Rich Franklin Has Been the UFC's Unsung Work Horse in 2009

by Kid Nate on Sep 14, 2009 4:48 PM EDT in News Comment 49 comments

Franklin_medium Sergio Non points it out:

Ex-titleholder Rich Franklin has shouldered as much of UFC's load as anyone this year. Barring a last-minute change of plans, Franklin on Saturday will appear in his third UFC pay-per-view main event in the last eight months, more than any champion or No. 1 contender on the promotion's roster.

That's something I hadn't really given a lot of thought over the course of what's been a triumphant year for the UFC. When I mentally review 2009, I find myself focusing on the big cards -- UFC 94: St. Pierre vs Penn, UFC 98: Evans vs Machida, UFC 100: Lesnar vs Mir 2, UFC 101: Penn vs Florian, UFC 102: Couture vs Nogueira.

But now that Sergio's put me on the scent I'm looking back and seeing some events whose headliners I've pretty much blocked from memory: UFC 93: Franklin vs Henderson; UFC 95: Sanchez vs Stevenson; UFC 96: Jackson vs Jardine; and UFC 99: Franklin vs Silva.

And now UFC 103: Franklin vs Belfort. Clearly whenever Dana White and Joe Silva find themselves needing a headliner for a filler card, Rich Franklin is their go-to guy.

As much as Franklin has been a work horse for the UFC he's also been in a career limbo. UFC brass moved him up to Light Heavyweight after his second loss to Anderson Silva effectively eliminated him from title contention in the middleweight division. But ever since his fights at 205lbs have had a much greater impact on the middleweight division than on the light heavyweight class. At UFC 99, Rich served as a gatekeeper to prevent Wanderlei Silva from dropping down to an immediate title shot. At UFC 93, he was a test for Dan Henderson on his way back into contention at middleweight. Now he's serving the same role for Vitor Belfort.

If Vitor can KTFO Franklin like "Old Vitor" used to, then I expect we'll be seeing a Vitor Belfort vs Anderson Silva title fight in the first quarter of 2010.

But if Rich Franklin wins, it'll be back on the treadmill for "Ace". And with light heavyweight champ Lyoto Machida already owning a victory over Franklin, it will likely take quite a bit for him to get a title shot in his new division. But there are worse fates and he knows it. Here's his answer when asked if he minds his current career path:

I think at this point in time, it's about fighting people that are great athletes and recognizable names.

Fights like Wanderlei Silva. The kind of fights that fans have said, "You know who I'd like to see Rich fight, is so-and-so. I've always wanted to see Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson. I've always wanted to see Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva." And those are the kinds of fights that I'm interested in putting on.

Graphic by Eugene Schelfaut.

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This is somewhat off-course, but Franklin reminds me of Japan. Seems like in Asia there is more of an emphasis on personality and putting on a good fight than necessarily being the best. Whereas in America things can be a overly competitive; as soon as you are permanently out of title contention, people want you to retire.

Franklin is carving a little bit Asia out for himself, and that can’t help but keep his career going a lot longer than it would if he were some colorless but better fighter. As Chuck proved, it’s more lucrative to have a fan base than a belt.

by toxic on Sep 14, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just look at the names of the orgs:

Pride Fighting Championship vs. Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Sep 14, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it really so bad being in Franklin's shoes?

All good points about the role that Franklin has been in this year and how many cards he has headlined.

But I wonder what really goes through the head of someone like Franklin. Is he staying up at night saying “I have to get a title shot, I can’t take this anymore!”

Or is he simply saying “hey, I might not got any title shots for a while, but life is pretty good. I get to headline cards against great fighters, I make great money, and I’m happy.” Maybe it’s as simple as that, and us fans spend a lot more time worrying about it that Rich does.

by GregS123 on Sep 14, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to fight Anderson again, but I’m not sure about wanting to get a shot at Machida.

