope the UFC does more legend vs. legend matchups on a more regular basis.
Pat Miletich: The fight between Randy Couture and Mark Coleman could actually be a very entertaining fight. Randy continues to give younger fighters problems and is in the hunt for another title shot. People have been picking him to lose fights for the past five years, saying he's too old to compete. His wrestling, strength, experience and endurance pay off time and time again.
Mark Coleman, like Couture, is a guy that was part of the first wave of top-tier wrestlers that took over the sport in the late 90s. I actually trained Mark when he was invited to compete in the first Pride GP. He had lost 2-3 fights in a row and was able to rededicate himself and win the GP. What has impressed me most about this particular era of Coleman's career is he seems to have that same determination and fire again.
This will be one of the few fights where Couture is up against a guy that is his age but who has equal or better wrestling ability. Coleman's takedowns are powerful, and he may have the advantage in this category. Even though Randy is very strong, I also give the punching power edge to Coleman. The ability to transition and flow goes to Couture, and he also has better endurance.
If Mark Coleman is going to win, I think it will have to come in the first 7-10 minutes of the fight. If the fight gets past that point, the odds will probably swing towards Couture. Either way it is a historical fight between two guys that are true UFC legends, and I will certainly be watching. I hope both have great performances and come out the other side healthy.
Couture is a huge
favorite.
Ricardo
Liborio: Couture by TKO.
Billy MacDonald: I see this being your usual standup battle between two good wrestlers. When it comes down to it, I see Randy taking this one via TKO in round two.
Stav Economou: It’s simple really. Mark Coleman has nothing in his arsenal that Randy Couture hasn't seen before or can't handle. Either Randy wins via ground-and-pound in the second round or he wins a decision. Either way, Randy is getting his arm raised in victory.
Carlos Newton: Gotta go with Couture for this one. Though I know Coleman is a warrior and probably trained his butt off for this fight, Randy is the master at strategy and conditioning. I think he simply has too much (recent) experience for Mark, and too many weapons. Mark's finishing options are limited from a technical perspective, and I don't see Randy able to finish him either. Look for Randy in a decision and room to spare in his gas tank.
Michael Guymon: I think Randy has more ways to finish this fight than Mark. I see Randy taking this fight into the third round and getting the TKO with strikes.
Mike Dolce: In order for Randy to truly establish himself as a legitimate contender to Lyoto Machida's light heavyweight belt, he must blow through Coleman on his way to other tough matchups in the division. For Mark, on the other hand, a win over Couture would immediately catapult his status as a true top five threat. Had this fight happened five or eight years ago, I don't believe there would be the same "do or die" attitude attached to it, as both athletes were standing pretty firm at the top of the divisional rankings. A loss for either guy here would be devastating to their momentum and all but eliminate any further talk of title contention. At the risk of sounding lame, I'm not even going to attempt to pick a winner here, but I look forward to one of the best displays of "MMA wrestling" in UFC history!
Tom Gavrilos: I agree Randy has all the tools. Just a much more well-rounded MMA fighter. But I do believe Mark has the better wrestling and heavy hands if and when he can put them on you. That’s why I’m choosing Mark as my darkhorse for this pick.
Frank Shamrock: Randy all the way. I always gotta pull for Randy.
Ray Elbe: What a great throwback fight. Couture wins this fight by outworking Coleman along the fence and earning a TKO victory sometime in the third round showing everyone the true meaning of Old Man Strength and the natural benefits of daily Geritol vitamins.
Roland Sarria: Randy will press and set a fast pace and control Coleman. Coleman will be stopped in the second round.
Ben Saunders: I'm a huge fan of both and I love Couture, but I feel for Coleman's situation much more, so I hope he wins. I also hope it’s a badass war that both come out of uninjured. I also say Coleman needs to reclaim his career calling as the original "The Hammer" from Hammer House. Why change it? I hope it’s not because Matt Hamill stole it.
Robin Black: This is gonna be a cool fight. These two older dudes are gonna fight like it’s their last go. It isn't, but they both love this game and realize the clock is ticking, so expect them to enjoy it for the remainder of their careers. Because they both have such great wrestling, this may come down to a striking battle, which will be fun. Coleman's been training with Randy's old striking coach, Shawn Tompkins. Tompkins' boys have been looking great (Sam Stout anyone?) lately, but I don't think one camp with Shawn will be enough to take Coleman's striking to elite levels. Besides, Randy's spent a couple YEARS working with Tompkins, and learning his game. Edge to Randy in striking and gameplanning and conditioning. Couture by third-round finish.
Travis Lutter: Got to go with Randy, but in this fight, there isn’t really a loser or winner in my book.
