The UFC 102 fight card is the big play of the weekend, and it’s a much deeper card than the last two events. Here’s a quick run-down and some of my sports picks for Saturday night:

Randy Couture (-165) vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (+135)
These legends are coming off losses, but Nogueira has more to prove after a staph infection led him to a knockout at the hands of Frank Mir. Nogueira is also 13 years younger than Couture, but has more experience. That has to count for something. (Online betting pick: Nogueira)

Thiago Silva (+125) vs Keith Jardine (-155)
Jardine was knocked out in 38 seconds by Wanderlei Silva, and he’s basically fighting a younger version of the “Axe Murderer” (which is EASILY the coolest nickname in sports). Also, Thiago is hungry after he was knocked out by Lyoto Machida. (Online betting pick: Silva)

Chris Leben (-150) vs Jake Rosholt (+130)
This is Rosholt’s first time on a PPV card, while Leben is coming off a loss to Michael Bisbing, which was made worse by a positive drug test, and the Bisbing fight was preceded by a DUI. If he can get his head right, he should romp to victory. (Online betting pick: Leben)

Nate Marquardt (-160) vs Demian Maia (+130)
Both are excellent on the mat, but Marquardt has shown some power, knocking out his last two opponents. Maia has submitted his last five opponents, and four have been the “Submission of the Night”. This could be the best fight of the night, and will be worth the price per head for ticketholders and PPV customers. (Online betting pick: Maia)

Brandon Vera (-185) vs Krzysztof Soszynski (+155)
Vera was supposed to fight Matt Hammil, who tore his meniscus, and he’s got all the talent in the world, but sometimes he’s cocky and unfocused. He’ll be facing a fighter that has won his last six bouts, and his last two wins have come in the first round. Vera better not overlook Soszynski, and with three losses in his last five fights, he can’t afford to. (Online betting pick: Vera)

Well, they did everything but give him a ticker-tape parade, but Rasheed Wallace signed with Boston today, giving the Celtics another piece of the puzzle to try and get their championship back. Had he not signed with the Celtics, it would have been a bigger surprise than if Frank Mir scored an MMA betting upset over Brock Lesnar (which I persoanlly guarantee won’t happen).

Now, the interesting part begins: will ‘Sheed take being a bench player? How does this affect Kendrick Perkins and Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who made a number of clutch shots for the Celtics in these playoffs? I’m betting management figures that Kevin Garnett will be able to talk to Wallace, who was picked one team ahead of Garnett in the 1995 draft. This obviously makes the Celtics one of the top sports picks going into the season, as Wallace brings a big body, great three-point shooting, and championship experience from his win with Detroit in 2004.

Offshore sportsbook odds on ‘Sheed’s technicals next year? They’d be fun to come up with.