Either way, I’m sure he’s happier doing what he’s doing than he would be fighting for the SF belt or in Japan.

by Phildo on Sep 14, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I get to headline cards against great fighters, I make great money, and I’m happy"

I think this is correct. Rich for sure wants nothing else to do with Silva & rightfully so. Machida-who knows, but I doubt it. Who wouldn’t be happy making millions, headlining cards & putting on great fights? He had the title & I am sure that deep down he would like to have one again, but I don’t think that is all it is about for Franklin. For me, this is great & is why Rich will always be one of my favorite fighters all time.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Sep 14, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that Franklin just wants good fights then a Title shot

And look where that has gotten him-he has headlined every fight that he was in on 2009. I honestly feel that some fighters like Franklin have been there and done that, and just want big fights. I would guess that if a Title shot comes, then Franklin would definitely take it, but I don’t get the impression from him that he is demanding a Title shot.

by chrisbboy82 on Sep 14, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess maybe,

but he really seems content to just have a bunch of good fights & then if a title shot presents itself I am sure he would not turn it down but if it doesnt I dont think Ace minds.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Sep 15, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

His loss to Machida was almost 6 years ago. Granted, Machida’s grown leaps and bounds since then, but a part of me would like to see him get a shot.

Then again, it doesn’t seem to be bothering him much, what he’s doing now.

"That feeling after you win and they raise your hand... it's like you have this energy that releases from your body, and it's like you mingle with the cosmos, and you feel omnipotent"

by woomikee on Sep 14, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Rich and Tito win

Ortiz vs. Franklin

The thing is Rich still doesnt beat major names. He beat Hammill but then lost to Hendo and beat Wand which doesnt stand as much as it used to.

Other fights that maybe interestting:
Vera vs. Franklin
Couture vs. Franklin
Griffin vs. Franklin
Jardine vs. Franklin
Bader vs. Franklin

by bigdmmafan on Sep 14, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The thing is Rich still doesnt beat major names.

i think wandy is a pretty major name. and i think his fight against henderson was basically a draw.

by GregS123 on Sep 14, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Jardine would be a neat fight for Rich. Two unique strikers going at it.

by asa on Sep 14, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it would be over as quickly as Jardine vs Wandy or Jardine vs T Silva, either.

by brad23 on Sep 14, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

honestly, how can you not like Ace? he’s always game, faces whoever the UFC throws at him, and seems like the nicest dude ever.

assuming he gets past Vitor, I would love to see Franklin vs. Rogerio Nogueira, after Rogerio’s first fight, with that bout serving as a #1 contender match.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

problem there

Little Nog won’t fight Machida or Anderson.

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Kid Nate on Sep 14, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

still would love to see it.

that’s another reason i’m pulling for Shogun.

We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.

by Robert Downey Sr. on Sep 14, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

^toxic, agreed. I personally prefer that viewpoint – putting on the best fights – because it sheds the bullsh*t.

“and us fans spend a lot more time worrying about it that Rich does.” – GregS123

Please, Dan Henderson defeated Rich Franklin by points. He did not “beat” Franklin. Well he did beat him with an accidental eye poke. NOTHING SPECIAL.

Rich Franklin is good. He has no intention of competing for the MW title if Anderson Silva loses it. If he gets the opportunity to compete for the LHW title, I’m sure he’ll take it but his style does not match-up against this agressive brand of Machida.

What else can a fighter ask for, 3 cards featuring him in 1 year. He was already on top of the food chain, been there, done that. This is possibly his last contract . . . he’s good and a fan favorite.

Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma

by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you are quoting me but i don’t know what you are saying that’s related to the quote you printed

by GregS123 on Sep 14, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just agree with that statement. Rich doesn’t lose sleep over all that extra stuff that the fans worry about.

Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma

by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh ok… right after it said “please…”

i thought that meant you had some beef

by GregS123 on Sep 14, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally I think the Machida loss is something to run towards as opposed to running away from it. Woomikee pointed out that it was 6 years ago and with so many top 205 fighters tied up and if Machida gets past Rua and Franklin past Belfort, I think that fight makes sense as well as somewhat of a reward to Franklin for being the Company Man. Two fighters at the top of their game, Franklin trying to avenge the loss and show he is one of the best, Franklin possibly being the 3rd man in UFC history to win the belt in 2 different weight classes, Machida competing against one of the greatest UFC fighters in the organization’s history, Machida trying to stamp himself as a great champion in his own right, Machida showing that their first fight wasn’t a fluke.. I think the storylines are great and can absolutely sell the fight.

by Chadsac on Sep 14, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you there about the great storyline . . . but keep in mind Machida stopped Franklin. Henderson did not, Wanderlei Silva could not. The fight will not be entertaining, Joe Silva knows that. . . . in my humble opinion.

