UFC 68: Uprising
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Background
UFC 68: Uprising was a 9-bout fight card that was held on March 3, 2007 at the Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, Ohio.
The card aired live on pay-per-view and was headlined by a UFC heavyweight championship bout between champion, Tim Sylvia and former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, and UFC Hall of Fame member, Randy Couture.
A middleweight bout between former champ, Rich Franklin and Jason MacDonald as well as a welterweight bout between former champ, Matt Hughes and Chris Lytle served as co-main events.
Fight Card
Preliminary Card
- Lightweight Bout: Jamie Varner vs. Jason Gilliam
- Lightweight Bout: Gleison Tibau vs. Jason Dent
- Welterweight Bout: Jon Fitch vs. Luigi Fioravanti
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Matt Hamill vs. Rex Holman
Main Card
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Renato Sobral vs. Jason Lambert
- Welterweight Bout: Matt Hughes vs. Chris Lytle
- Middleweight Bout: Rich Franklin vs. Jason MacDonald
- Middleweight Bout: Martin Kampmann vs. Drew McFedries
- UFC Heavyweight Championship Bout: Tim Sylvia vs. Randy Couture
Pre-Event Notes
Originally, Tim Sylvia was rumored to be defending his heavyweight championship against the undefeated, Brandon Vera. However, a breakdown in contract negotiations forced the nixing of the bout. Rumors then turned to it being Gabriel Gonzaga who would earn the title shot, that idea was also shot down in flames however when Randy Couture announced his comeback and that he would face Sylvia.
Couture last fought at UFC 57 on February 4, 2006, losing via knockout to Chuck Liddell.
Rumors circled that David Heath could face Matt Hamill at the event but Heath was pulled in favor of high profile wrestler, Rex Holman.
Results
Preliminary Card
- Lightweight Bout: Jamie Varner defs. Jason Gilliam via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:34 of round 1.
- Lightweight Bout: Gleison Tibau defs. Jason Dent via unanimous decision (30-27 x3).
- Welterweight Bout: Jon Fitch defs. Luigi Fioravanti via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:05 of round 2.
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Matt Hamill defs. Rex Holman via TKO at 4:00 of round 1.
Main Card
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Jason Lambert defs. Renato Sobral via KO (punches) at 3:36 of round 2.
- Welterweight Bout: Matt Hughes defs. Chris Lytle via unanimous decision (30-27 x3).
- Middleweight Bout: Rich Franklin defs. Jason MacDonald via TKO at 5:00 of round 2.
- Middleweight Bout: Martin Kampmann defs. Drew McFedries via technical submission (arm triangle choke) at 4:06 of round 1.
- UFC Heavyweight Championship Bout: Randy Couture defs. Tim Sylvia via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Almost immediately Couture landed an inside leg kick followed by a crushing overhand right that floored Sylvia. Couture leapt onto Sylvia's back but was unable to finish. For the next four rounds, Couture would control the pace and location of the fight as he bamboozled Sylvia on the feet and scored takedowns at will. At the end of five rounds, at 43 years old, Couture was declared the UFC heavyweight champion for the third time in his career.
UFC Event Chronology
Preceded by: UFC 67: All or Nothing
Followed by: UFC Fight Night 9
External Links
http://68.ufc.com - Official UFC 68 Website
--Sam Cupitt 15:11, 14 April 2009 (UTC)
