The camp for Rich Franklin did not turn down a fight with PRIDE FC 185-pound standout Paul Filho in favor of Yushin Okami at UFC 72, according to a recent interview with MMAFighting.com.
Rumors swirled the last month or so that “Ace” preferred to fight Okami instead of Filho when the UFC was searching for a fighter to replace the injured Martin Kampmann.
That’s not how it went down, says the former UFC middleweight champion.
Here’s a snip:
“It took a couple of days before [the UFC] came back with a name for me [to replace Kampmann]. Actually, they had thrown Paulo Filho and Yushin Okami. And so Monte and I were discussing the whole scenario, and I told Monte [Cox] to just let me know who the UFC decides to come back with…. Several days later they came back with Yushin Okami as the replacement. I said that’s fine. Either way, I was fine. I essentially said, ‘Cool, let me know what they decide.’”
The decision makes sense from a few perspectives.
First, Okami has beat some stiff competition since his Octagon debut in 2006, running his record inside the Octagon to a perfect 4-0. During that span he has built some name recognition among fans and critics that he is a top contender in the middleweight class.
Second, even though Filho is one of the best fighters at his weight in mixed martial arts, he isn’t well-known among casual fans. And to risk having him beat a draw like Franklin in his first fight could have been catastrophic for the Cincinnati native.
Finally, what kind of message does it send to all the other fighters grinding it out the past year or so that a guy comes in and gets an instant shot to knock off the ex-champ in a main event?
Put simply, the UFC made the right decision on this one — Okami is solid.
However, I’m not so sure about signing Filho to a WEC contract … he seems like a much better fit for the UFC.
UFC 72: “Victory” is set for June 16 in Belfast, Ireland. For the complete UFC 72 fight card click here.
60 Comments »
I’m guessing this will be a great fight. Okami looked like he could have been rocked in the 2nd against swick, so Franklin could KO him. But Okami on the other hand could take Rich down and GnP. If I was fight ing rich I would aim for his ever present black eye.
Rich is a class act, and I can’t see him turning someone down b/c his thinks he could lose. Rich is one his way back! He will walk through Okami, and he is gonna walk through Silva later this year.
I agree..that makes sense. Paulo Filho is an excellent fighter..but has not fought 1 fight in the UFC..Okami has been paying his dues..if Okami beats Rich he should get a shot at Anderson vice versa..
I bet on Yushin Okami will beat Rich Frankin at UFC 72
I think we’re going to see a lot of guys who have never fought in a cage before heading to the WEC for some tune up matches. Only makes sense.
i agree mtu…and i agree that Rich wouldnt have turned him down..i think Filho is a fighter you should know youre fighting from the begining, not a replacement..also Okami has payed his dues and the ufc, and is not a walk throuhg for anyone…it will be a good fight
Yep, definitely gonna see a few tune up matches for fighters going from rings to cages. American-style ground and pound is showing its superiority over ringed fighters (thus no relocation) of late… I dont think Dana wants another O’Brien – HH, or Gonzanga Mirko fight on his hands.
[quote comment="72383"]Yep, definitely gonna see a few tune up matches for fighters going from rings to cages. American-style ground and pound is showing its superiority over ringed fighters (thus no relocation) of late… I dont think Dana wants another O’Brien – HH, or Gonzanga Mirko fight on his hands.[/quote]
What was wrong with the Gonzaga/Cro Cop fight? It is still talked about today.
The Heath/O’Brian fight should have been standed up a lot more thant it was.
Franklin takes on all comers, he really is not afraid to fight anyone, Franklin probably perferred Okami, because Okami has went through some talent to get to where he is right now. When I see Okami I see a lesser version of Lyoto Machida, and Machida knocked out Franklin. Its going to be a great fight, I see this going to a decision with Franklin winning a split.
[quote post="2318"]What was wrong with the Gonzaga/Cro Cop fight? It is still talked about today.[/quote]
I think he was referring to the fact that Mirko hadn’t had much experience in a cage; there was nothing wrong with the fight itself.
i like okami fighting.. they cant be giving these pride guys good matches to start off with.. they should have to go threw the competition from the bottom up just like everyone else in the ufc. it would give a chance to general fans to see the new pride guys fight and see who they like and dislike. Putting pride guys right in the mix of high competition isnt fair to the other ufc guys trying to climb the ladder.