BTW, reportedly if Couture defeats Brandon Vera he may or will be offered a title shot against the LHW champion.

Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma

by VeeisAnimated on Sep 14, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I read that and that’s a great option as well. Personally, I’d like to see what Rich could do against Machida’s style. I think Rich has a technical and diverse striking game as well as being a well-rounded fighter. I also think Rich, as well as Couture, are both patient enough to wait for their opportunities and not rush in against Machida’s countering. Haha, I’d also like to see BJ v Machida again too but just for the hell of it.

by Chadsac on Sep 14, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think of Rich

in much the same way as I did Evan Tanner. He never quits and always gives everything he’s got against whatever opponent steps into the octogan with him. Fans appreciate that. He may struggle through some losses, but his earlier success should earn him whatever leeway he needs.

by rzor on Sep 14, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

rich franklin is boring

the fights that he wins are all boring. i only watch him fight to see him get KTFO

by TyTy on Sep 14, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

by GregS123 on Sep 14, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

by Scott Haber on Sep 14, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Franklin's had some less entertaining fights lately

but in his heydey he was just brutal, as you can see in the Quarry gif. He also put vicious beatdowns on Evan Tanner x2, David Loiseau, Jason MacDonald, Ken Shamrock…just really brutal beatings.
Ever since the Silva loss he’s been more cautious against elite fighters IMO.

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Kid Nate on Sep 14, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll never forget that Loiseau fight which you could argue ended Loiseau’s up and coming career, he’s never been the same since.

by Chadsac on Sep 14, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t he suplex the crow twice? I remember it was a vicious beating. It’s crazy how fast things changed for Ace. I still would say he’s one of my favorite fighters, more based off of his personality though.

by CliChe Guevara on Sep 14, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is crazy,

but it really did not matter who was champ. Once A Silva came into the division it was all over.

Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.

by dnevil001 on Sep 14, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://i39.tinypic.com/2cfvuu.gif

by Scott Haber on Sep 14, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

tyty- that statement is ridiculous…no maybe even ricockulous

Even a broken clock is right two times a day.

by DrunkinMidget187 on Sep 14, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll try to find the quote… but I remember Rich talking about his three losses…

On silva- He felt the first fight he came unprepared, and he REALLY wanted the rematch. However, the second fight he lost when he was at his best- fair and square.

On Henderson- He thought he was robbed. When he heard the decision, he felt liek he needed to run to the locker room before the judges stole his wallet too

On Machida- He said he came 100% prepared and lsot fair and square

This was an interview about teh Hendo rematch (when it was going to happen). rich said he wouldn’t lose and sleep if he never got a rematch with soemone who beat him fair and square while he was at his best (Silva and Machida)

but at the same time… I’m sure Rich thinks he’s a much different fighter than 6 years ago and would probably take the Lyoto fight

Even a broken clock is right two times a day.

by DrunkinMidget187 on Sep 14, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What does Rich have that threatens Lyoto? Machida is just getting better and better, and Franklin has probably peaked.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Sep 14, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely nothing

Even a broken clock is right two times a day.

by DrunkinMidget187 on Sep 14, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait, when you said Franklin “would probably take the Lyoto fight”, did you mean he would agree to it or win it?

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Sep 14, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha AGREE. not win… honestly, I don’t think anyone’s going to win the lyoto fight nonono

Even a broken clock is right two times a day.

by DrunkinMidget187 on Sep 14, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could

1) Bell rings.
2) I pull shiv from you-know-where.
3) Chase Machida down.
4) Profit.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Sep 14, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Machida’s unique style is based on the hybrid karate style created by his father Yoshizo, who came to Brazil from Japan when he was 22 to test his karate skills.

Just five foot six, Machida Sr. adapted his own form of karate to combat bigger men. Plus it was based on times gone by, when opponents wielded a sword. One touch could be fatal. Lyoto Machida uses foot movement to avoid contact, ghosting in and out while looking for openings for his precise striking.

Machida website

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Sep 15, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well damn. It’s like he’s perfect or something…

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Sep 15, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if rich is happy fighting big fights and not worried about the belt right now, maybe they can still call him to replace rampage and take on rashad for the 107 card, they can hype it as TUF 2 winner Vs Coach.

by DeMo Spinning back fist on Sep 14, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs