UFC 100 Preview: Stephan Bonnar vs. Mark Coleman

Stephan Bonnar (11-5, 5-4 UFC) vs. Mark Coleman  (15-9, 6-4 UFC)

This fight could easily be billed as a fight between legends. After all Mark Coleman's presence in the UFC (way back at UFC 10) was the triggering event that caused a cascade of wrestlers to enter into MMA competition; wretlers like Randy Couture, Matt Lindland and Dan Henderson. On the other hand, Stephan Bonnar's fight with Forrest Griffin was the bout that made a million fans. Both of these men have a special place in the history of the UFC. 

Despite the historical pedigree of each fighter this bout is no coronation of MMA legends, rather it is a bout to regain some semblance of firm footing in the UFC. 

Stephan Bonnar has fallen on harsh times since his second loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 62. Bonnar tested positive for steroids and was out of competition for a year. Once Bonnar returned he fought and defeated Mike Nickels and Eric Schafer but right when things were beginning to look up for Stephan he suffered an injury and was out of action for another year. Again Bonnar returned but this time he faced Jon Jones. Jones dispatched Bonnar in a fight that many saw asa tune up for the TUF alum. 

Coleman left the UFC in 1999 to compete in Pride and in 2006 bowed out of athletic competition. In 2008 Coleman came out of retirement, ironically this was right after he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Perhaps Coleman was trying to capitalize on the rising tide of MMA popularity in the U.S. Whatever his reasoing his first fight back in the UFC Mark was suppose to fight Brock Lesnar but Coleman withdrew due to an injury. 

Coleman's next fight was at light heavyweight and against an old Pride adversary, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, at UFC 93. The fight was far from aesthetically pleasing as both fighters energy reserves were depleted quickly. Coleman succumbed to Rua's punches late in the bout. Now it appears that Coleman's third act may be coming to an end. 

Conventional Wisdom: Mark Coleman's age has caught up with him (he's 44) and Bonnar will captialize on it. 

WKR Analysis: Make nothing of the whispers of Bonnar's release in the event of a loss. While the cost of keeping him on the UFC roster may soon outweigh the product in the Octagon his name recognition alone will keep him in the promotion for a while longer. At Coleman's age he should be fighting at heavyweight and once again the process of cutting weight will drain his cardio. Bonnar will keep at range and plan on winning this fight in rounds two and three. 

Fun Fact: Stephan Bonnar claims his first fight was in preschool. I wonder if it was over someone eating his play-doh. 

UFC 100 coverage