photos by Riley Kerestes

Tim Sylvia and Randy Couture at UFC 68

The Ultimate Fighting Championship 68 weigh-ins took place today in Columbus, Ohio before a crowd that looked to be the largest in the promotion’s history for a weigh-in event. Fans weathered blustering winds, forming a long and winding line outside of the arena to witness the UFC’s emergence in Ohio.

Not surprisingly, hometown hero Rich Franklin received a huge ovation from the crowd, as did Randy Couture, who is coming out of a short-term retirement to challenge Tim Sylvia for his UFC heavyweight title. Despite his reign as the champ, Sylvia received a hardy dose of “boos” from the crowd.

Sylvia appeared to be in great shape coming in at 263 pounds, two pounds under the limit for the heavyweight division. Couture looked to be in tremendous shape, and his body defies his 43 years on this planet. However, Couture will have a severe size disadvantage in this fight, as he weighed in at 222.5 pounds.

UFC 68 WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Tim Sylvia – 263
Randy Couture – 222.5

Rich Franklin – 185
Jason MacDonald – 183.5

Matt Hughes – 171
Chris Lytle – 169

Renato “Babalu” Sobral – 204
Jason Lambert – 204

Martin Kampmann – 185.5
Drew McFedries – 185

Rex Holman – 205
Matt Hamill – 202.5

Luigi Fioravanti – 171
Jon Fitch – 171

Gleison Thibau – 155.5
Jason Dent – 156

Jason Gilliam – 155.5
Jamie Varner – 155.5