The UFC have confirmed that former UFC heavyweight champions Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will headline UFC 102 in Portland, OR on August 29.

The UFC made the announcement on Monday, with tickets set to go on sale this Saturday.

“We’re extremely excited to be heading to Portland,” said UFC President Dana White. “When you get two mixed martial arts legends that are all heart and have wanted to fight each other for years, plus the fact that Randy has roots in Oregon, that tells me that not only will the crowd be electric but it’s also a night where the fighters will be looking to cement their legacies.”

Couture has not fought since being defeated by current heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar last November.

He said: “Nogueira is the type of fighter that is dangerous everywhere. He’s difficult to knock out and he’s a world class jujitsu player.

“I will have to train very diligently and very specifically for him. Also, the fact that I’m fighting in Oregon makes me want to put on a great show and win for these fans.”

Phil Lowe
phil@ifight365.com