UFC 99 Predictions Franklin vs Silva

Posted on 09. Jun, 2009 by moneybags in MMA Betting Picks, UFC

Rich “Ace” Franklin vs Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva

What you are looking at here is two excellent punchers. One with good footwork (Franklin), one with worse footwork (Silva). One with KO power with every punch (Silva) and one with more of the boxer’s style (Franklin) which is the style that will take a fight to the later rounds.

In Pride, Silva was known for his thai plumb clinch and the way he would use his strength to pummel people with knees, snapdowns, and winging wide hooks.

Franklin will have a wrestling advantage and maybe the ground advantage all around.

With Franklin’s ability to circle (minus his Anderson Silva fights), I think Franklin will easily be able to strike and get out, gathering points, and taking a decision at -155.

BetED has Franklin at -135
5Dimes has Franklin at -140

Cain Velasquez vs Cheick Kongo

Kongo has shown to be susceptible to takedowns from good wrestlers such as Carmelo Marrero and Heath Herring (who was supposed to be in this fight). Cain is a former 2-Time All-American collegiate wrestler from Arizona State and a Junior College National Champ at Iowa Central Community College. He was a two time high school 5A state champ in Arizona. In MMA, Velasquez has also shown to have good hands as well. Kongo hasn’t faced a guy like this before who is good at doing both. On the surface it looks like trouble for Kongo. Taking the fight on short notice against a guy who has a distinct advantage over his skillset.

Has Kongo improved enough on his wrestling to handle what Cain brings? For some reason I think Kongo’s height will be a problem for Cain as well as Kongo’s reach.

I like Kongo here to give Velasquez his first loss in the UFC at +160 at Intertops.

Kongo is +165 at BetEd
5Dimes has Kongo at +165

Mike Swick vs Ben Saunders

Swick has had some problems when facing a guy his size or bigger, remember Yushin Okami? Ben Saunders is a tall guy at 6’2″, I know, I’ve stood next to him before and I’m 6’3″. He almost feels taller due to his thinness.

Swick is slightly shorter by 1 inch, not a big deal, but Saunder’s limbs are still an issue as his lankiness can cause problems.

Swick has shown to have serious speed and to capitalize on a situation when it matters. In the past few fights Swick had trouble with the weight cut, this likely won’t be a problem for this fight. I can see this one as highly likely to go the distance. If neither fighter can secure a takedown, you have to turn to striking and points. I think this is where Ben Saunder’s can take this fight. Lots of leg kicks, lots of jabs.

It is going to be a very good fight as they match up really well. Swick can win if he can take Saunder’s down, secure his points, rinse and repeat. While Saunder’s can win this by keeping Swick in his second and third range. There is some JKD reference for ya’ll.

I think Saunders is a decent Dog setup here at +175

BetEd has Saunders at +190
5Dimes has Saunders at +175

Marcus Davis vs Dan Hardy

Hardy has a height advantage in this fight. Similar to how Davis had trouble connecting against his fight with Mike Swick, he will have trouble against Hardy. Then you tack on the age factor and the European hype for Davis is literally one-two fights from everyone questioning Davis’ age and whether he should still be fighting. That is just how this sport is right now – its a shame. Hardy wins this one, I don’t know how, nor care, I see Davis having problems taking Hardy down and problems connecting with his head as well.

Dan Hardy is +175 in this fight and it looks like an opportunity.

BetEd has Hardy odds at +175
5Dimes has Hardy odds at +175

Spencer Fisher vs Caol Uno

Here we have Spencer Fisher, a veteran, taking a crusty veteran in Caol Uno. Uno is on his last fights, but showed great wrestling at his last Dream outing where he RNC’d Ishida. I would venture to guess this fight will go the distance with Fisher getting the better striking and eventually taking the deece (decision).

Spencer is -225 for this fight, but looks like victory in his future.

BetEd has Fisher at -210
5Dimes has Specner Fisher odds at -200

Mirko “Crocop” Fillopovic vs Mostapha Al Turk

Crocop has to have one of the best nicknames. It sounds more than what it means. He is a Croatian Cop – the name is literal, but the name elicits a terminatorish/robocop thought in my head.

Mostapha Al Turk will be a kicking bag for Crocop. As long as the odds don’t get too crazy come fight time. This one seems like a lock to me.

Crocop at -450 is not a value, but still looks worthwhile. I think Crocop is going to cause severe pain to Turk’s thighs.

BetEd has CroCop odds at -400
5Dimes has CroCop at -420

Denis Stojnic vs Stefan Struve

I really was impressed by Struve in his last fight. Not in a way that he the next best thing or anything, but the guy causes problems for people. He is really tall with limbs a mile long. Against a stocky guy like Stojnic I see Struve catching a sub and winning the fight.
At -130 I say guten morgan Struve.

BetEd odds are Struve at -130
5Dimes has Struve at -130

Tags: anderson silva, ben saunders, boxer, cain velasquez, caol uno, cheick kongo, dan hardy, footwork, good fight, height advantage, jabs, jkd, knees, marcus davis, mike swick, okami, punch, spencer fisher, wanderlei the axe murderer silva