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R1: The fighters are entering the ring, Rich is walking out and just entering the cage now and Wandy is already in there.

Franklin with a nice straight left, leg kick by Silva. Silva swinging for the fences but not landing anything. Franklin with a body kick.

Silva attempts a head kick, Franklin with a body kick that Silva catches and takes it to the ground. Franklin in full guard and scrambles to his feet and then gets a take down and is on top.

Franklin gets mount and now has Wandy’s back and is landing some good punches. Silva with a small cut on his nose. Rounds over.

R2: Silva lands a nice right kick to the body. Some nice exchanges not much damage. Silva slips while throwing a straight.

Franklin working leg an body kicks but nothing very damaging, Silva swinging for the fences followed by a body kick from Franklin and a nice combo up top.

Silva throws back and Franklin buckles, while Silva attacks and rocks Ace again backing him up to the cage.

Franklin survives and gets back out to the center of the cage. Franklin throws back hard just as the round ends.

R3: Silva comes out swinging for the fences but only comes away with a nice leg kick. Franklin lands a jab and a nice left hook followed by a straight right.

Silva gets caught in the groin and after a brief stoppage he shows his true champion side and shakes it instead of waiting five minutes.

Silva charges in and catches Franklin with a big left and then a good knee from the clinch.

Silva with a head kick but not much damage. Franklin throws a jab.

Silva with a leg kick. Franklin with a right left combo but not much damage done. Silva looking for the haymaker.

Silva with a left and a big right. Silva is throwing some bombs and lands a knee.

Franklin goes for a take down, Silva gets back to his feet. Franklin lands a nice left.

Franklin has his back standing against the cage and with ten seconds left Silva starts throwing some crazy elbows back to Franklins head. Franklin throwing back with some punches from behind and the rounds is done.

Close fight but looks like Franklin might have it.

Franklin wins by unanimous

R1: Here we go, the fight is on. Cain pushing forward and Kongo connects and leaves him a little stunned for a second as Cain goes for a double legged takedown, Velasquez gets the take down. Kongo with a nice elbow from the bottom.

Velasquez gets Knogo back and almost gets rear naked. Kongo i struggling to get out.

Velasquez is overwhelming Kongo all over the ground and Kongo has given up his back multiple times trying to get out but Velasquez is just overpowering him and dominating this fight so far.

Kongo tries to get up and Velasquez puts him back down with authority. Cain Velasquez looks to be the real deal and dominates round 1.

R2: Kongo lands a another monster left and knocks Velasquez down but isn’t enough. Kongo goes for a take down but Velasquez just start dominating the ground game again. Kongo really needs to keep this one on his feet.

Back to where most of the last round was with Velasquez overpowering every move on the ground Kongo struggling to try and stand up and continually getting battered.

Kongo has made it longer then any other of Velasquez’s opponents but is getting tore up and looks to be just trying to survive so he can try his luck standing again. Kongo looks to have no chance if he doesnt get to his feet, and Velasquez isn’t gonna let that happen.

Another round of pure domination by Velasquez, Kongo has had a nice connection at the begging of both rounds then it goes to the ground and he has to just hold on to survive and Velasquez kicks his ass all over the canvas.

R3: Kongo swinging for the fences and nothing, Velasquez goes for a take down and Kongo looks as if he can get out of it but goes for a takedown of his own instead of pushing out.

Back to the ground and back to superior ground domination by Velasquez. Looks to be another round like the first two where Kongo can’t do anything but try to stand up and survive a brutal match on the mat.

Kongo gets up and looks like he might get to separate and lands some great knees, Kongo turning this fight around now and pushing forward.

Velasquez gets it back to the ground and with a minute left it looks like if Kongo doesn’t finish it Velasquez has the win by unanimous.

Velasquez gets mount and is working a barrage of punches. Kongo hanging on and fighting back but taking a tremendous beating.

Velasquez answered many questions today and is a new contender in the Heavyweight division.

The fight ends center mat on the huge BSN logo, the official supplement brand for the UFC.

Velasquez wins unanimous awesome fight!

R1: This looks like its gonna be a great fight, we will see is Cro Cop is back on his game. He quit his job and is training full town and says he is mentally back in the game. Tonight will only tell.

Turk attacking with some aggressive throws but not doing any damage. Turk is definitely showing no fear.

Cro Cop being very patient and Turk telegraphing everything he is throwing but man is he throwing a lot of punches and being very aggressive. They are both exchanging some ok punches but not a lot of damage.

Cro Cop attacks hard, landing some devastating blows and Turk is down. Cro Cop charges and works some punches from up top. But lets Turk back up.

