UFC 99 "The Comeback" Predictions and Thoughts

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is putting on a solid card tommorrow. "The Comeback" is an extremly fitting name for this card. The card itself is pretty solid with lots of big names and I'm anxiously awaiting it to be time to watch.

You know, it's been quite sometime since we've seen both Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop on the same card. Both are two of my favorite fighters ever. Infact, they are both the sole reason I got in to watching MMA. Two of their highlight videos, so without them, I'd probably never of got in to this in 2002. This is one of the major reasons I'm loving this card, but definitly not the only one. With that said, lets get down to it.

Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva
Both "Ace" and "The Axe Murderer" need wins here. It's do or die. Rich has been questioned by many since his dual defeats to Anderson Silva, and Wandy has dropped 4 of his last 5 fights, 3 being via KO.

I see this fight being a stand up fight. On the feet I can see Rich trying to find his range and strike from the outside while Wanderlei will come in aggressivly and throw hooks. I think Rich can take Wandy down if he desires, but it will need to be early on. Should it go to the ground I would hardly count out Wanderlei. He has submissions and a decent guard. Rich's ground game isn't great and his GNP is far from impressive, but I do not expect a ground game.

I see this going no more than two rounds, and although Rich is the favorite I see Wanderlei winning via KO in first round or maybe the second. I feel Wandy is going to destroy Rich, so much so I bet money on this fight, even though the odds are against him. I believe in you Wanderlei!

Cheick Kongo vs Cain Velasquez
This is an interesting fight between two strikers. Assuming Kongo doesn't throw lowblows in mass, again, I see Cain coming out and striking with Cheik and nothing else. I see Velasquez winning the fight by TKO in the first. He's yet to go three rounds and I don't see this fight going there either. Granted, Kongo is his biggest test yet I've never really thought Kongo was that great he's just really big which is a huge advantage at HW. Cain is not a small guy though. My feelings are echoed at the odds for Cain too. I bet on this fight also.

Mirko Cro Cop vs Mostapha Al Turk
This fight should be a gimme for Cro Cop, but honestly, Cro Cop can still lose. He either has it or he doesn't, and as much as I hate to say it he can very easily lose this fight. His biggest threat is himself.

Obviously I'm hoping for a good performance, and I have to say I want to see CC brutally KO Turk. That's what I think will happen, or.... maybe Turk will out heart Mirko, which happens quite a bit. I really have no clue who will win, but I know who should win.

Mike Swick vs Ben Saunders
It's great to see Swick back at it. I'm a fan of his, and it's been a while since we've seen him. I look for this fight to be go back and forth and probably stay standing. Will we see a quick finish by Swick or another decision? It's hard to say. I think he is the better fighter but Saunders is eager to prove he belongs in the UFC and beating Swick would be his best win yet. I look for Mike to pull out the win.

All in all, this is a better card than most of the UFCs. On top of that, it's in Germany and most of the overseas UFCs are even worse (with big names/star power, for clearification) than the normal ones. Here, we have lots of big names and great fights. I'm looking forward to it.

I'll let you know what I think about the fights after they're over. For the sake of my wallet, I sure hope Wanderlei and Cain win, otherwise, damn!.

bterrill on 06-13-2009 05:53 PM wrote:

3 out of 4 isn't bad