UFC 99 "The Comeback" Marks Next Step in Global Expansion

UFC 99: June 13, 2009
Venue: Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany

Paul Taylor vs. TBA

Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva

Spencer Fisher vs. Caol Uno

Marcus Davis vs. Dan Hardy

Ben Saunders vs. Mike Swick

Heath Herring vs. Cain Velasquez

Mustapha al Turk vs. Todd Duffee

Stefan Struve vs. TBA

Mirko Cro Cop vs. TBA

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Tuesday announced its next step in global expansion. UFC 99 "The Comeback" extends the company's reach in the European Union landing on June 13 in Cologne, Germany. 

As originally reported by MMAWeekly.com, the main event will feature a unique 195-pound catchweight bout between former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin and former Pride 205-pound champion Wanderlei Silva.  

"June 13, 2009, is a huge day in the history of the UFC," stated company president Dana White. "It has been a long time coming, but the best fighters on the planet are finally heading to Germany for our first event ever in mainland Europe.

“We are coming with a stacked card and a unique main event. Rich Franklin versus Wanderlei Silva is another of those dream fights fans never thought they’d get to see...but we are making it happen in Germany.

“Everyone knows Rich moved up to light heavyweight a couple of fights ago, while Wanderlei is planning on fighting at 185 pounds from now on, but this fight is too exciting a match not to happen and both these guys deserve a ton of credit for taking this fight at 195 pounds.”

White, along with UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta, and MLK CEO Marek Lieberberg, with whom the UFC has partnered for this event, at a press conference in Cologne confirmed UFC 99 will take place at the Lanxess Arena.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 13, but UFC Fight Club members can begin buying tickets on Monday, March 9.

Commenting on the UFC’s first ever event in mainland Europe, UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta said, "Our vision for the UFC has always been global. Following on from our successes in the United Kingdom and Ireland, our first card in mainland Europe is another significant step towards making the UFC's brand of mixed martial arts the biggest sport in the world." 

The UFC has long been working on other territories across the globe—including Mexico, the Philippines, France, Dubai, Australia, and several other territories—so it is likely that there will be several other announcements of expansion in the near future.

Courtesy of mmaweekly.com.