Gabe Ruediger: I can’t say I’m interested in this fight at all. The time I might have been is 10 years removed. That being said, both are legends and both have been in the game for some time. The difference? Randy has actually improved and become more well-rounded. Coleman seems to be the same fighter he was when he first fought (but now not being able to use his best weapon, the headbutt). Randy by decision.
Stephane Vigneault: Couture win (by) TKO in round two when Coleman (runs) out of gas.
Scott Bieri: (Laughs) The geezers at Caesars! Pretty safe to say Randy’s got this one.
Jason Lambert: Couture by TKO.
Nick Thompson: After some standup exchange that saw the Ohioan getting the better of the action, Couture landed a crisp left to the body that stunned Coleman. After recovering, Coleman scored a big punch that dropped Couture and he wasted no time in finishing with some shots on the ground, forcing the ref to stop the match at 2:54 of round one.
Erik Paulson: The fight between Couture and Coleman will be a monumental one. Would’ve liked to see these two guys fight five years ago. Randy is still very sharp and smart. Mark isn’t quite the same as he was at a heavier weight, but Mark has the heart and drive of a lion. It will be interesting to watch the matchup of the will of attrition versus proper strategic application.
Yves Edwards: Randy by decision. His game is more “MMA evolved,” but Coleman has shown so much heart lately that you can’t count him out. Still, I say Randy takes it.
Pros who picked Couture: 18
Pros who picked Coleman: 3
Pros who couldn’t decide: 5
You can contact Mike Sloan at www.facebook.com/mikesloan19
In the UFC 109 main event, Randy Couture, the only man to capture a UFC title at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, will lock horns with former UFC heavyweight champion and inaugural Pride Grand Prix winner Mark Coleman.
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How will it unfold when they finally meet in the cage? Sherdog.com caught up with several professional fighters and trainers for their opinion on the matchup.
Din
Thomas: It’s going to be like watching two old dudes
fighting at the bingo hall. Who cares who wins? It’s always fun to
watch.
Shonie Carter: I am going to have to say that this fight is going to be an epic fight between two legends and it’s going to go the distance. Surprisingly I am going to give it to Mark Coleman by narrow decision because of takedown attempts.
Mike Ciesnolevicz: I'm pulling for Coleman because he needs it more than Randy. He was the man back in his day and he is the underdog. This fight is going to be an uphill battle for him, and it's almost impossible to win for him due to Randy being more well-rounded with better gameplans and cardio. Randy wins this fight by late TKO or maybe decision after Coleman gasses hard trying to keep up.
Benji Radach: This, like all fights, could go either way, but I think Randy has kept himself in the game competitively more than Coleman. It doesn't seem like Randy stays away from the gym much. That alone keeps your mind game ready and gives you the cardio to beat Coleman in the later rounds of that fight. I pick Randy, decision win.
Jason Dent: I'm going with Randy Couture in this one, no doubt. Randy is the superior wrestler and boxer of the two. Randy can defend himself off of his back better than Coleman can as well. I see the fight being competitive for round one and then Randy taking over in round two and getting a referee stoppage late round two or early round three. So that’s who I'm picking to win for my analysis, but nothing would make me happier than for Coleman to prove me wrong and get the win. Coleman definitely needs it more in his career right now. I'm a HUGE fan of both men and have been watching and looking up to both of them for years. I hope the UFC does more legend vs. legend matchups on a more regular basis.
Pat Miletich: The fight between Randy Couture and Mark Coleman could actually be a very entertaining fight. Randy continues to give younger fighters problems and is in the hunt for another title shot. People have been picking him to lose fights for the past five years, saying he's too old to compete. His wrestling, strength, experience and endurance pay off time and time again.
Mark Coleman, like Couture, is a guy that was part of the first wave of top-tier wrestlers that took over the sport in the late 90s. I actually trained Mark when he was invited to compete in the first Pride GP. He had lost 2-3 fights in a row and was able to rededicate himself and win the GP. What has impressed me most about this particular era of Coleman's career is he seems to have that same determination and fire again.
This will be one of the few fights where Couture is up against a guy that is his age but who has equal or better wrestling ability. Coleman's takedowns are powerful, and he may have the advantage in this category. Even though Randy is very strong, I also give the punching power edge to Coleman. The ability to transition and flow goes to Couture, and he also has better endurance.
If Mark Coleman is going to win, I think it will have to come in the first 7-10 minutes of the fight. If the fight gets past that point, the odds will probably swing towards Couture. Either way it is a historical fight between two guys that are true UFC legends, and I will certainly be watching. I hope both have great performances and come out the other side healthy.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Billy MacDonald: I see this being your usual standup battle between two good wrestlers. When it comes down to it, I see Randy taking this one via TKO in round two.
