UFC 99 Live Blog: Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin

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This is the UFC 99 live blog for the main event between Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin. The main event will start around 5:20 PM ET, and the Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva live blog is below.

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Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva:
They're making their way to the Octagon. Silva is out first. Both men are now in the Octagon.
Round 1: This fight is underway. They're feeling each other out and you can tell Silva wants to just coil up and drill Franklin, but he doesn't see an opening yet. Franklin lands a straight left hand. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva tried to swing for a knockout but missed. They exchange punches, then Franklin lands the body kick, with Silva answering with a looping punch. Silva just misses a high kick. Silva is trying to fight from the outside, which is not the style we're used to from Wanderlei. Silva catches a Franklin kick and takes the fight down. Neither one of these fighters has ever been submitted, in 60 or so career fights. Nice couple of punches from the top from Silva. Silva wanted a guillotine but slipped out. Now Franklin on top near the cage. Franklin gets mount with 30 seconds to go in the round. Now they're back up. Franklin lands a kick, and I give the round to Franklin, 10-9.

Round 2: Franklin told his corner that he thinks he broke Silva's nose. Silva is already looking exhausted. Franklin throws a couple of kicks. Silva lands a body kick but then Franklin connects with a punch and a kick. Franklin with a leg kick backs Silva away. Silva almost connected with a big right hand but it only glanced off Franklin's head. Franklin lands a kick to the body. Down goes Silva from a punch by Franklin! Silva gets back up though. Franklin connects with a right hand. Franklin feels very comfortable picking Silva apart on his feet. Franklin lands a kick to the body and Silva can't catch it. Good kick from Silva now. And then a big punch from Silva makes Franklin's legs buckle, but Franklin looks like he still feels OK. Now Silva has Franklin in trouble but Franklin pushes him off against the fence. Silva had Franklin hurt but he couldn't go in for the kill. Franklin landed a kick that wobbled Silva, but Franklin slipped and couldn't capitalize. Very close second round that I give to Franklin, 10-9.

Round 3: Show of class they touch gloves at the start of the third. Franklin got Silva off balance and Silva really looks like he's struggling. Franlin lands a big jab. Silva is in big, big trouble here because Franklin has totally figured out his timing. Franklin kicks Silva low. Silva lands a couple of punches but isn't able to hurt Franklin too badly. Now Silva lands a knee in the clinch. Good body kick from Silva. Silva is starting to come to life but is it too late? Silva is fighting like a man who needs a knockout. Silva goes for a high kick but Franklin blocks it. Now Franklin lands a good kick. Franklin slips and Silva comes forward, but now Franklin grabs Silva and gets the takedown, and that could be it for Wanderlei. They're both just holding on as the fight comes to an end, with Silva throwing elbows and Franklin throwing punches. I give the third to Silva, 10-9. I'll tell you what the judges say as soon as they announce it.

Rich Franlin beat Wanderlei Silva by unanimous decision.

UFC 99 Photos

Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva exchange glares before their UFC 99 match on June 13, 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

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Rich Franklin punches Wanderlei Silva during their UFC 99 match on June 13, 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

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