The first big UFC event in 2007 is set to go off tonight on pay-per-view (PPV) at 10 p.m. EST live from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Sure, UFC 67 was decent. But, with marquee names like Sylvia, Couture, Hughes, Franklin and many more, UFC 68: “The Uprising” is brimming with big-name talent.

Are the matchups the best? In a recent UFCmania poll, almost 20 percent of our readers didn’t think so. But, the last event I saw — PRIDE 33 — wasn’t looking like a competitive monster on paper, either.

And look how that turned out.

I’m not saying that’s going to happen tonight, but let’s not rule it out until early Sunday morning … at least.

Anyway, we’ve been working diligently to provide you with up-to-the-minute information for the last few months about tonight’s event.

Yep, all of the hours logged on this computer — away from family and friends — and the carpal tunnel damage comes down to three hours of paid television.

Ugh.

Therefore, it would be silly not to share some of the more important stories we’ve been working on as you get set for UFC 68: “The Uprising.”

Here you go:

• First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the final UFC 68 fight card. Yes, believe it or not, some people don’t know the complete lineup and hop online today just to find out. Also, check out all of our extensive coverage in our UFC 68 archive — there are some great reads, which is due in large part to the comments of our readers. You guys drive this site more than you know and your participation is sick (just had to mention that in case you thought it went unnoticed — IT DOESN’T).
• If you’re going to wager on tonight’s fights then I encourage you to check out Desert Dog’s smart bets for UFC 68. As our resident handicapper, DD has done a tremendous job of breaking down each fight and explaining where to find the best values. Feel free to leave questions in the comments section — DD is very good about responding to reader inquiries. And if you don’t know how to bet, DD also provides a nice little primer on the basics of UFC betting. Finally, if you do plan to lay down some bread, head over to BetUs.com. With a $100 deposit, you get $50 free in your account — can’t beat that. There is a banner in the left sidebar of this site, as well as the link above. Just click on either one and you’ll be on you’re way to a nice little payout this evening.
• If you want some predictions and analysis that aren’t as analytical as say Desert Dog’s, then check out our UFC 68 preview, analysis and predictions here. UFCmania and one of its best contributors (he’s our only one) Jesse Holland shared some of their thoughts on the maincard bouts.
• Finally, if you’re looking to watch UFC 68 at a nearby sports bar or restaurant, check out our nationwide list of places to view the event here. And if you live in Denver, Colorado, head over to the Supreme Court Bar and Night Club. I don’t have a good reason for singling them out since I now reside in Florida, but the owner sent me a nice email this morning asking me to add it to the list — good enough for me … they take their UFC seriously.

In addition to my full-time 9-5 job during the weekdays and my around-the-clock duties here at UFCmania, I also bartend on the weekends.

Unfortunately, there’s a big event tonight that I just couldn’t get out of and I won’t be around until after midnite — thank Christ for Tivo and Jesse Holland. And, I’ll get creamed for not mentioning our designer Carlos who helps out a ton here on the site.

If you think the site looks pretty — or ugly — Carlos is the guy responsible. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned his name before, which is a travesty. But, he’s the guy behind-the-scenes who makes this all possible.

Anyway, Carlos will be providing the quick results of tonight’s fights as they unfold. So, be sure and check-in prior to 10 p.m. — or after — if you want to see who was victorious.

In addition, Jesse Holland will check in after the show concludes to provide some hard-hitting analysis and recaps of the UFC 68 televised action.

I think that’s all for now.

Enjoy the show and don’t forget to drop us and all of the UFCmania readers some thoughts on UFC 68 before, during and after the action.