Mike Chiappetta • E-mail

LAS VEGAS - One night before the actual fight, the fans made clear that Randy Couture will have their full support for his UFC return against Brock Lesnar.

With thousands in attendance at the UFC 91 weigh-ins, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Couture, Lesnar and the rest of the event’s fighters stripped down to make weight, and it was clear that returning hero Couture was the star of the show.

Flanked by his head trainer Shawn Tompkins and boxing coach Ron Frazier, who held the champion’s title belt aloft, Couture walked through the curtains to a rousing cheer and chants of “Randy! Randy!”

After acknowledging the crowd, Couture stepped on the scale and weighed in at just 220 pounds, a total lighter than his most recent heavyweight fights.

It might be presumptuous to suggest that fighting a few pounds from his normal range is curious, but the reason is certainly cause for speculation. And given the way Couture takes care of his body and monitors it closely, a fluctuation of just a few pounds likely has a very real significance.

In his last fight, which took place 15 months ago, Couture weighed in at 228.5 to take on Gabriel Gonzaga. Against Tim Sylvia at UFC 68, he checked in at 222.5. Now, against the biggest and most agile opponent he’s faced as a heavyweight, he comes in at a weight that most 205-pounders cut down from.

Could it be that Couture believes speed and not size will be the determining factor? In a recent interview with NBCSports.com, Tompkins said that Couture’s biggest improvement during his exile has come in his striking. Perhaps the champion feels that a lower weight means quicker feet, and getting into and out of striking range more safely. Perhaps he plans to let Lesnar chase him in hopes of letting frustration set in. Or perhaps his camp was simply so intense, he lost a couple extra pounds. Whatever the reason, Couture was not tipping his hand.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced,” said the 45-year-old five-time champion. “He’s obviously huge and a great athlete, and all I can say is I’m excited as hell to be here.”

While the fans may be rooting for Couture with their hearts, they are rooting for Lesnar with their wallets. The betting line at casinos across the strip continues to move in Lesnar’s favor, with the challenger a -135 favorite at the MGM Grand sports book.

Lesnar, as usual, cut down from his normal walk-around weight of 275-280 and hit the 265-pound weight limit on the nose. By the time he re-hydrates and enters the cage Saturday, he will outweigh Couture by a stunning 55 pounds.

“It is what it is. I’m just ready to get into the octagon and take that belt away from Randy tomorrow night,” Lesnar said to a chorus of boos.

The Minneapolis-based Lesnar is bidding to follow in Couture’s footsteps and win the UFC heavyweight crown in only his fourth pro fight.

Meanwhile, Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson both weighed in at 156 for their lightweight match to determine the division’s No. 1 contender.

Everyone on the card made their respective weight limits, but it was clear from the crowd’s reaction that they are almost totally focused on the main event.

Full UFC 91 weigh-in results

UFC Heavyweight Championship fight:
Brock Lesnar 265
Randy Couture 220

Kenny Florian 156
Joe Stevenson 156

Gabriel Gonzaga 256
Josh Hendricks 238

Demian Maia 185
Nate Quarry 186

Dustin Hazelett 170
Tamdan McCrory 170

Aaron Riley 156
Jorge Gurgel 155

Rafael Dos Anjos 155
Jeremy Stephens 155

Mark Bocek 155
Alvin Robinson 155

Ryan Thomas 170
Matt Brown 170

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