(The much-hyped mixed semi-doubles division of XARM seemed like a great idea at first. Only when Art Davie had to tell that nice blond girl’s parents how she ended up in a persistent vegetative state did he realize his folly.)   

UFC 102 may not have a title fight to draw Portland residents out of their coffee shops and dive bars, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty at stake this weekend.  Here are four lingering questions we can plan on getting some resolution to once this event is in the books.

1. If Randy Couture Will Ever Get One More Title Shot

Couture keeps talking about wanting another chance at UFC gold as if he isn’t in his mid-forties with only one fight left on his contract after UFC 102.  While we respect a guy with long term goals, how he performs in this fight will determine whether those goals ever come to fruition.  It probably won’t be enough just to beat Nogueira.  He needs to dominate him like he’s just another Gabriel Gonzaga with more scar tissue.  If he can’t do that the UFC will be taking a hard look at his price tag and future prospects when it comes time to talk about a new contract.