Franklin wins UFC fight in Germany
COLOGNE, Germany — Rich Franklin won a unanimous decision over Wanderlei Silva at UFC 99 on Saturday in the sport's first show in its newest territory.
Franklin (27-4), a former UFC middleweight champion, rebounded from a split-decision loss to Dan Henderson in January.
"After my last fight in Dublin, it was a disappointment going to a decision," Franklin said. "I didn't want to go to a decision again, but Wanderlei's way too strong of a fighter."
Silva (32-10-1), a former Pride titleholder and among MMA's most exciting fighters for most of the past decade, lost for the fifth time in his last six fights.
The fight, contested at catchweight of 195 pounds, got off to a cautious start, with almost nothing happening in the first minute. Silva just missed with a head kick midway through the round. Then he caught Franklin's kick and took him down by tripping the other leg.
Franklin's movement dictated the pace in the second round. Silva finally connected and wobbled Franklin, bullsrushing him at the fence. Franklin survived and the fight returned to the middle of the cage.
The two fighters traded attacks in the third round. Franklin kept moving for the most part, darting in to attack at times, while Silva mostly looked for the knockout. The Brazilian attacked Franklin at the fence in the final seconds but paid for it by being taken down.
In the co-main event, unbeaten heavyweight Cain Velasquez won a unanimous decision over Cheick Kongo. Velasquez (6-0) was staggered twice right from the start but took Kongo (24-5-1) down immediately.
There was more of the same in the second, Velasquez was rocked but took Kongo down and hurt him. When Kongo fought his way to his feet, he was taken down again.The card also featured the return of Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, the internationally beloved kickboxing star who struggled in his first three UFC fights in 2007. Filipovic (25-6-2) knocked out England's Mostapha Al-Turk (6-5).
Also, Dan Hardy won a split decision against Marcus Davis in a welterweight bout.
U.S. to face short-handed Italian team
IRENE, South Africa — Italy faces defensive problems for its Confederations Cup opener against the United States on Monday, with injured captain Fabio Cannavaro almost certainly out and replacement Nicola Legrottaglie also in doubt.
Alessandro Gamberini, an inexperienced defender, most likely will team with Giorgio Chiellini in central defense against the U.S. in Pretoria.
Cannavaro has a strained calf, and team physician Enrico Castellacci said Saturday the 34-year-old star probably will not play.
"He's going to have a tough time recuperating by Monday, but we're optimistic for the other games," Castellacci said.
Legrottaglie has a muscle problem.
"We decided as a precaution that he wouldn't train today, just work out in the gym," Castellacci said. "Then tomorrow we'll re-evaluate."
If Cannavaro and Legrottaglie are unavailable, Italy will have no central defense specialist on its bench.
Cannavaro sat out a 4-3 exhibition victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. He missed the entire European Championship a year ago after injuring his ankle. Cannavaro needs three more appearances to break Paolo Maldini's record of 126 for Italy.
After the United States, Italy plays Egypt on Thursday and closes group play against Brazil on June 21.
UCLA's Holiday keeps name in NBA draft
LOS ANGELES — UCLA guard Jrue Holiday has decided to remain in the NBA draft and will hire an agent, which makes him ineligible to return to the Bruins.
Coach Ben Howland on Saturday confirmed Holiday's decision.
"I'm sure Jrue will be a great NBA player and have a long career," Howland said. "We are very happy for him and wish him well. He will always be a part of the Bruin family."
As a freshman, Holiday started all 35 games last season while helping the Bruins to a 26-9 record and a second-place finish in the Pac-10. He was selected to the conference's all-freshman team. Holiday averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
— Associated Press