Parties a big part of Couture-Lesnar fight

By Melissa Arseniuk (contact)

Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 | 7 p.m.

Ultimate fighting aficionados will congregate en masse this weekend at the MGM Grand, but that’s not the only place in town to catch some UFC-themed fun.

If you weren’t one of the lucky ones to get a ticket to Couture vs. Lesnar — or were just cash-poor like the rest of us – do not despair. The city’s bars and nightclubs have you covered.

The fun start tonight with two pre-fight parties, starting with a meet-and-greet with UFC fighter B.J. Penn at PT’s Gold’s Ann Road location (Hwy 215 and S. Decatur Blvd.) from 6 to 9 p.m.

Besides having the chance to meet Penn, fans will also have the chance to enter to win tickets for tomorrow’s fight.

The other Friday night pre-fight party will do down at Studio 54. Hosted by stunning UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste, the sanctioned pre-fight action will get underway at 10 p.m.

The obvious destination for Saturday is the fight itself but there’s plenty of UFC 91 action beyond the main event at MGM Grand.

Sweet-singing starlet Mandy Moore continues to show us that all things aren’t what they seem as the squeaky-clean songstress hosts a post-fight party at Caesers Palace. Moore’s party at Pure starts at 10 p.m. and will be set to the sounds of DJ AM.

Playboy cover girl and “UFC All Access” host, Rachelle Leah, will co-host a second after-fight bash at Tao. MMA Fighter Kenny Florian will share hosting duties and doors open at the Venetian at 9:30 p.m.

Another bruiser, Joe “Daddy” Stevenson, will host yet another party following the fight. The UFC Season 2 champion’s official celebration will go down within the gothic confines of LAX at the Luxor.