UFC 105 - Major Storylines and Fight Previews

On Saturday November 14, another major UFC card hits the air, this time it's UFC 105, live on Spike TV. That means it's on free television as opposed to pay-per-view. The UFC 105 fight card features many interesting storylines and a handful of intriguing crossroads matches.

UFC 105 will be held from Manchester in England and as such all of the familiar UK faces will be making their returns to the Octagon, including Michael Bisping. However, the main event features a bout between a legend and the man who seemed destined (at least in his own mind) to become one but never got on track, when Randy Couture meets Brandon Vera.

Another interesting note to this card is that it's a free card on Spike TV, set to air at the same time as the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto boxing mega-fight. The ratings war, so to speak, between the UFC and boxing is well noted. Back in September Dana White predicted his pay-per-view card to crush the Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez match-up.

However, the boxing PPV put up over 1 million buys, dwarfing the UFC numbers. Now, in a clear effort both to save his own numbers (this card has no chance at competing against the Pacquiao vs. Cotto fight) and to try to at least marginally subtract from boxing's, he is airing a free card for fans to enjoy. It's just another interesting wrinkle to consider with this match.

UFC 105 Matches and Storylines

So what are some of the big matches and storylines for the UFC 105 card? As mentioned, the card is being held in Manchester, which means the UFC is showcasing all of their rising MMA fighters from the UK.

The biggest star of the bunch may no longer be rising however. Michael Bisping is trying to rebound from his devastating knockout loss courtesy of the fists of Dan Henderson. He meets largely unknown but extremely dangerous Denis Kang in a very intriguing bout.

Another of the UK big guns in the UFC is Dan Hardy. During UFC 105 he will be pitted against Mike Swick. Both men are dangerous strikers, but it seems that Swick might have the more complete arsenal.

Earlier in the evening, the two UK winners of the last season of The Ultimate Fighter will be showcased. James Wilks faces off against the tough Matt Brown, and Ross Pearson battles veteran Aaron Riley.

The main event however moves away from the UK showcase to a crossroads match between light heavyweights. Hall of Fame UFC fighter Randy Couture returns in the main event of UFC 105 and meets onetime uber-prospect Brandon Vera. At some point, Vera is going to stop being looked at as potential greatness and instead will be looked at as unfulfilled promise. Is UFC 105 the night to make that transformation complete?

You can also visit this link to find more detailed UFC 105 predictions. Of course, once the fights are done you can pop back over to check out the UFC 105 results as well. Whether you are a boxing or MMA fan, enjoy whichever fights you take in on Saturday evening.