UFC 99 Draws 12,854 Fans for $1.3 Million

On a night of scintilating action both in and out of the Octagon -- Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva fought to a main event Fight of the Night finish and Mirko "Cro Cop" announced to the UFC, "Oh, by the way, I'm outta here. Going back to Japan" -- the UFC was fairly successful on its first stop in Germany.

Despite all of the backlash from mainstream German media that is caught in the MMA time warp of five to 10 years ago, UFC 99 drew an announced attendance of 12,854 to the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, accounting for estimated gate receipts of $1.3 million.

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."

Dana White Talks About UFC 99 in Germany

(Courtesy of Steve Cofield of ESPN 1100 and Cagewriter.com)

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Liddell Not Offered Fight With Couture, and Vice Versa

Last week, a report from BloodyElbow talking about a fourth fight between Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture spurred a mixture of excitement and confusion among MMA fans. The duo had been responsible for one of the most successful trilogies in UFC history, with Liddell coming out ahead in the final two meetings. The proposed bout, reportedly scheduled for June 13 in Cologne, Germany at UFC 99, would pit the two against each other in the heavyweight division, where Couture has spent the majority of his career.

After speaking with sources from the camps of both fighters, it now appears the fight is merely an idea amongst many for the future of the MMA superstars.

Couture's fluency in German has made him a front-runner for the show, although sources from within his camp have told MMAInsider he has not been offered a fight against Liddell, nor is he thrilled about taking it.

On the other side of the coin, a rep from Liddell's camp also confirmed that the bout hadn't been floated by them.

"This is the first I've heard of it," the rep said.

While the fight would certainly garner excitement in the new market of Germany, doubts exist about its ability to draw stateside fans.

So far, the UFC has been mum on the bout happening.

Still, it might be interesting to see how both men rebound from their prospective losses, and if Couture's familiarity with the weight class will be the key to avenging his losses.