Do not underestimate the Asian ‘Pursuasion Okami. HE is very powerful and good takedown. >HE also have a good ground and pound game. I think Okami wins it by decision.
[quote comment="72428"]Do not underestimate the Asian ‘Pursuasion Okami. HE is very powerful and good takedown. >HE also have a good ground and pound game. I think Okami wins it by decision.[/quote]
I don’t think anyone is underestimating Okami, most of us just think Rich is a better fighter.
[quote comment="72402"][quote post="2318"]What was wrong with the Gonzaga/Cro Cop fight? It is still talked about today.[/quote]
I think he was referring to the fact that Mirko hadn’t had much experience in a cage; there was nothing wrong with the fight itself.[/quote]
Bingo.
Its a whole new realm, the cage is larger… and is firm. Fighters can attack with much more aggression, because opponents arent falling out as they would in a ring. The cage is a benefit to offense, where as the ring is a benefit to defense (restructuring, etc..)
..If this fight goes to a decision..unless it’s lobsited..Rich would get the W.the fight is in his hometown.
[quote comment="72418"]i like okami fighting.. they cant be giving these pride guys good matches to start off with.. they should have to go threw the competition from the bottom up just like everyone else in the ufc. it would give a chance to general fans to see the new pride guys fight and see who they like and dislike. Putting pride guys right in the mix of high competition isnt fair to the other ufc guys trying to climb the ladder.[/quote]
…Agree, Just a Fedor or Shogun should get 1 or 2 warm up matches than a top contender or title match.
it looks to be a good fight but not main event material.IMO. if okami uses the same stand up he did against swick( standing southpaw but not strikin with his left hand) I think franklin will win bt (T)ko.I thought swick could of used that to his advantage a little more
[quote comment="72383"]Yep, definitely gonna see a few tune up matches for fighters going from rings to cages. American-style ground and pound is showing its superiority over ringed fighters (thus no relocation) of late… I dont think Dana wants another O’Brien – HH, or Gonzanga Mirko
Mania, can you find the rest of my previous post. WThell is happening with these vanishing posts?
I think this will be a pretty good fight. I am pretty sure that Frank will put up a better fight then Swick, and in the end should be ably to TKO Okami.
Later
Chris Valentine
okami has beaten a lot of young fighters simply because he is stronger. aint gonna happen here
still have high hopes about them finding one more fight for this card
[quote comment="72617"]still have high hopes about them finding one more fight for this card[/quote]
agree completely.i like franklin but non title fight isnt main event. i hope the ufc has someone kind of surprise
I think Rich maybe fell into the Don Fry thing, hooked on pain killers. Hopefully he has that kicked and comes back with fire in him. If so Swick had Okamis eyes rolling I believe Rich will shut them. My only problem with asains is thier inability (generally speaking) to take solid punches.
I will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight.
[quote post="2318"]My only problem with asains is thier inability (generally speaking) to take solid punches. [/quote]
Tommy, are you a geneologist? If not then what concrete fact is that statement based on?
[quote post="2318"]I will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight[/quote]
Anomaly, why do you say “VERY surprised”? You dont feel that Okami stands a legitimate chance?
[quote post="2318"]I will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight[/quote]
Anomaly, why do you say “VERY surprised”? You dont feel that Okami stands a legitimate chance?[/quote]
Nah man im sorry, I think, given that he is near or at 100% Rich will beat him and it wont be a whole lot more difficult than was Jason M.
I like Okami’s skills and him as a fighter, but I just dont see him being able to take on Franklin and winning. If you put Franklin in the ring with Swick the night that Okami fought him, Franklin would have ended that fight very quick. Franklin by (T)KO.
Warning: I am a Franklin nuthugger though.
Huh u guys dont underestimate The Asian one. People talk about he is not good standing up and he cant take a hit. U got to be kidding me, didnt u guys know that Okami beat The Champ Anderson Silvia. n i watch mostly all his fights and he can definitely overwelm opponents, with his streght. Your eyes decieve u people, lets just watch the fight and when we all come back. Ill be the one that says i told u so no excuses. THE ASIAN ONE!!!!1
[quote post="2318"] will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight[/quote]
[quote post="2318"]Anomaly, why do you say “VERY surprised”? You dont feel that Okami stands a legitimate chance?[/quote]
[quote post="2318"]Nah man im sorry, I think, given that he is near or at 100% Rich will beat him and it wont be a whole lot more difficult than was Jason M.[/quote]
Really? I think Okami is a much different fighter than J-Mac. I could be wrong but nothing that Okami brings to the table will be easy for Rich to overcome. Rich SHOULD win this fight but he needs to be “on his toes” in order to do so.
[quote comment="72742"]Huh u guys dont underestimate The Asian one. People talk about he is not good standing up and he cant take a hit. U got to be kidding me, didnt u guys know that Okami beat The Champ Anderson Silvia. n i watch mostly all his fights and he can definitely overwelm opponents, with his streght. Your eyes decieve u people, lets just watch the fight and when we all come back. Ill be the one that says i told u so no excuses. THE ASIAN ONE!!!!1[/quote]
look T.T. haha jk for real Rich wins by KO late in Round 2 Okami is a worthy opponent i just see Rich being the Champ in two more fights starting with this one
[quote comment="72330"]Rich is a class act, and I can’t see him turning someone down b/c his thinks he could lose. Rich is one his way back! He will walk through Okami, and he is gonna walk through Silva later this year.[/quote]
i couldnt say it any better.
[quote comment="72755"][quote post="2318"] will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight[/quote]
[quote post="2318"]Anomaly, why do you say “VERY surprised”? You dont feel that Okami stands a legitimate chance?[/quote]
[quote post="2318"]Nah man im sorry, I think, given that he is near or at 100% Rich will beat him and it wont be a whole lot more difficult than was Jason M.[/quote]
Really? I think Okami is a much different fighter than J-Mac. I could be wrong but nothing that Okami brings to the table will be easy for Rich to overcome. Rich SHOULD win this fight but he needs to be “on his toes” in order to do so.[/quote]
Yeah I agree like I was saying he is gonna need to be in goos shape. My arguement is that I think Okami and Jason are not very much different. The difference I see is Jason is a bit more techniqued and sub. skills, while Okami trades some of that for some superior strenght.
And not only that, Rich kinda ran through Jason if you ask me, just shook off everything Jason threw at him. I concede Okami is better and stronger, but I dont think he is that much to where he can mathc up with Rich.
I think he will def make Rich try, but wont ever really be able to mount any real offense.
Oh and having said that, when Rich was fighting Jason he was a little timid and feeling things out agian after his devastating loss. Took him a few minutes to be himself. I think if all goes well he will be in even better shape against Okami.
[quote comment="72742"]Huh u guys dont underestimate The Asian one. People talk about he is not good standing up and he cant take a hit. U got to be kidding me, didnt u guys know that Okami beat The Champ Anderson Silvia. n i watch mostly all his fights and he can definitely overwelm opponents, with his streght. Your eyes decieve u people, lets just watch the fight and when we all come back. Ill be the one that says i told u so no excuses. THE ASIAN ONE!!!!1[/quote]
You mean when Siva DQ’ed himself by KOing Okami with an illegal upkick? Yeah real good victory to point out his toughness. And all he did was shoot he knew he wanted none of Anderson’s hands or feet…or knees.
Thi fight will be good. I was excited to here Okami was the replacement. Filho would of been awesome too. I had nio idead that was thrown out there. Why is Filho going to WEC?
[quote comment="72723"][quote post="2318"]My only problem with asains is thier inability (generally speaking) to take solid punches. [/quote]
Tommy, are you a geneologist? If not then what concrete fact is that statement based on?
[quote post="2318"]I will be VERY suprised if Rich does not finish this fight[/quote]
Anomaly, why do you say “VERY surprised”? You dont feel that Okami stands a legitimate chance?[/quote]
I don’t mean any offense Machine, I’m not a racist of any kind. My opinion about that is just watching fighting for years historically speaking they don’t fair well being punched or kicked in the face. I’ve never even fought an asain so I really don’t know I guess. But if you can name one that can take a punch well I can point out ten who can’t. Maybe it is their small chin. He still has a chance though, this sport is way beyond just striking. Look at the recent Manhoef vs Yoon fight and I was pulling for Yoon though I’m half dutch.
is anyone buying this ppv?and if so why?
The saddest part of all of this is that the UFC felt that Kampmann deserved the fight over Okami AND Filho..
I’d rather see Filho fight Rich just to expose him even more. But I have a feeling Okami will win.
[quote comment="72962"]The saddest part of all of this is that the UFC felt that Kampmann deserved the fight over Okami AND Filho..
I’d rather see Filho fight Rich just to expose him even more. But I have a feeling Okami will win.[/quote]
And Franklin got exposed how and to what?
Maybe his gameplan for Silva. When they got in the clinch, that is where Franklin wanted, so why try to get out? Then when he realized, “Oh, shit!”, it was too late. His ribs were shredded and his face later became beaten. Now if Okami comes in and clinches Franklin and Rich struggles mightly to get out or doesnt get out, then we can say that Franklin is exposed. Cant defend the clinch. But until then, he has been exposed?
Something that I learned about Franklin I always wondered was he can and will take big blows without going down easily.
[quote comment="73114"][quote comment="72962"]The saddest part of all of this is that the UFC felt that Kampmann deserved the fight over Okami AND Filho..
I’d rather see Filho fight Rich just to expose him even more. But I have a feeling Okami will win.[/quote]
And Franklin got exposed how and to what?
Maybe his gameplan for Silva. When they got in the clinch, that is where Franklin wanted, so why try to get out? Then when he realized, “Oh, shit!”, it was too late. His ribs were shredded and his face later became beaten. Now if Okami comes in and clinches Franklin and Rich struggles mightly to get out or doesnt get out, then we can say that Franklin is exposed. Cant defend the clinch. But until then, he has been exposed?
Something that I learned about Franklin I always wondered was he can and will take big blows without going down easily.[/quote]
Couldn’t have sait it better.
Right i dont get this, Rich turned down Filho and then Fihlo get demoteted to WEC. Strange.
The Ace is going down….maybee down to the WEC, I see Okami getting a tittle shot nexxt year. All of Okami’s fights where exiting to watch but of course the ufc tends not to promote their International fighters as much cause language barriers are generaly too mentaly challenging for the american audience to deal with.
i dont understand how anyone that claims that they have any mma knowledge can even say that rich franklin is going to beat anderson silva. he got completely destroyed and rogan said that he still hadnt even rewatched the tape yet after they had fought a long time ago. so hes obviously has some fear of him also. as long as silva is champ franklin will never be champ. its just common sense. if it was a war then i could people saying that but it wasnt. yushin okami will beat franklin. franklin is a decent fighter however hes over rated and never really beat any top notch or super good fighter ever. so stop the hype. please
[quote comment="72961"]is anyone buying this ppv?and if so why?[/quote]
I was about to tell you all the reasons this is still worth buying but… I mean I’m curious to see what Forrest does after being ko’ed. I would like to see Rich in a battle and I find Tyson to be fun to watch fight but other then that…You either gotta be a die hard, not care about the 40 or have a man crush on one of the fighters.
kenpostarfighter ..what are you talking about?? …franklin faught Evan Taner 2 times and worked him…then ken shamrock…then l’oiseau …dud thes fighter were good when franklin faught them…who else was good bck then in middle weight…the dud is used to fighting in light heavy…okami is toast
kenpostarfigher….how is he overrated? his record is amzing and no one is ranking him #1 in any rankings..are you saying he’s not top 10 or top 5, if so who should be ranked higher?? He finished most of all his fights, hes exciting to watch..and he’s only lost 2 times, to good competition…i do believe that he has a chance to beat Silva with the right gameplan..it wont be a cake walk and hes got a long ways to go, but its possible
[quote comment="73249"]i dont understand how anyone that claims that they have any mma knowledge can even say that rich franklin is going to beat anderson silva. he got completely destroyed and rogan said that he still hadnt even rewatched the tape yet after they had fought a long time ago. so hes obviously has some fear of him also. as long as silva is champ franklin will never be champ. its just common sense. if it was a war then i could people saying that but it wasnt. yushin okami will beat franklin. franklin is a decent fighter however hes over rated and never really beat any top notch or super good fighter ever. so stop the hype. please[/quote]
He did get completely destroyed. No question about that. One of the worst beatings that I have seen. I found myself yelling at the T.V. like Appollo Creads black trainer and Rocky were yelling at him, “Get out of there!” when Appollo was fighting the Russian.