Cro Cop lands another combo catches Turk and works some combo as Turk gets put down and the fight is called.

Looking at the replay it was an accidental eye poke that made Turk turn his back so it is very unfortunate that Turk got an eye poke but Cro Cop still look relax and ready to capitalize.

Cro Cop wins by TKO the eye poke was unfortunate but it seems Cro Cop might be back and has definitely improved from the last 3 fights we’ve seen him in.

R1: Round starts with Ben grabbing some double underhooks. Swick gets on top and is overpowering Ben. Swick working some ground and tired of Saunders just holding him and talk a lil crap.
"You just gonna hold me all night …" Saunders replies we can stand back up.

Swick goes for a brief guillotine. Saunders looks for rubber guard and throws an upkick.

Swick quick to get back into guard. Nice body kick from Saunders. Swick with a kinda weak combo.

Standing against the cage Saunders with a few knees, it comes to an end.

R2: Ben attempts a few high kicks but nothing happens. Swick goes for a combo and they clinch and exchange some knees adn Swick gets a takedown. Ref. stands them up. Swick starts to let his hands go but doesn’t cause much damage.

Swick goes on the attack and lands a nice combo then connects to Saunders temple and Saunders buckles and Swick attacks adn wins the fight as the ref calls it.

Swick wins with the old Swick Style we used to know and finishes the fight with a nice KO.

R1: Slow start and Uno shoots but gets stuffed. They clinch on the cage and throw some knees nothing much happening so they get separated.

Fisher lands a leg kick and a right hook. Uno tries another takedown but doesn’t get it again. They work along the fence and the round comes to an end. Hopefully next round will have some more action.

R2: Fisher with a low kick and Uno finally gets a takedown. Fisher pulls out and they get back to their feet. Uno fails another takedown attempt. Fisher lands a low kick and and Uno answers back with one.

Uno shoots and fails again. They roll over and Uno ends up on top.

They get back up and some knees are thrown. Uno pulls guard. Fishers works for position, Uno gets out and its over.

R3: Uno pushes him to the cage and fails a sweep attempt. Uno gets rocked by a knee. Uno works for another takedown and gets this one.

They are finally back to their feet, Uno slips as he goes for a low kick. Fisher throw a right hook and Uno goes into guard. Fisher swings, Uno shoots and gets on top. Uno working the top nicly and finally doing some damage but not enough to win probably.

Fisher wins by unanimous

R1: The usual dance around and feel the other fighter out starts out for about the first 30 seconds. Davis lands a leg kick, goes for the take down and they end up in a clinch against the cage. Struggling for position, Davis finally gets his take down. Davis passes Hardy’s guard gets his back lands a few rights.

Hardy gets to his feet throws a few knees and lands an elbow.

Davis looks a lil stunned, The clinch again Hardy throw a couple more knees and the round is done.

R2: Both throw some leg kicks. Both land a leg kick or so then Davis lands a solid jab and a nice left.  Hardy with another low kick.
Both connect with a punch and then clinch and Hardy lands a hard knee.

Davis is hanging on with Hardy in his guard. Davis attempts an arm bar. Hardy with an elbow and Davis trying to stay busy from the bottom.

Ref. stands them up. Hardy lands a knee to the body, Davis lands a huge right and gets a takedown.

Round ends with Davis inside Hardy’s guard working some G&P.

R3: Davis drops Hardy with a left. Charges in and starts working in the guard throwing some body shots. Davis keeps busy and tries for foot but Hardy powers out. They scramble back to their feet.

Clinch and Hardy lands another nice knee to the body followed by a takedown. Big elbow from Hardy cuts Davis (gigantic elbow), and Davis has to get his cut checked. Davis is cleard and they start back on the ground with Hardy dropping some hammer fists.
Hardy tries a high kick. Davis rushes as the push into the cage and the round ends.

Hardy wins by a split!(29-28,29-28, 28-29)

Here is a quick shot of the under card results:

Terry Etim def. Justin Buccholz via submission (D’arce choke) R2
Denis Siver defeats Dale Hartt via submission (rear-naked choke) R1
Paul Taylor defeats Peter Sobotta via unanimous decision
Paul Kelly defeats Roli Delgado via unanimous decision
Stefan Struve defeats Denis Stojnic via submission (rear naked choke) 2:37 R2
John Hathaway defeats Rick Story via unanimous decision

UFC 99 Live Tomorrow Night Don’t Miss it!

Jun-13-2009 3:00 PM ET
Lanxess Arena, Germany

Countdown To UFC® 99 Premieres Tonight At 11pm ET/PT On Spike.

