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UFC Predictions: UFC 99 Preview & Predictions

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Pro Fighting Fans is the home of UFC fans across the world and we now bring you the best place to find the latest UFC preview & predictions. UFC 98 has come and gone and we take a look at what we learned in our UFC 98 recap.

The next event for UFC will be UFC 99, held on June 13, 2009, in Cologne, Germany, and our UFC 99 preview & predictions will be posted below for UFC fans across the globe to enjoy. Also be sure to check out our popular A Fans' View from his Couch" column where UFC fan Greg Vorse gives us his take on each major UFC fight, including UFC 99, 100, 101, 102 & more in the coming days and weeks and buy UFC tickets online here through Pro Fighting Fans!

For more UFC events to be held in 2009 and lists of which Mixed Martial Artists are schedule to fight, be sure to check out the future UFC event fight cards.

Below is our preview for the next big UFC event, UFC 99 on June 13, 2009 which features former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich "Ace" Franklin vs. Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva.

UFC 99 hasn’t received the hype it probably deserves due to a stacked card for UFC 100 and the hype and celebration surrounding the mega event. Now it seems every time Wanderlei Silva has a fight scheduled, it is described as a fan’s dream; Silva versus Rich Franklin is no exception. No doubt Franklin against Silva four years ago would have not only been a main event but would have dominated all MMA news. The fact is Wand is 1-4 in his last five fights and 1-2 in the UFC. Franklin is 4-3 in his last 7 fights with an overall record of 24-4. Rich’s two losses to Anderson Silva for the Middleweight Title, fair or unfair, have taken him out of the Middleweight picture even though he may be the 2nd best Middleweight in the world. Franklin recently battled Dan Henderson at UFC 93 losing a controversial split decision. This matchup has enormous consequences for both fighters as they meet at a catch weight of 195lbs. The winner still can be a player at either 185 or 205lbs; the loser may never get a UFC title shot again. Both fighters are training hard and preparing like it is do or die as Rich Franklin spent time honing his skills with nemesis Anderson Silva. On June 13th in Germany, two all-time greats will do battle in the Octagon in a bout that will decide their future.

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Mirko Cro Cop vs Mostapha Al Turk - Heavyweight

Cro Cop (24-6-2) makes his return to the UFC after a very disappointing 1st stint. Mirko lost in devastating fashion to Gabriel Gonzaga via one of the most wicked head kicks in the history of the sport. Many considered the loss a fluke but when Cro Cop lost his next bout against Kongo; he quickly left the UFC to compete in Dream and K-1. Cro Cop received substantial criticism from the likes of Randy Couture for not training in a cage in preparation for his UFC debut. Few, if any, received the hype Mirko did in his Pride Fighting days. He has defeated the likes of Josh Barnett (twice), Wanderlei Silva, Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman. Al Turk only has 10 professional bouts going 6-4 losing his last bout against Cheick Kongo.

Prediction: Al Turk appears to be the sacrificial lamb to get Cro Cop’s UFC career kick started. Cro Cop’s striking abilities will be too much as he outclasses Al Turk via strikes in the 2nd round.

Spencer Fisher vs Caol Uno - Lightweight

Fisher (23-4) holds an impressive resume with victories over Thiago Alves, Josh Neer and Jeremy Stephens. Uno (25-11-4) makes his return to the UFC after competing in several organizations since his last appearance at UFC 44 in September of 2003.

Prediction: Both fighters have competed against the best of the best in their long and storied careers. This will be a very tactical and skilled fight. In the end, Fisher will win via TKO due to strikes.

Marcus Davis vs Dan Hardy - Welterweight

An early favorite for fight of the night, Davis vs. Hardy will be filled with fireworks. Both fighters are very aggressive and staples in overseas MMA. Davis (21-5) has fought outside of the US in his last 6 fights going 5-1. Hardy (21-6), from England, is an explosive, eccentric fighter who will go right at Davis.

Prediction: This fight will be conducted in the stand up as both fighters are very skilled in boxing. In the end Davis will get the victory via TKO due to strikes in the 3rd round.

Mike Swick vs Ben Saunders - Welterweight

A tremendous matchup with two fighters trying to climb the ladder to face GSP. Swick (13-2) is on a 3 fight winning streak and has a well-rounded game with explosive power. Saunders (7-0-2) started his professional career with consecutive draws. Since then, Saunders has annihilated his opponents.

