Silva vs Franklin Apparently Set For UFC 99

According to MMAWeekly.com (link below), Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin have agreed to square off against each other at UFC 99.

The fight, according to the report, would take place at a catch weight, probably "somewhere in the neighborhood of 195 pounds".

UFC 99 is slated to take place on June 13th, and will be held at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.

Franklin and Silva are easily two of the most popular fighters in the UFC, and this fight will likely end up becoming a classic.

Both fighters are looking to re-establish themselves as title contenders after suffering disappointing losses.

Wanderlei Silva was knocked out by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 92, while Rich Franklin lost to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 via split decision.

After his loss to Jackson, Silva and his camp indicated that he might be entertaining the idea of dropping down to 185 pounds.

Rich Franklin, discouraged after multiple lopsided losses to Anderson "The Spider" Silva, decided to return to the light heavyweight division in 2008 following an impressive win over Travis Lutter at UFC 83.

This fight makes sense for a number of reasons:

-two of the most popular fighters in the promotion squaring off in the co-main event will help the PPV buy rate

-Silva can ease into his transition to 185 by fighting at a "catch weight" of 195

-Franklin doesn't have to drop all the way back down to Middleweight to fight Silva

Both fighters will have a tremendous amount on the line in this match-up, but you have to think that Wanderlei Silva will be especially motivated. He has only won once in his last five fights, and is desperately seeking to establish himself as a legit title contender.

This should be a great fight.

Source: MMAWeekly.com