rich ace franklin

“… I’m leaving town. It’s [training for Anderson Silva in Cincinnati] not going to be tough at all, because I won’t be here…. I’ve obviously never had this kind of exposure locally. This is insane. As for the sport, I don’t know. I think this is one of those fights that could possibly make me a hall of famer or not within the UFC.”

– Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin talks to the press one last time before he rematches Anderson Silva at UFC 77: “Hostile Territory” on October 20 at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Ace” will soon enter a self-imposed exile until the showdown in his hometown next month to focus and be prepared 100 percent to reclaim his 185-pound title. It seems, according to him, to be the biggest fight of his career.

September 21st, 2007    

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79 Comments »

Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 14:41:11

Rch is a great gamer, but I really dont’ see how he will be able to defeat Silva. Stylistically, none of his skills are up to par with the Spider. Rich is a great representative of the sport, but after this fight, he may be a representative of a patient suffering multiple concussions. LOL

 
Comment by TABASCOsauce
2007-09-21 14:43:14

Anderson Silva…flawless victory.

Rich Franklin…you can spend years in a cave studying technique, film..yu can practice bjj, grappling, kickboxing til the cows come home.

You will not beat Anderson Silva. You know it. Anderson Silva knows it. And a packed house in your hometown isn’t gonna help you when he rearranges your nose again.

He’s in your head buddy.

 
Comment by Luppers
2007-09-21 14:48:14

I dont know… If Rich got some solid Mui Tai skills… he would be a more complete fighter, and have an answer for the absolute PWNAGE of the previous fight.

 
Comment by PW
2007-09-21 14:49:28

Avoid the clinch and strike from outside.

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 14:49:46

I have a feeling Rich will come out for this fight like we’ve never seen him! he knows first hand how tough Silva is, and i guarentee he is ready for the thai clinch! I really hope Rich whoops that ass! Rich is my boy and he’s a true gamer, don’t believe me ~ watch his fights with Tanner and Louasieau(sp.~ i’m not canadian)

Come on Franklin!!! you got the whole mid-west behind you!!!

Not only do I hope he wins, but i hope he comes out and suprises everyone with a dominating performance! that would be the greatest shit ever to see! this website would blow up.

I wanna see the headline “Franklin mauls Silva to reclaim his 185 title!”

 
Comment by EdenMachine
2007-09-21 14:50:25

This is such a terrible fight to watch for most MMA fans. I mean if you’re not rooting for Rich something wrong with you and if you don’t think Silva is going to turn his face into pulp again something’s wrong with you. I get nervous for Rich just thinking about it right now.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-21 14:51:12

Rich Franklin will lose again to Anderson Silva..I see it already..the beating he took, shit not even Apollo Creed can’t strap him a jockstrap with a pair a balls..even if he trains in Iraq..Siberia..wherever..he will never beat Silva..If this fight was in his front yard..give him a pair of brass knuckles..I think his best chance of beating Silva..Shoot him with a desert eagle 50cal. Some Haitian Vudoo..not even. I just hope the pastic surgeon got front row seats..to get to him quick.

 
Comment by Kevin
2007-09-21 14:51:12

Rich needs to broaden his horizons, maybe start training with Couture’s camp. As game as Gurgel’s gym is, it’s not comparable to Silva’s.
As far as this fight goes, TABASCO is right on; Rich will lose.

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 14:51:50

also, i’m impressed that he’s staying away from all the distractions in his home town ~ I assume he’ll be training in Iowa with the Miletich boys.

just shows how dedicated he to get his belt back!

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 14:54:03

[quote comment=”154695″]Avoid the clinch and strike from outside.[/quote]

EXACTLY! plus you know he’s been working out of the clinch 24 hrs a day, in case it does end up there (it probably will at some point)

 
Comment by Chadx23
2007-09-21 14:54:49

Good luck Rich, its do or die for you buddy! I back you my American friend!

 
Comment by Luppers
2007-09-21 14:55:28

[quote comment=”154698″]This is such a terrible fight to watch for most MMA fans. I mean if you’re not rooting for Rich something wrong with you and if you don’t think Silva is going to turn his face into pulp again something’s wrong with you. I get nervous for Rich just thinking about it right now.[/quote]
Rofl, great way to put it.