Don’t miss UFC 99 this weekend, Saturday June 13th.

Don’t miss UFC 99 this weekend, Saturday June 13th.

UFC 99
Jun-13-2009
Lanxess Arena, Germany

Cro Cop Returns against Al-Turk on UFC 99 Card in Germany
By: Thomas Gerbasi

After weeks of speculation, the news is finally official – international superstar Mirko Cro Cop is returning to the UFC. One of the most feared strikers in MMA history, the 34-year old resident of Zagreb, Croatia will be taking on England’s Mostapha Al-Turk in main card action on June 13th’s UFC 99 card at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.

The 2006 PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix champion, Cro Cop (24-6-2) holds wins over Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett, Hidehiko Yoshida, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Kazushi Sakuraba, and Heath Herring. And though he only went 1-2 in his first UFC stint in 2007, he is unbeaten in three straight bouts since then and is looking forward to making a run for the UFC crown his second time around.

UFC 99 Fight Card

Rich Franklin Vs. Wanderlei Silva

Cheick Kongo Vs. Cain Velasquez

Mike Swick Vs. Ben Saunders

Marcus Davis Vs. Dan Hardy

Spencer Fisher Vs. Caol Uno

Mirko Cro Cop Vs. Mostapha Al Turk

Terry Etim Vs. Justin Buchholz

Dennis Siver Vs. Dale Hartt

Paul Taylor Vs. Peter Sobotta

Paul Kelly Vs. Rolando Delgado

Denis Stojnic Vs. Stefan Struve

John Hathaway Vs. Rick Story

UFC 99 was an awesome card and this looks to be another great card with some great fights, can’t wait to see Franklin vs Silva. Alos the Kongo fight will be good we will see if Velasquez is the real deal. Can Mirko make a comeback and show UFC fans who he used to be in Pride? These should be well worth watching so mark it down on the calender for June 13th.

Now that UFC 98 is in the books, UFC 99 "The Comeback" is just two weeks away.  A catch weight fight at 195 pounds between former UFC middleweight champion Rich "Ace" Franklin and former PRIDEFC middleweight champion Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva will headline the card.

This will be the first time the UFC has stepped into Germany and boasts a stellar night of fights.  Dan Hardy will face Marcus Davis.  Heavyweight sensation Cain Velasquez will be in action against Cheick Kongo, and Mirko CroCop will make his UFC re-debut as well.

UFC 99 Main Event fighter Wanderlei Silva owns a gym here in Vegas called Wand Fight Team at 4631 Dean Martin Drive (702.538.8300). The UFC sent a notice to credentialed media here to cover UFC 98 that we were invited to watch Wanderlei train for his upcoming fight against Rich Franklin at a catchweight of 195. He was scheduled to spar Mike Whitehead, but when we got there we learned that the doctor told him not to spar because his eye had taken a shot and had to heal.

We did watch Whitehead and several other fighters spar tonight and I have to tell you, it was almost like being a an actual fight. I spoke with Wandy manager, Robert Cardenas, who said that is simply the Chute Box way, referencing the infamous academy in Brazil where Wandy and other top MMA superstars would go to war in sparring sessions. It’s the theory of "the best way to get ready to fight is to really fight." It was intense, to say the least.

Afterward, the assembled media spoke with Wandy for a while about his upcoming fight, the brewing animosity between him and UFC MW Champ Anderson Silva, the possibility of him fighting at 185 after the Franklin fight and a host of other topics. We’re going to have Wandy as a guest on Pro MMA Radio here on Bodybuilding.com before he leaves for Germany for UFC 99, so stay tuned.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to talk with Wandy in person and I have to tell you that it is impossible not to like this guy. He is incredibly gracious and respectful of everyone he interacts with and makes you feel totally comfortable in his facility. The "Axe Murderer" is a real class act.

With Herring being forced to pull out of the fight due to an illness it was a frantic search to find such a last minute replacement to fight Cain Velasquez.

Kongo was quick to take the challenge against the undefeated Velasquez.

Kongo has been on a three fight winning streak and is highly regarded as one of the best upcoming fighters in the division. He doesn’t have the experience of Herring but this is still going to be one hell of a battle.

Heath Herring has unfortunately been forced to pull himself out of the fight against Cain Velasquez at UFC 99 on June 13th.

Herring has been stricken with illness and cannot fight on the card but a replacement will be announced soon.

With some disappointment in his recent fights "The Ax Murder" is ready for Franklin and his new division.

Being as Franklin was the last belt holder, before Anderson Silva came in dominating his way to the top, Wandy is looking forward to a new victory.

