While most of the world awaits Super Bowl XL on Sunday, afficianados of another sport are also anticipating their biggest show of the year this weekend.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 57 takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday night with one of the most highly-anticipated fights in mixed martial arts history, as "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell puts his world light heavyweight championship on the line against against ageless wonder and former champ Randy "The Natural" Couture. The arena at Mandalay Bay sold out weeks ago, even with tickets running from $100-700.

Randy "The Natural" Couture

This is the third time the two legends of the octagon will square off. Couture and Liddell have become the UFC's answer to Ali and Frazier in large part because their styles clash. Liddell is the most lethal puncher the sport has ever produced; Couture is foremost a grappler.

In their first fight, at UFC 43 on June 6, 2003, Couture stunned Liddell by beating him at his own game, keeping the fight standing and winning on a third-round TKO.

Couture tried the same tactic at UFC 52 last April and found himself on the wrong end of a nasty Liddell right cross that ended the fight in just 2:06.

The biggest question heading into the third fight is just how long Couture can remain an elite fighter. He has become one of the sport's most respected figures in recent years because he's maintained a top-notch skill level well into his 40s.

But eventually time has to catch up to the 43-year-old Oregonian.

One would think Couture has to drop the idea of trying to go toe-to-toe with the 36-year old Liddell, who tends to make short work of fighters stubborn enough to try to box with him, but needed four rounds (UFC title fights are five, five-minute rounds) to stop ground fighter Jeremy Horn in his first title defense over the summer.

Prediction: When Sports Illustrated asked several star pro athletes last year which athletes they would pay to see on their off-day, Shaquille O'Neal answered "Couture" without hesitation. He's on to something.

Logic seems to dictate Liddell, whose abilities are at their absolute peak, should be able to hold on to his belt. But it is hard to resist the Rocky-like storyline of the aging champion going after one last shot at glory. So we're going to say Couture lures Liddell into the type of ground fight he likes and wins on a decision after going the distance.

-- DAVE DOYLE