Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva (catch weight: 195)
The matchup pits two guys who train as hard as anyone else in the sport, but both guys are in the midst of very rough stretches in their careers. Silva has only won one of his last five fights and Franklin is only 2-2 in his last four. Unfortunately, Silva has taken a great deal of punishment in his fights while Franklin has really only suffered in the Anderson Silva fights. It’s hard to see the “Axe Murderer” returning to his former self. I think Silva is the more talented fighter, but the damage he has taken is too much. Franklin wins by second round TKO.
Cheick Kongo vs. Cain Velasquez (265)
When Heath Herring bowed out due to injury, the UFC really lucked out by adding Kongo. Kongo has been very impressive in winning three straight UFC fights, and he has the impressive look of a true cage fighter. Unfortunately for Kongo, he’s facing Velasquez. Velasquez is a one man wrecking machine. His wrestling is on par with Brock Lesnar’s, and the power in his striking game is right there with Shane Carwin’s. Kongo’s weak spot is his ground defense, and Velasquez’s strong suit is his ground and pound. The winner of the fight may receive the next title shot following the Randy Couture – Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira winner, and that will be Velasquez. Velasquez wins by second round TKO.
Mike Swick vs. Ben Saunders (170)
The Ben Saunders bandwagon has grown tenfold since his destruction of Brandon Wolff. The same Brandon Wolff that has lost two UFC fights in under five minutes. Expect the bandwagon to lose a few wheels at UFC 99. Saunders definitely has long term potential but in no way is he ready for Swick. Swick will look to put on a show here as the current state of top contenders for the welterweight title is not very strong. He could sneak into the number one slot with an impressive win. I don’t believe Saunders will be smart enough to avoid Swick’s initial onslaught. Saunders will likely exchange with Swick instead of taking the safer route and bringing the fight to the ground. That will be the fast end for Saunders. Swick wins by first round TKO.
Marcus Davis vs. Dan Hardy (170)
This is easily the pre-card favorite for fight of the night. Both fighters talk a great game, and both fighters usually deliver action-packed fights. Hopefully, the UFC gives Davis and Hardy ample interview time before the fight to build it up. They will deliver. Once the bell sounds, we should expect a slugfest for as long as it lasts – which may be longer than we think as I can’t see either guy giving up easily. The fight is going to come down to who gives in first. I don’t see the match-up ending the feud between the two because it could be the best fight of 2009 and a rematch will be necessary. However, I think Davis pulls it out by TKO in a three round war.
Spencer Fisher vs. Caol Uno (155)
This seems to be a fight that a lot of people are highly interested in, but I just don’t see why. Neither guy is a threat to even challenge for a spot in a fight to possibly challenge for a spot in a fight for the number one contender slot. Nevertheless, Fisher is an action fighter who did defeat Thiago Alves by submission back in 2005. His opponent, Uno, has been out of the UFC since 2003 but has had a good deal of success in Japan. Uno is a tough guy to finish so I don’t think Fisher knocks him out, but Fisher’s not likely to have more endurance so I don’t see him winning on the scorecards. Therefore, Uno wins by unanimous decision.
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Mustapha Al-Turk (265)
To call this a showcase fight would be a tremendous understatement. I don’t think the UFC could possibly have picked an opponent more tailor made for Cro Cop. Al-Turk offers very little opposition for the returning former star. Al-Turk is a below average fighter who isn’t really UFC caliber. I’d say the only question is, “what minute will the fight end in?” but with the way Cro Cop has looked over the past few years, Al-Turk has much more of a chance than he would have had just a few years ago. But that only means he has a 2% chance. Cro Cop wins by second round KO.
Terry Etim vs. Justin Buchholz (155)
Etim has a very good ground game and has won 12 of his 14 fights. His opponent, Buchholz, has good all around skills and has won eight of his 10 fights. This is another even match-up, but Etim has more experience, which should make the difference here. Etim is likely to catch Buchholz with a submission late. Etim wins by third round submission.
Dennis Siver vs. Dale Hartt (155)
This is one of those fights where if it makes television something big has to have happened. That’s the only way these fighters see the light of day. Neither has accomplished much at all in the UFC, which actually makes this a pretty even fight. Hartt is more of a striker, and Siver is better on the ground. Once Siver gets the fight to that mat, he’ll be able to finish Hartt. Siver wins by third round submission.
Paul Taylor vs. Peter Sobotta (170)
For Taylor, his UFC career could very well hang in the balance. He’s lost three of his last four and hasn’t shown the potential to break through to the next level. Sobotta is a good striker who is 8-1 on some very small shows. This is a very big step up for Sobotta, and he’s likely on the card only because he’s a local fighter. Even though Taylor isn’t a world-beater, he’ll be able to defeat Germany here. Taylor wins by unanimous decision.
Paul Kelly vs. Rolando Delgado (155)
Delgado, the former Ultimate Fighter contestant, has not lost in his last seven fights, but he’s fought very mediocre competition. He won three of those fights by submission. Delgado has also never tapped out in a fight. Unfortunately for Delgado, Kelly won’t be attempting any submissions. Kelly is an entertaining fighter that will be looking to slug it out. This is a bad match-up for Delgado. I can’t see him standing up to Kelly’s attack. Kelly wins by first round TKO.
Denis Stojnic vs. Stefan Struve (265)
In his last fight, Struve was severely overmatched against Junior dos Santos. Santos overwhelmed Struve en route to a one minute TKO. It will be interesting to see how Struve regroups against another striker in Stojnic. Cain Velasquez was unable to put Stojnic on his highlight reel, but Velasquez did manage to get the TKO win. In this fight if Stojnic connects, he finishes Struve. Otherwise, Struve wins by submission. In a three-round fight, Stojnic will hit him at least once. Stojnic wins by second round TKO.
John Hathaway vs. Rick Story (170)
Hathaway looked fantastic in defeating Tom Egan by TKO at UFC 93. He is undefeated in ten fights with five wins by TKO. Melendez, on the other hand, is a decent journeyman fighter who is mainly in there to make Hathaway look good. He’ll do that. Hathaway wins by first round TKO.