Prediction: This will be an entertaining fight between two evenly matched opponents. In the end, Saunders reach advantage will be too much as he gains another victory via TKO due to strikes.

> After the fights are complete fans can find the UFC 99 results here at Pro Fighting Fans as well as historic UFC fight results!

Cheick Kongo vs Cain Velasquez - Heavyweight

The age old striker versus the wrestler matchup resides as Kongo (24-4-1), the lean striker, battles Velasquez, the former Arizona State wrestler. Cheick Kongo replaces the injured Heath Herring and will have his hands full with fast-rising prospect Velasquez. Kongo has one of the most impressive physiques in all of MMA especially in the Heavyweight division. Cheick is 7-2 in UFC holding impressive victories over Cro Cop and Antoni Hardonk. The Frenchmen’s preference is to stay on his feet using his long legs to snap kicks on his opponent. Kongo’s weakness is when he is on his back which will be Cain’s goal throughout the fight. Cain Velasquez (5-0), a product of the American Kickboxing Academy, has exploded into the MMA scene with a 5-0 record (3-0 UFC). Cain has only been pushed past the 1st round on one occasion. This occurred at UFC Fight Night 17 in February of 2009 against Kickboxing specialist Denis Stojnic.

Prediction: This is a tremendous step up in competition for Velasquez and a big match up for Kongo as he strives for a title shot. In the end, Arizona State wins out again as Velasquez controls the fight on the ground winning via UD.

UFC 99 Main Event: Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva - Catch Weight 195 lbs

A battle between two all time greats should be an exciting fight for the German crowd. Both fighters are famous for the explosive striking games. Rich Franklin is more of a polished fighter under the tutelage of boxing coach Rob Radford. Silva is wild with his punches throwing from all angles and levels. Silva’s footwork will never be used in an instructional videos but he still generates extreme power with his hands. Franklin prepared for Wand’s unorthodox style with Anderson Silva (reported here 1st, for pictures of the training session click here). Wanderlei (32-9-1), during his Pride Fighting days was as popular as any Mixed-martial artist in the world.

Silva is only 32 years old but has taken some shots over his 13 year career. Silva always brings an aggressive style to the cage and his willing to slug it out with anyone including much heavier opponents. Wand slugged it out with the likes of 250 lb Mark Hunt, 240 lb Kazuyuki Fujita and 220 lb Mirko Cro Cop. Many pundits have called Wanderlei’s chin into question claiming the battles against the heavier fighters have aged the fighter well beyond his 32 years. Silva, although lacking the explosiveness that made him famous, is still a very dangerous fighter with one punch power. Silva needs a victory here to continue his quest to get a UFC title shot.

Rich Franklin holds a career record of 24-4 including victories over Evan Tanner, Ken Shamrock and Nate Quarry. Franklin’s four losses were against the best of the best; Anderson Silva (twice), Dan Henderson and undefeated Lyoto Machida. After losing to Machida at the Inoki Festival in 2003, Rich went on an 8 fight winning streak which ended at the hands of Anderson Silva at UFC 64 in October of 2006. Franklin was the favorite coming into the bout but was dominated at the hands of Silva’s Muay Thai clinch. Rich bounced back with victories over Jason MacDonald and the impressive Yushin Okami. The victories set up the rematch with Silva at UFC 77 in Franklin’s hometown of Cincinnati, OH. Franklin worked hard in camp to devise a plan to combat the Thai clinch and felt good entering the rematch. Early on Franklin looked good but took some significant shots at the end of the 1st round. Rich was dazed and confused but came out for the 2nd round. Silva’s knees proved to be too much as he cruised to a 2nd round victory via TKO. The loss placed Franklin’s career in limbo. The UFC was not interested in a 3rd contest between Franklin and Silva. Since then, Rich has competed at 185, 205, and a catch weight of 195 lbs.

Prediction: Franklin’s skill set and fundamentals are levels above the Brazilian striker but Wanderlei’s one strike power can quickly end a fight. In the end Rich’s leg kicks and ability to avoid Silva’s haymakers will prove to be too much; Franklin wins via UD

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief

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