UFC 99: The Comeback is finally here.

The UFC's first foray onto German soil is set to go down with some incredible match-ups that will keep fans around the world on the edge of their seats.

Main event - catchweight bout at 195 pounds

Wanderlei (The Axe Murderer) Silva (32-9-1) vs. Rich (Ace) Franklin (26-4-0, 1 NC)

When I make predictions for fights, I rarely go with my heart. I always use my head and offer a pick based on full analysis of what both fighters bring to the table. This is the exception.

Franklin is the technical striker in this bout while Wanderlei swings for the fences. As per my analysis on MMA Connected, Silva consistently drops his right hand every time he launches any attack. He leaves his chin exposed which I am confident Franklin has been training to exploit in this bout.

However, I look for Silva to try to clinch with Franklin and work for a KO coming out of the clinch. It's a low-percentage scenario for Wanderlei but I get this strange feeling he will connect on one of those looping wide punches, daze Franklin, and finish him off in the second round.

Pick: Wanderlei Silva by KO Round 2

Co-main event - heavyweight bout

Cheick Kongo (24-4-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (5-0)

Many believe that Kongo has three times more experience than Velasquez, so he should be a shoe-in to win this bout. I disagree.

If Velasquez does not get caught up in trying to prove his striking skills are on par with Kongo's, he should win this bout.

Cain should be able to take Kongo down with his stellar wrestling capabilities and control the big man from France. I look for him to ground and pound him to a TKO stoppage.

All bets are off if his ego gets the better of him and he decides to stand and bang with Kongo

Pick: Velasquez by TKO Round 2

Rest of the Card

Mike Swick (13-2) vs. Ben Saunders (7-0-2)

Unlike the main event on this card, I will not be going with my heart on this one.

Having met Saunders back in 2005, his infectious attitude has always been a breath of fresh air and he always makes time for me whenever I see him. His skills have come a long way but can his Jeet Kune Do skills get the better of Mike Swick? At this point in his career, I don't believe so.

Swick is simply too fast at the moment, so unless Saunders can stick to a game plan which is heavy on defensive footwork, he will eventually get caught with a barrage of punches. Swick is on pace to be next in line for a title shot vs. GSP, so unless Saunders can pull a rabbit out of his hat, Mike will be knocking on St. Pierre's door after UFC 100 (assuming the champ defeats Alves).

Pick: Swick by TKO Round 1

Marcus Davis (21-5) vs. Dan Hardy (21-6-0, 1 NC)

Davis is a better all-round fighter. His boxing is tighter, his submission game is slicker and the list of quality opponents he has faced far outweighs those of Hardy.

Hardy's game is relentless and quick. Can he catch Davis at the right time with the right punch? I'll say yes and run with an upset in this bout.

Pick: Hardy TKO Round 2

Spencer Fisher (23-4) vs. Caol Uno (25-11-4)

This fight has decision written all over it. I don't believe either fighter has the skills to knock the other one out, nor catch their opponent in a submission.

I see this fight going the distance with Fisher doing most of the damage on the ground, keeping Uno on his back throughout the entire bout.

Pick: Fisher by unanimous judges decision

Mirko (Cro Cop) Filipovic (24-6-2, 1 NC) Vs. Mostapha Al Turk (6-4)

Cro Cop is back, but you can jot me down as a skeptic.

He says he has rediscovered the desire to fight, whereas during his first stint with the UFC, it was missing from his mental game.

I am inches away from picking Al Turk in this bout, but in talking with a few insiders, I am partially convinced Cro Cop will be looking to make an example of Al Turk.

Pick: Cro Cop by TKO Round 2

Terry Etim (12-2) vs. Justin Buchholz (9-2)

Etim has sound striking and knows how to survive. Buchholz has to get this fight down to the ground, and I think he will.

I consider this Buchholz's coming out party.

Pick: Buchholz by rear naked choke, Round 3

Dennis Siver (13-6) vs. Dale Hartt (6-1)

Siver will have the hometown crowd behind him and will be pumped with adrenaline right off the bat.

I look for Siver to start off every round with a ton of energy, but eventually fade away as each round progresses.

Hartt has been training with Greg Jackson, so I believe he will pull an ace out of his sleeve and submit Siver.

Pick: Hartt by arm bar in Round 3

Paul Taylor (9-4-1, 1) Vs. Peter Sobotta (8-1)

Like Siver, Sobotta is the hometown favourite here. In Taylor, he'll need this intangible as the Brit will make him pay for signing on the dotted line.

I sincerely doubt this fight will go the distance.

Pick: Taylor by TKO Round 2

Paul Kelly (9-1) vs. Rolando Delgado (8-3-1)

With all due respect to Delgado, Kelly will be head hunting in this fight. If Delgado cannot get this fight to the ground, I see no way that his striking will outmatch Taylor's.

Pick: Kelly by TKO, Round 1

Denis Stojnic (12-2) vs. Stefan Struve (20-3)

These two were pushing and shoving each other at the weigh-ins. It was classic pre-fight hype so we'll see which one will have the edge when they actually are allowed to trade bombs.

Struve should be able to get this fight to the ground rather quickly and own Round 1. I see a repeat in Round 2, this time with Stojnic tapping out.

Pick: Struve by arm bar, Round 2

John Hathaway (11-0) Vs. Rick Story (7-2)

This fight has all the makings of going the distance.

Hathaway is tough kid who loves to fight on the ground. Problem is, Story is a far better wrestler, so I'm not sure he can be taken down by Hathaway.

If Story can take Hathaway down, put him on his back, he should be able to ride it out to a judges decision.

Pick: Story by unanimous judges decision