UFC 102 Predictions

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Main Event:
Randy Couture vs. Antonio Nogueira

Main Card:

Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Brandon Vera vs. Krzysztof Soszynski

Undercard:
Ed Herman vs. Aaron Simpson
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Justin McCully vs. Mike Russow
Tim Hague vs. Todd Duffee
Nick Catone vs. Mark Munoz

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Just one week out from his UFC 102 main event match-up with “Hall of Famer” Randy Couture, rumour has it the Brazilian has suffered a number of knockouts in training, adding weight to the claim that his best years may be behind him.

According to BloodyElbow.com, Nogueira has been repeatedly knockout during sparring sessions both in Brazil and at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles. This of course follows the Brazilian’s first ever knockout loss of his career back at UFC 92 in December against Frank Mir.

If true this will heap the pressure on the veteran ground fighter ahead of one of the toughest fights of his career. Although Couture is not known for his knockout power, his boxing has seriously improved of late and will pose a major threat on the night.

from mma bay ik but they have been getting better/true/official lately with their stories.

bloodyelbow.com Is Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's UFC 102 Training Camp for Randy Couture Really Going*Well? - Bloody Elbow

At the press conference call Nogueira emphasized that he is feeling the best he has in years:

"I'm 33 years old, and I have a lot to do in my career still," Nogueira said. "At least, I've got to fight a couple of more years.

"I know I'm still young and feel healthy. I still feel when I fight I'm very competitive. ... I'm in the best shape since 2005. I feel very good, and I did not feel like (that) in the last four years."

But rumors are swirling that his camp hasn't gone well and that he has been knocked out repeatedly in sparring sessions, a far cry from the iron-chinned Minotauro of old.

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