 
Comment by Red
2007-09-21 14:57:04

Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. Everyone will see the best Rich Franklin to date and we will see him reclaim what is his and that is his Middleweight title. He knows what he did wrong. Franklin will make the necessary adjustments. He is stronger than Silva, so I expect him to use his strength in this fight. Franklin will impose his will and we will see him be champion again.

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 14:57:14

What the hell does ROFL stand for? it’s been driving me nuts since i found this site.

 
Comment by kickinthehead
2007-09-21 14:58:20

FRANKLIN IS MY BOY!!! HE IS READY !!!!!HES GONNA BEAT SILVA>> THIS IS GONNA BE ANOTHER FRANKILIN FIGHT THAT WILL BE GOING THE DISTANCE…..

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 14:58:39

[quote comment=”154712″]Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. Everyone will see the best Rich Franklin to date and we will see him reclaim what is his and that is his Middleweight title. He knows what he did wrong. Franklin will make the necessary adjustments. He is stronger than Silva, so I expect him to use his strength in this fight. Franklin will impose his will and we will see him be champion again.[/quote]

thank you! someone else that know Silva IS human and can be beat, especially by a bigger guy like rich!

 
Comment by RobH86
2007-09-21 14:59:14

[quote comment=”154713″]What the hell does ROFL stand for? it’s been driving me nuts since i found this site.[/quote]

rolling on the floor laughing.

 
Comment by oracle
2007-09-21 14:59:37

Rich got his ass kicked last time - I mean he was pathetic. He will get his ass handed to him again faster than a plate of 6-way chilli will have you scratching for the toilet

 
Comment by RobH86
2007-09-21 15:00:08

[quote comment=”154701″]Rich needs to broaden his horizons, maybe start training with Couture’s camp. As game as Gurgel’s gym is, it’s not comparable to Silva’s.
As far as this fight goes, TABASCO is right on; Rich will lose.[/quote]

Yeah Randy would sort him out.

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 15:00:19

WOW!

 
Comment by Greco888
2007-09-21 15:00:40

Rolling On Floor Laughing

 
Comment by TRIangleCHOKE
2007-09-21 15:00:51

[quote comment=”154717″][quote comment=”154713″]What the hell does ROFL stand for? it’s been driving me nuts since i found this site.[/quote]

rolling on the floor laughing.[/quote]

WOW! OK………

 
Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 15:02:08

Rolling on the floor laughing

 
Comment by Homie
2007-09-21 15:03:08

I always want the American Fighters to win, but Rich is in trouble again! Hopefully he can get past the first 3 minutes this time.

 
Comment by SaVaGe
2007-09-21 15:03:48

[quote comment=”154713″]What the hell does ROFL stand for? it’s been driving me nuts since i found this site.[/quote]
Rolling On Floor Laughing

[quote post=”3400″]Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. [/quote]

That is insane. I laughed when I read what Franklin said about being a HOFer. If Rich wins, he won’t be in the HOF unless he carries the belt for a long time. He has 2 defenses and then loses it to Silva in brutal fashion. The only way he is a HOFer is if he holds it longterm of wins it 4 or 5 times.

 
Comment by SaVaGe
2007-09-21 15:04:38

er.. OR wins it 4 or 5 times.

 
Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 15:10:16

Anderson is just to accurate with his strikes. I see him keeping the distance with his jab,creating space for his kicks negating the Rich’s strength advantage. Rich always has a chance with one knock out hit, but other than Quarry, he hasn’t done this. The only real way I see this going in Franklin’s favor is if he has learned a fancy flying scissor heel hook (thanks Ryo for proving Silva is huma, if just barely)

 
Comment by Luppers
2007-09-21 15:12:57

I dont think Franklin is close to being a hall of famer…
Granted, he was a poster boy for a long time… but fighters that hold titles and defeat fighters are the hall of famers. Hughes… Liddell… Thats about all Id point out right now. Maybe Tito…

 
Comment by BRONXRON
2007-09-21 15:15:08

Rich Franklin 10/05/1974 - 10/20/2007

 
Comment by GriffinFan05
2007-09-21 15:16:40

I’m really excited about seeing this rematch. I am a Franklin fan and looking forward to see what he plans on doing to defeat Silvia.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-21 15:18:07

Who did Rich beat ??? Silva has a better chance then Rich as a HOF’r..all 4 fights in the UFC were won by Silva either knocking them or the Travis submission..Silva has a chip on his shoulder..like rhe Rocky proverb ” eye of the tiger “..Silva got it. Rich is going to get broken up again. That BEATING that he took by Silva has not left his head..he is Traumatized…poor guy..it hurts everytime I see that fight.

