UFC 99 Predictions

Here at MMAOpinion, we usually do a pre-fight podcast.  Unfortunately co-host Josh is away on vacation.  That means he wont be around to tell me how terrible my picks are.

UFC 99 comes to us all the way from Germany.  The under card is not bad, but the main card it topped off with a super fight between Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin.  Check out my picks after the jump.

UFC 99 has a decent under card, but for this prediction I am only going to cover the main card.

Kicking off the night will be one of the most anticipated fights on the televised card.  Dan Hardy and Marcus Davis have been in a war of words for a while, and it is time to let the leather do the talking.  If you are on the Eastern side of the world, you may be on the Dan Hardy bandwagon, but don’t get your hopes up.  Hardy will probably want to stand and bang, and that plays into the strength of Davis’ game.  That being said, it may be a short fight for Hardy.  His emotion is going to make him want to bang, and that is going to get him hurt.

Prediction:  Marcus Davis by TKO

Spencer Fisher and Caol Uno is a battle of UFC vets.  Both of these guys have been in the UFC for awhile, but both are pretty much gatekeepers in this stacked division.  Fisher has made a career of the UFC and is known for his stand up and heart.  Uno hasn’t fought in the UFC cage since 2003 and is extremely excited to be back. In terms of the fight I think Spencer will have the edge in this one.  He has been fighting better competition and Uno will have the nerves of the UFC return.  If Uno gets this one to the ground he can smother Fisher, but I don’t see it happening.

Prediction:  Fisher by unanimous decision

Next up on the card is Mike Swick vs. Ben Saunders.  Big Ben was impressive in his last outing and he is being rewarded with a tough opponent in Mike Swick.  Both of these fighters are on big time winning streaks, but Swick has been fighting slightly tougher competition.  Swick will be the smaller of the two, but his nickname isn’t quick for nothing.  Swick will use his quickness and solid technique to out work Ben.  It is time to see how improved Ben Saunders really is.  If he is not ready, he will get a rude awakening thanks to Mr. Swick.

Prediction:  Swick by TKO

In the most unusual and unexpected fight of the night.  The fighter once known as Cro Cop will be taking on Mostapha Al Turk.  Turk had problems with the solid striking of Cheick Kongo and if there is any striking left of Cro Cop Turk could be in for a short night.  However, Cro Cop hasn’t been Mirko since fighting in the UFC.  In a weird way, this one feels like a retirement fight for the Croatian.  I feel like the UFC is rooting for Mirko…

Prediction:  Mirko with the upset by TKO

Cheick Kongo and Cain Velasquez will look to prove that they deserve a title shot by winning this fight.  Both of the fighters are on fire, and love to strike.  Velasquez is a better wrestler of the two, but he has never been hit like he will at 99.  For some reason I see him being on his back in this fight.  Being that he is a strong wrestler, that is very bad.

Prediction:  Kongo by TKO

The main event of the night is between Wanderlei Silva vs. Anderson Silva (I mean Rich Franklin).  The UFC for some reason has seemed to be hyping a battle of the Silva’s, so win or lose Wand may get a title shot.  However, he is going to be surprised by the technique, intelligence, and game plan of Ace.  Wand throws wildly and has started to show that his chin is getting softer and softer by the fight.  If the Wand that smashed Jardine shows up he could be the next to demolish Rich Franklin, but don’t count on it.  Ace has a very good stand up game (minus the clinch).  The clinch could be the one place Wand is stronger, but Ace knows this, and has been working on it.  Wand is no Anderson and he will nto be able to get to Rich to apply his grip.  Ace will stay away as much as possible, using his size and length to get Wand uncomfortable.  Once this happens Rich will tee off, and put on a striking clinic.  This is going to be a great and exciting fight!

Prediction:  Franklin by major decision