Stav Economou: It’s simple really. Mark Coleman has nothing in his arsenal that Randy Couture hasn't seen before or can't handle. Either Randy wins via ground-and-pound in the second round or he wins a decision. Either way, Randy is getting his arm raised in victory.
Carlos Newton: Gotta go with Couture for this one. Though I know Coleman is a warrior and probably trained his butt off for this fight, Randy is the master at strategy and conditioning. I think he simply has too much (recent) experience for Mark, and too many weapons. Mark's finishing options are limited from a technical perspective, and I don't see Randy able to finish him either. Look for Randy in a decision and room to spare in his gas tank.
Michael Guymon: I think Randy has more ways to finish this fight than Mark. I see Randy taking this fight into the third round and getting the TKO with strikes.
Mike Dolce: In order for Randy to truly establish himself as a legitimate contender to Lyoto Machida's light heavyweight belt, he must blow through Coleman on his way to other tough matchups in the division. For Mark, on the other hand, a win over Couture would immediately catapult his status as a true top five threat. Had this fight happened five or eight years ago, I don't believe there would be the same "do or die" attitude attached to it, as both athletes were standing pretty firm at the top of the divisional rankings. A loss for either guy here would be devastating to their momentum and all but eliminate any further talk of title contention. At the risk of sounding lame, I'm not even going to attempt to pick a winner here, but I look forward to one of the best displays of "MMA wrestling" in UFC history!
Tom Gavrilos: I agree Randy has all the tools. Just a much more well-rounded MMA fighter. But I do believe Mark has the better wrestling and heavy hands if and when he can put them on you. That’s why I’m choosing Mark as my darkhorse for this pick.
Frank Shamrock: Randy all the way. I always gotta pull for Randy.
Ray Elbe: What a great throwback fight. Couture wins this fight by outworking Coleman along the fence and earning a TKO victory sometime in the third round showing everyone the true meaning of Old Man Strength and the natural benefits of daily Geritol vitamins.
Roland Sarria: Randy will press and set a fast pace and control Coleman. Coleman will be stopped in the second round.
Ben Saunders: I'm a huge fan of both and I love Couture, but I feel for Coleman's situation much more, so I hope he wins. I also hope it’s a badass war that both come out of uninjured. I also say Coleman needs to reclaim his career calling as the original "The Hammer" from Hammer House. Why change it? I hope it’s not because Matt Hamill stole it.
Robin Black: This is gonna be a cool fight. These two older dudes are gonna fight like it’s their last go. It isn't, but they both love this game and realize the clock is ticking, so expect them to enjoy it for the remainder of their careers. Because they both have such great wrestling, this may come down to a striking battle, which will be fun. Coleman's been training with Randy's old striking coach, Shawn Tompkins. Tompkins' boys have been looking great (Sam Stout anyone?) lately, but I don't think one camp with Shawn will be enough to take Coleman's striking to elite levels. Besides, Randy's spent a couple YEARS working with Tompkins, and learning his game. Edge to Randy in striking and gameplanning and conditioning. Couture by third-round finish.
Travis Lutter: Got to go with Randy, but in this fight, there isn’t really a loser or winner in my book.
Gabe Ruediger: I can’t say I’m interested in this fight at all. The time I might have been is 10 years removed. That being said, both are legends and both have been in the game for some time. The difference? Randy has actually improved and become more well-rounded. Coleman seems to be the same fighter he was when he first fought (but now not being able to use his best weapon, the headbutt). Randy by decision.
Stephane Vigneault: Couture win (by) TKO in round two when Coleman (runs) out of gas.
Scott Bieri: (Laughs) The geezers at Caesars! Pretty safe to say Randy’s got this one.
Jason Lambert: Couture by TKO.
Nick Thompson: After some standup exchange that saw the Ohioan getting the better of the action, Couture landed a crisp left to the body that stunned Coleman. After recovering, Coleman scored a big punch that dropped Couture and he wasted no time in finishing with some shots on the ground, forcing the ref to stop the match at 2:54 of round one.
Erik Paulson: The fight between Couture and Coleman will be a monumental one. Would’ve liked to see these two guys fight five years ago. Randy is still very sharp and smart. Mark isn’t quite the same as he was at a heavier weight, but Mark has the heart and drive of a lion. It will be interesting to watch the matchup of the will of attrition versus proper strategic application.
Yves Edwards: Randy by decision. His game is more “MMA evolved,” but Coleman has shown so much heart lately that you can’t count him out. Still, I say Randy takes it.
Pros who picked Couture: 18
Pros who picked Coleman: 3
Pros who couldn’t decide: 5
You can contact Mike Sloan at www.facebook.com/mikesloan19
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