* I wonder why on the UFC 77 poster it doesn’t say Silva vs Franklin part 2???? Hmmmm…*

 
Comment by TABASCOsauce
2007-09-21 15:19:58

[quote comment=”154706″][quote comment=”154695″]Avoid the clinch and strike from outside.[/quote]

EXACTLY! plus you know he’s been working out of the clinch 24 hrs a day, in case it does end up there (it probably will at some point)[/quote]

Rich can work on the clinch 29 billion hours a day for the rest of his life. In their first fight, it was Anderson’s ability to strike on the outside with kicks to the leg and knees to the body that opened up his inside game.

Rich didn’t want anything to do with Anderson’s outside game, and paid the price with it in the clinch.

And honestly, if Rich focuses on that clinch..Anderson submitted Lutter who was supposed to be the more renowned bjj artist.

Couple that with the pressure of fighting in Ohio, the home crowd, the total dismalting of himself the first time around…this is gonna get pretty ugly for the school teacher.

And everyone speaks so highly of how Rich is training even harder, getting better, taking care of his last two fights.

Blah…

Do you really think, now that he’s the champion, Anderson Silva is sitting around eating donuts and playing Halo all day long? His Blackhouse training camp has UFC/Pride vets Minotauro Nogueira, Lyoto Machida (who also beat Rich Franklin), Vitor Belfort, and fellow bjj black belt Assuerio Silva. I had to opportunity to see Silva and Minotauro this past July for a bjj seminar in Seattle. The man trains ALL THE TIME and isn’t looking to lose this title anytime soon.

Rich Franklin will not beat Anderson Silva.

 
Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 15:22:44

[quote post=”3400″] BRONXRON
Sep 21st, 2007 at 3:15 pm Quote this comment
Rich Franklin 10/05/1974 - 10/20/2007 [/quote]

PhilQNY “I just hope the pastic surgeon got front row seats..to get to him quick. ”

As sad as it is, I think you are right. But we will see the beginning of Franklinstein

 
Comment by PW
2007-09-21 15:23:36

Another Rocky reference, eh? Well how about Rich and Hughes running sprints on the beach before sharing an awkward man-hug in the waves.

 
Comment by Leno
2007-09-21 15:28:49

Rich thought he had the advantage in the clinch going into the last fight. It was obvious to everyone early on in the fight that the clinch is NOT where you wanted to be against Silva! That type of breakdown in strategy had to of been rough on Rich. Not to mention his nose was broke in the middle of the lesson.

I expect Rich to come out similar to how Forrest fought his last fight. Weather Silva’s storm in the beginning and wear him down with his strength.

Silva has rarely gone 3 rounds let alone 5. He’s always gassed in later rounds on the 2-3 times it’s happened. If Rich can get him to those rounds he’s dealing with a significantly less dangerous Spider.

I still find it hilarious that people can make comments like “there’s no way this person can beat this person”….

Where have you been the last year?

 
Comment by Frizz
2007-09-21 15:32:36

This will look like a much different fight than the first. I think Rich was distracted during his first match with Anderson and will be very game for this fight.

I think Anderson will still win, though not by brutal k.o.

Anderson will win a hard fought decision in Rich’s backyard.

