Rich Franklin Believes UFC 99 Will Open Doors in Germany

Maybe UFC's first co-promoted event.

Rich Talking about professionalism and negative press around 18:00

Although the UFC stepping into Germany for UFC 99 on Saturday has been a big step forward for the promotion and the sport -- it is the first time a major MMA promotion has landed in Germany -- it has also been a step into a time warp that goes back 10 years.

There have been front page news stories in Germany that decry MMA as a bloodsport, much like the American media of five to 10 years ago. The venue in Cologne even had to agree to UFC 99 being and 18-and-over event.

But main eventer Rich Franklin believes that UFC 99 will bust open some doors for the sport in Europe. At the pre-fight press conference he commented:

"I know we've gotten a little bit of negative press here in Germany, and I think once you see the level of professionalism and sportsmanship the UFC brings to a sport like this, you'll be more than impressed."