Last night was a great evening for mixed martial arts fans. UFC 99 didn't disappoint and left fans wanting more. The Ultimate Fighter Final is only a week away and UFC 100 is less than a month from now. We saw some very entertaining fights that will whet the appetite for what will be coming in the next few weeks, and the bad taste from UFC 98 is officially gone.
Let's take a look at the highlights of the card.
Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva
A great main event between two icons in the world of mma. Both guys left everything in the octagon and had the crowd on their feet. Franklin takes home the decision win with superior striking. Silva showed a ton of heart but just didn't have enough in the gas tank to pull it off.
Cain Velasquez vs Cheick Kongo
A 15 minute beatdown here. Kongo had no chance and Velasquez showed he is for real and a force to reckoned with. A dominating performance that will have him getting a title shot very soon. Kongo didn't have any answers for the talented Velasquez
Dan Hardy vs Marcus Davis
A very close heated battle between two solid all around fighter. The split decision goes to Hardy and that's how I scored it. Hardy seemed to be the crisper fighter and landed the heavier shots. Davis put on a solid performance and never quit. Dan Hardy has the tools to keep climbing the ladder and get in there with some of the top guys in the world.
Mirko Cro Cop vs Mustapha Al Turk
A mismatch. Cro Cop simply outclassed Al Turk. A poke to the eye made the fight even worst for Al Turk but he was getting beat up before that happened. Mirko didn't exactly what was expected, he dominated the stand up and it paved the way for a 1st round TKO win.
Full results:
Rich Franklin def. Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Cain Velasquez def. Cheick Kongo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic def. Mustapha Al-Turk via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:47
Mike Swick def. Ben Saunders via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:47
Spencer Fisher def. Caol Uno via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dan Hardy def. Marcus Davis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Terry Etim def. Justin Buchholz via submission (D'arce choke) - Round 2, 2:38
Denis Siver def. Dale Hartt via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 3:23
Paul Taylor def. Peter Sobotta by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Paul Kelly def. Roli Delgado via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Stefan Struve def. Denis Stojnic via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 2, 2:37
John Hathaway def. Rick Story via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
All in all, a very solid evening of mixed martial arts. The next few weeks are going to be a lot of fun in the UFC. I can't wait for their next two events, hop on and enjoy the ride.