BUT!!! Was that domination because of skills or domination because of execution of a misjudgement of a gameplan?
Look I dont like rich franklin but hes got a a good chance of beating Silva. Silva is not industructible, he’s been nocked out and submited, rich was just mentaly broken from the beating he saw leaben take. he wasnt abole to effectively strike and more inportantly defend from the clinch. In the L’oiseau fight(the one that killed rich and david, I feel both fighters where not the same after that fight)Rich did great in the clinch against Loiseau, but Rich didnt see loiseau work somone like Silva did leben did.
oh, I am french-canadien so sory about the spelling.
you did fine RO-J…although..Silva has never been KOed in a fight…im sure he has been in practice though at Chute Box…but i know what youre saying, and i agree
[quote comment="73477"]you did fine RO-J…although..Silva has never been KOed in a fight…im sure he has been in practice though at Chute Box…but i know what youre saying, and i agree[/quote]
Speaking of Silva at Chute Boxe, I read recent interview with AS, and they asked him what he thought about all kinds of stuff, and when they asked about Wanderlei, he said very sternly, “NO COMMENT”. He then called Matt Hughes a midget or dwarf.
I didnt know the blood ran that bad between the to.
silva and hughes or silva and silva…or both..i didnt know there was bad blood at all..
Wandy and Anderson. I tossed in the Matt Hughes for a little comic relief. I thought that was funny as hell.
[quote comment="73134"]Right i dont get this, Rich turned down Filho and then Fihlo get demoteted to WEC. Strange.[/quote]
Didnt he say he did not turn down Filho?
[quote comment="73514"]Wandy and Anderson. I tossed in the Matt Hughes for a little comic relief. I thought that was funny as hell.[/quote]
if he had a beard and a battle ax i could see the dwarf reference.lol
[quote comment="73570"][quote comment="73134"]Right i dont get this, Rich turned down Filho and then Fihlo get demoteted to WEC. Strange.[/quote]
Didnt he say he did not turn down Filho?[/quote]
Correct. And as we have speculated, a lot of fighters whose only experience is in a ring, are gonna start in the WEC for a few fights so that if they make any “cage mistakes” the casual to moderately serious fans dont jump all over they guy and call him washed up and crap. A lot of signing are gonna happen over the next month. Get ready….
[quote post="2318"]A lot of signing are gonna happen over the next month. Get ready…. [/quote]
WEC signings? UFC signings? both? names?
Or are you just speculating on the Pride finalization and continued hemmorage?
[quote post="2318"]Or are you just speculating on the Pride finalization and continued hemmorage?[/quote]
I’m pretty sure this is why
This card is one big gimmick designed to appeal to Irish people (Franklin, Mcdonald, 2 Griffin’s,Obrien, Murphy etc..). The card is the lamest UFC to date and should have been free. I think Franklin will redeem himself and will win with the same devastating kicks that he used to throw.
[quote comment="73514"]Wandy and Anderson. I tossed in the Matt Hughes for a little comic relief. I thought that was funny as hell.[/quote]
It was Funny. I think it is hilarouse how many fighters dislike Hughes.
Later
Chris Valentine
[quote comment="73616"]This card is one big gimmick designed to appeal to Irish people (Franklin, Mcdonald, 2 Griffin’s,Obrien, Murphy etc..). The card is the lamest UFC to date and should have been free. I think Franklin will redeem himself and will win with the same devastating kicks that he used to throw.[/quote]
I never thought about that but I believe you could have something there.