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Getbig Misc Discussion Boards => Mixed Martial Arts (MMA/UFC) => Topic started by: SinCitysmallGUY on June 16, 2009, 07:51:18 AM
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Rich Franklin isn't done in the UFC's light heavyweight division. Dana White stated at the UFC 99 post-fight press conference that the UFC wants to see the former UFC middleweight champion make a run for the title after successfully defeating PRIDE veteran Wanderlei Silva in a catchweight matchup via decision:
In all seriousness, the UFC president intends for Franklin to move right back up from the 195-pound catchweight fight with Silva and remain in the light heavyweight division.
"We want Rich to stay at 205 pounds. He's gonna stay in the 205-pound division and take a run at the title," said White, addressing a class that has seen its title change hands four times in the past two years.
Franklin's history with the company is surely a huge issue when we think about where he currently stands in the light heavyweight division. Fifteen of his career 29 fights have taken place within the Octagon, and it's a well-known fact that Franklin has always been in the good graces with the UFC brass as he's been a fighter who has rarely, if ever, complained about compensation, the way he's been treated, or how he's been marketed.
Franklin has only faced two opponents at light heavyweight recently with a successful return to the division against Matt Hammil and a loss against former PRIDE fighter Dan Henderson. Depending on who Franklin draws in his next matchup, it isn't inconceivable that the UFC immediately puts him in line for title contention following a win. After all, Franklin has been one of the most well-recognized fighters within the promotion.
Who will be his next opponent? It's tough to say. Wanderlei Silva is currently ranked #7 on our USA Today / SB Nation Consensus Rankings. If Dana White truly sees Franklin at that level of competition, my thoughts are that Forrest Griffin, Keith Jardine or Thiago Silva, Brandon Vera, or Luis Cane are all going to be waiting for a matchup. Griffin fights at UFC 101 while Jardine, Silva, and Vera are at UFC 102. Cane is the x-factor as he has the skill to thwart Franklin's chances at a run, so I'm a bit hesitant to believe the UFC will make that matchup. Fortunately for the fans, Cane is a solid up-and-comer, and the UFC really has no choice but to push his stock into better fights. That could be a solid matchup down the road.
MY THOUGHTS:
I think that this is pure craziness. I don't see Rich being very good at LHW. I think some of the gate keepers in that division could give him serious fits. Jardine I would imagine could turn out to be a very tough fight for Rich and that is not even a Top 5 LHW. I am sure if he wins a fight against Jardine Dana will put him in a title fight, because we all know Dana can give a 3 or 4 ranked fighter a shot anytime he wants, ala Shoguns next match! Do I think that Rich can beat some guys in 205 yeah why couldnt he. guys like Alexander will get beat by Richs ability to keep the distance and Rich has great feet, but I just don't see how you put Rich vs. Rashad, Rampage, Forrest, these guys are much larger then Rich and I believe much stronger and taylor made to destroy Rich... Just my 3 cents.
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Yeah, i don't see rich too much of a threat to this division.
What about a DROP to 170? Could Rich get down that far?
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Yeah, i don't see rich too much of a threat to this division.
What about a DROP to 170? Could Rich get down that far?
i agree, rich is to light in the ass for that class
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What about a drop to 170? I think he could be a force down there. Rich v GSP? NICE!
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170 won't happen fellas.
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170 won't happen fellas.
why not? (not being sarcastic)
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why not? (not being sarcastic)
Rich doesn't like cutting weight period. Not his thing.
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Rich doesn't like cutting weight period. Not his thing.
Struggles to make 185, no way he gets to 170. Don't think he will make noise in the 205, Rampage, Rashad, Forrest, Shogun are all better, and that guy who beat him down, what's his name, "pee drinker."