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With UFC 68 approaching, it proves to entertain relative to main eventers and make its predecessor pale in comparison. All of the bouts will be in HD as well which is a real bonus for anyone who has a decent enough tv on which to view it. Let’s take a look at the card…

The Heavyweight title on the line in the contest between Randy “The Natural” Couture vs. Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia. Randy is coming out of retirement to challenge for the belt. While some critics may feel like the title shot is being handed to Couture prematurely, Couture has kept himself in great shape following his retirement along with the fact that there really isn’t a lot of competition in the heavyweight division excluding Mirko Cro Cop who just recently entered the UFC. Couture has uttered some critical words of Sylvia claiming that Sylvia fights to not lose his title instead of trying to win convincingly like a true champion. Couture’s words do ring true as while Sylvia has won his last few title defenses, he has not done so in convincing fashion. His rematch against Andrei Arlovski was downright boring in parts and when Sylvia defended against Jeff Monson, Sylvia did defend take downs very well and even Monson’s submission attempts even to the extent that Sylvia had Monson in vulnerable positions on a few occasions. Yet, Sylvia never looked as dominating in either fight as his menacing size would appear to permit. Sylvia seems irked by Couture’s comments and this may be the motivation for Sylvia to demonstrate what he has been lacking on a large stage.

With great anticipation I have been eagerly awaiting Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin returning to action. Both looked virtually unstoppable prior to each losing their respective titles in convincing fashion to George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva. Hughes and Franklin are both awesome competitors and how they respond to adversity as true champions will be tested at UFC 68. Hughes will face Chris Lytle of The Ultimate Fighting Championship TV Series acclaim and Franklin will face Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald who is a solidly built up and comer who has consecutive wins in the UFC. Both should be good battles.

The rest of the fights involve fighters trying to make their mark in the UFC including Matt Hamil, the deaf competitor from The Ultimate Fighter TV series. Also, there are two fights at the 155 pound division taking place which is likely the most exciting weight class to watch.

The UFC has planned well for this pay per view (perhaps at the expense of the last one). This one is probably the best lineup in a long time. If you ever had thoughts of ordering a UFC ppv, this is the one to get – especially if you have an HDTV.

The UFC 67 card was not as exciting as it potentially could have been. Had Rich Franklin and Matt Hughes been fighting, it would have drawn more attention. Instead, Hughes and Franklin will fight at UFC 68 – The Uprising alongside Randy Couture who will fight Tim Sylvia for the Heavyweight title.

Here are the highlights from UFC 67… UFC 67 marked the debut of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson who battled Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman. This fight was less than exciting and was partially explained by Rampage following his victory by attributing it to nerves on his part.

The other debut was of Miko Cro Cop who apparently obtained his moniker due to being a Croatian Police Officer in the anti-terrorist unit in his off time from UFC. Cro Cop’s debut was the most impressive of any of the recent new acquisitions, scoring a KO of Eddie Sanchez in the heavyweight division.
In the title fight, there was a lot of accompanying drama as Travis Lutter who a lot of people gave a decent chance to contend for Anderson Silva’s title, did not make weight. Lutter does not have a coach as he prepares himself. It was clear that Lutter was very disappointed as even though the bout still took place, it was no longer for the middleweight title. At times Lutter looked as though he may be in control – especially on the ground, but Lutter appeared to gas out and Silva ended up getting an arm bar locked in tight and then rained elbows on Lutter’s head causing him to tap. Following the fight, throaty screamer Rogan conducted his usual interview with the victor and Silva was the most animated I have ever seen him, grabbing the microphone and exclaiming in his native language. Silva had indicated that he was somewhat insulted by Lutter not making weight and disappointing the fans. Silva appears to be a man of principle in that he values respect among fighters above all else as well as the fans who show their support. Silva may be champion for quite a while.

Without a doubt, the most exciting bout of the night was between Tyler Griffin and Frankie Edgar who clashed in a lightweight fight. These warriors exhibited every exciting component of an entertaining UFC contest. Both fighters were very well prepared in terms of cardio conditioning as you never saw either fighter get gassed throughout the 3 rounds that were completed. The see-saw battle almost seemed scripted in the sense that it showcase excellent ground skills, transitions and standup. Many fans feel that the lightweight division is the most exiting and these two fighters are adding to the list. Even though Griffin lost the decision, he fought so well that he should be considered for many future opportunities and at only 22 years old, this will surely happen at his will with his continued training.

Dana White is trying to make the UFC more exciting and is doing a reasonable job in doing so, however; lately the Pay Per Views could be more well constructed. UFC 68 appears to be one worth ordering. Let’s hope this is used as a blueprint for future PPV’s.