LAS VEGAS - In some ways, the UFC and mixed martial arts need Brock Lesnar to win the UFC heavyweight title. Americans, and fight fans in general, prize the division of goliaths above all others. Just as in boxing, when the weight-class is riding high, interest follows.

And let's face it: Lesnar visually looks like everyone's ideal of a champion. He's huge (6-4, 280), isn't afraid to say exactly what's on his mind, and has already captivated a large part of the public. The world is watching tonight; celebrities like 50 Cent and World Series champion Ryan Howard are in the house; ESPN has a broadcast booth in the building, and the UFC is expecting a record 1.2 million households to pony up upwards of $45 to watch Randy Couture's return.

But the wily veteran isn't quite ready to ride off into the sunset yet. After sitting out 15 months, Couture will return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena at around 9 pm Pacific to the strains of Aerosmith's "Back in the Saddle," the crowd will go wild, and then we get to find out if age has finally caught up with him.

But while the fans are rooting for Couture with their hearts, their cash is going Lesnar's way. At last check, he was a solid betting favorite at -160 despite the fact that Couture opened as the favorite with the same number two months ago.

Either the MMA world gets its next superstar tonight, or Couture adds another chapter to his remarkable legacy.

One quick note: Ultimate Fighter champ Amir Sadollah, who was originally scheduled for tonight's card before having to pull out last week with a leg infection, was released from the hospital today and is in attendance.

Nate Quarry vs. Demian Maia

Round one: Maia goes for the takedown early. Quarry stops the first try, but the aggressive Maia gets the trip takedown. Bad spot for Quarry, who needs to stay out of Maia's world. Maia gets his back and the body triangle. Maia works methodically, sinks his arm under Quarry's chin and gets the tapout with the rear naked choke.

Maia is now unbeaten at 9-0.

Winner: Maia by rear naked choke

Josh Hendricks vs. Gabriel Gonzaga

Round one: Wow. One-punch power for the former No. 1 contender Gonzaga. Out of a clinch, Gonzaga wound up and found the sweet spot. Hendricks was done before he hit the mat, but Gonzaga landed one more soht before referee Steve Mazzagatti stepped in to wave off the match. It took all of 61 seconds.

Winner: Gonzaga by TKO

Dustin Hazelett vs. Tamdan McCrory

Here's your early stat of the night: the combined ages of Hazelett and McCrory (44) make them collectively younger than heavyweight champ Randy Couture (45).

Jorge Gurgel, after a rough fight in the prelims, is out and working Hazelett's corner.

Round one: McCrory out early with some good striking. Great back-and-forth grappling with Hazelett almost trapping him with an omaplata (shoulder lock). Hazelett kept working for the arm and finally hyperextended it, transitioning into a slick arm bar submission finish.

Winner: Hazelett via armbar submission.

Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson

Round one: Florian wants distance early, dancing along the perimeter of the cage, occasionally landing a punch and getting back outside, while Stevenson wants to close the distance. Stevenson initiates a clinch against the cage. Stevenson slams him down, but Florian stands right back up. They break and go back to the center of the cage midway through the round. Florian gets a trip takedown with two minutes left. He mounts with 1:25 to go. Florian gets the body triangle, cinches in the rear naked choke and finishes. Huge and convincing win for the ESPN MMA Live co-host in front of his crew.

Winner: Florian by rear naked choke

It must be noted that Florian finished Stevenson faster than B.J. Penn did, and Florian called Penn out after the fight saying, "I consider you a master. It’s time to kill that master."

Four-for-four in first-round finishes. Can Brock or Randy come through with the fifth?

Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar

Lesnar walks out to "Enter Sandman." The crowd is captivated by him, but there's no explosion for his entrance. They're saving it for Randy. Aerosmith's "Back in the Saddle" fires up for him. Couture has the same placid look on his face we're used to as he walks the aisle and fans reach out to touch the legend. No extra energy wasted, just waiting to uncoil. As Michael Buffer announces the champ, the crowd lets loose the cheer they've been waiting to unleash for 15 months.

Round one: Couture clinches him agianst the cage early and looks for separation to throw offense. Lesnar bulls his way into a reversal and puts Couture against the cage. Coming off the fence, Couture lands an overhand right that stuns Lesnar momentarily. Lesnar tries the steamroll takedown, but Couture reads it and they work against the cage before Lesnar puts him down. Couture works his way out, grabs Lesnar's legs, tries to take ihis back. Lesnar muscles him off and takes Couture down again. The crowd reacts to everything and chant's "Randy, Randy." With 1:30 left, Lesnar works to half-guard and lands a couple hard lefts. Couture stands back up again. They both work the clinch as the round winds down. Close round, slight edge to Lesnar.

Round two: Lesnar rocked Couture with a punch. Couture wobbled but was able to stop the takedown as they clinched against the fence again. Great exchange, Lesnar knee followed by a Couture combo. Lesnar's cut, but responds with a left hook. Both men expending a lot of energy, one trying for the takedown, the other defending. Lesnar hurt Couture with a short right cross right behind the ear. Couture went down and Lesnar pounced, taking side control and landing a decisive series of shots as Couture tried to defend. Referee Mario Yamasaki gave Couture every chance to defend himself, but with the champ taking a beating, finally stopped the fight at 3:07 of the round, making Lesnar the UFC champion in only his fourth pro fight.

Winner: Lesnar by TKO

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