"Fighting with him is incredible, because he was the last champion before Anderson. He is a great fighter, a complete guy and it’s a good fight for me in this new category. He has a good ground, good striking, good takedowns and I think it’ll be a good fight for me. I’m bringing many guy from Brazil to train with me that are also complete fighters, I’ll be ready for him", says the Brazilian, in an interview for the Fighters Only Magazine site. The catchweight (195lbs) fight is scheduled for UFC 99, on June 13th, in Germany.

Keep up with whats happening with Wanderlei Silva here.

The UFC is set for its debut in Germany on Saturday the 13^th of June. While we haven’t heard any confirmation of any other fights on the card one fight has been announced and that is Wanderlei Silva will be brawling it out against Rich Franklin.

There are rumors about that these two will be be fighting at a catch weight of 195lbs. Both are also coming off losses so a win is a must for each one.

This may work very favorably for Silva for his future in 185, he has always walked around just over 205 so he hasn’t cut much for a fight. Coming in at 195 might be a good adjustment phase and help him get used to cutting for a fight.

Other fights rumored to be on the card but have not been officially confirmed are:

Heath Herring Vs Cain Velasquez

Mike Swick Vs Ben Saunders

Spencer Fisher Vs Caol Uno

Todd Duffee Vs Mustapha Al Turk

By: Loretta Hunt, Sherdog.com

It’s family time for B.J. Penn, which means the UFC lightweight champion might not be back in the cage as soon as others would like.

UFC President Dana White told multiple press outlets last week that Penn’s next title defense against No. 1 contender Kenny Florian was a possibility for UFC 99 on June 13 in Cologne, Germany. However, Penn’s older brother and manager J.D. told Sherdog.com on Monday that the date is not feasible for his celebrated sibling.

“No, it’s too close to BJ’s last fight,” the elder Penn wrote in a text message. “He wants to spend time with his baby.”

Penn, 30, welcomed his first child, daughter Aeva, to the growing Hilo clan in October 2008. However, the new father spent a substantial amount of time thereafter promoting and training for his Jan. 31 mega-fight against UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre at UFC 94 in Las Vegas.

St. Pierre pummeled Penn (13-5-1) for the majority of four rounds in their 170-pound contest until the Hawaiian’s cornermen called it quits before the last stanza. The bout’s outcome has been hotly contested by allegations that St. Pierre’s corner used Vaseline to grease the Canadian and keep him out of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt’s grasp. Now Penn’s camp wants their fighter to receive all the time he needs to re-group for his bout with Florian.

“We are still negotiating the fight,” the elder Penn said. “No date [is] scheduled, but we are thinking late July or early August.”

The UFC might be anxious for their talented lightweight champion to return to the division where he’s had the most success, but Penn has always moved to the beat of his own drum. Penn, who comes from a wealthy background, has been unhindered by the usual financial burdens other fighters have had to bare. In fact, the shortest time Penn has paused between fights since his return to the Octagon in 2006 has been four months, though he’s averaged closer to half-year hiatuses in all other cases.

Florian, who earned his shot at the vaunted lightweight with a tour de force first-round submission over Joe Stevenson at UFC 91 last November, said the UFC had voiced tentative plans for a June 13 showdown.

“I talked to my manager Joe Cavallaro today and [UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva told him June 13,” Florian said to Sherdog.com on Monday. “That was the date they wanted because they wanted it to be the main event and the only main event. That’s what fight made the most amount of sense for June 13. July [11, UFC 100] apparently is backed up, so July’s probably out of the question, and August…”

Though it’s far from finalized and the promotion will have the final say in determining the bout’s date, an even-handed Florian (11-3) said he’d be willing to wait if he had to, especially if it meant it would produce Penn at his best.

“For me, it’s the fight that I want and it’s the fight he wants and we both need to come to terms on it, so if that’s what I need to do to make it happen, if I have to wait, then I have no choice,” he said.

Florian, 32, said he could adjust his training as needed. Still, a postponed date would effect the Boston native in a way the affluent Penn family never has to worry about.

“Schedule-wise it makes it a little difficult because money-wise, you expect a certain amount to come in and I’ve been trying to budget things accordingly,” said Florian, who earned $80,000 for his last win. “It might be a little tougher now.”

Still, the would-be challenger kept his chin up.

“Maybe they’ll say it’s in Boston,” he laughed.

Tim Leidecker contributed to this report.

A rumored card that will most likely take place in Cologne, Germany this June will have a headlining bout between BJ Penn and Kenny Florian.  

The Co-Main event will feature former middleweight champion Rich Franklin as he will fight former Pride champion Wanderlei ‘The Axe Murderer’ Silva.  Should be an awesome fight.