UFC 99 Predictions

That's right, we are on the eve of UFC 99, and I've got some predictions (hence the title). First off, some kudos go out to the Penguins for taking the Stanley Cup against what seemed to me insurmountable odds.

Now, for UFC 99, I am going to focus on not two, but THREE bouts.

Rich Franklin vs. Vanderlei Silva

This is one fight fans have been clamouring for, and potentially could be the last fight for Silva.

Last weekend at the expo, I had a chat with 'Showdown' Joe Ferarro himself, and his consensus was this: his heart said Silva, and his head said Franklin. He proceeded to explain to me why Franklin could have the edge in this fight, and frankly, it made sense. However, Silva has more to lose, and is a man possessed.

Silva has a 'side feud', if you will, with Anderson Silva. He does not respect the way Anderson has handled his last few fights. Well, Anderson Silva despises Vanderlei SO much, that he agreed to train with Franklin to prepare for Silva!!!! A man he obliterated not once, but twice!

Well, Silva is not taking this lying down. He wants to beat Franklin. And he KNOWS that to get to Silva, he will go through Franklin. I think on drive alone, Silva has the edge in this fight. I think that Franklin's streak against "Silva's" will become 0-3.

Cain Velasquez vs Cheick Kongo

The man touted as the future of the UFC does not seem to have much credibility behind him. With just 5 professional fights, I cannot see how he can carry the heavyweight division. You need to look no further than his last fight, which seemed to simply be a feeder fight because his opponent fought so badly. Add to the fact that Kongo has a wealth of experience, as well as a 3 inch height advantage, he should be able to take down Velasquez and hand him his first UFC loss.

Marcus Davis vs. Dan Hardy

In the words of 'Showdown' Joe: This one is going to be a war.

They have hyped this fight based around the fact that these two do not like each other. Add the fact that they are both knockout artists and you have the potential for fight of the year. However, the key to this fight lies right underneath your nose...

Marcus Davis has an edge over Dan Hardy in one area: ground victories. Davis has proven that he can win fights on the ground and on his feet convincingly. However, I have not seen anything from Hardy other than knockout wins. If Davis is smart, he will take the fight to the ground. If not, each man stands a puncher's chance of winning. I am picking Davis to win due to his more all around game.


And that's it!!! Stay tuned, as over the next few weeks I will be doing a countdown of my top 10 fantasy MMA fights that I want to see. I know, it's a bit lame. But since I am not going to be in school for 15 months, I'll have a lot of time on my hands, and this'll be fun.

And I'm OUT!