 
Comment by jjdnb
2007-09-21 15:32:57

[quote post=”3400″]Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. Everyone will see the best Rich Franklin to date and we will see him reclaim what is his and that is his Middleweight title. He knows what he did wrong. Franklin will make the necessary adjustments. He is stronger than Silva, so I expect him to use his strength in this fight. Franklin will impose his will and we will see him be champion again. [/quote]

NO he will only be remembered for being raped by Silva…twice. He wont be a hall of famer. After the first beating, Franklin has been a different fighter…for the worse of course and he wont get back to where he was before. Remember guys, the days of Franklin beating up on B-rate fighters is over

 
Comment by fightfan51
2007-09-21 15:33:09

[quote comment=”154712″]Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. Everyone will see the best Rich Franklin to date and we will see him reclaim what is his and that is his Middleweight title. He knows what he did wrong. Franklin will make the necessary adjustments. He is stronger than Silva, so I expect him to use his strength in this fight. Franklin will impose his will and we will see him be champion again.[/quote]

Wake up!!! There are different kinds of strength. Clearly, Silva is physically stronger and more overpowering. He threw Franklin around like a ragdoll. It was almost hard to watch. Look in Franklins eyes during that fight. He was overwhelmed

 
Comment by Joe Joe
2007-09-21 15:34:05

Rich will shut everyone up on the 22nd and everyone who fell off will be back on the bandwagon

 
Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 15:34:47

PW, LMAO! that may be the funniest comment I have ever read

 
Comment by FFL
2007-09-21 15:37:12

And off topic, what is with Franklin’s perpetually black eye? he gets those as often as most people get chapped lips

 
Comment by James S
2007-09-21 15:38:03

Franklin …. maybe looking into light heavyweight after this fight, any thoughts.

 
Comment by Hoodlum
2007-09-21 15:39:02

[quote comment=”154740″]I dont think Franklin is close to being a hall of famer…
Granted, he was a poster boy for a long time… but fighters that hold titles and defeat fighters are the hall of famers. Hughes… Liddell… Thats about all Id point out right now. Maybe Tito…[/quote]

That’s a good conversation to bring up, I agree with your list. I’d add Jens Pulver, just for the string of victories he put together back when he was the champ, and for being the first and almost the only LW champ. I think Tito deserves it too, as long as he doesn’t become a gatekeeper. If BJ Penn holds the LW title for a few defenses, I’d put him on that list too.

I’ll bet in reality, Anderson Silva will be added to that list after he becomes the first champ to retire with a belt.

Good point, as always, Luppers.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-21 15:40:21

[quote comment=”154780″]Rich will shut everyone up on the 22nd and everyone who fell off will be back on the bandwagon[/quote]

Ur Funny.

 
Comment by TABASCOsauce
2007-09-21 15:41:22

[quote comment=”154790″]Franklin …. maybe looking into light heavyweight after this fight, any thoughts.[/quote]

Rua will then destroy him.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-21 15:41:24

[quote comment=”154790″]Franklin …. maybe looking into light heavyweight after this fight, any thoughts.[/quote]

WEC?

 
Comment by jae_1833
2007-09-21 15:52:49

HALL OF FAME….give me a break guy, you weren’t that dominant, my god you best highlights are of beatings given to Dewees and Tanner….I’ve seen better!!!

 
Comment by "Mr. NC-17"
2007-09-21 15:53:14

All of you people thinking Anderson Silva is just going to waltz in there and just dominate Rich like it is no sweat, no problem, that right there just shows you what kind of tool that you all are.

It shows you really have no smarts with MMA.

I read that “Rich looked awful his first fight.”

Actually no he did not, I have seen the fight so many times, and I have broken down the tape, Rich was winning the round untill Anderson and Rich started throwing punches, and Rich got sloppy, got off-balanced then that lead to Anderson running in clinching up, and dominating Rich Franklin in the clinch.

So what, Rich Franklin got beat by possibly one of the top 10 fighters in all of MMA? So what?

I love it how people cheer for Rich when he is a champion, but when Rich lost to Anderson, people quickly switched and started to act like they are Anderson Silva’s biggest fans.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Anderson Silva, he is a tough dude, I have been watching him since Pride, I own multiple shirts of Anderson, and I have an autograph from him.

BUT, once again everybody is underestimating Rich Franklin. The guy has lost only 2 bouts! 1 to Anderson Silva, 1 to Lyoto Machida. He is only been knocked out twice. Rich is a tough dude.

This is the biggest fight ever for Rich, he is fighting infront of 17,000 (hopefully) Rich Franklin die-hard fans, he is fighting for his city. Rich really wanted this fight here in Cincinnati, and right now it sounds like the nerves are getting to him.

But when Rich steps into the octagon, look for a more focused, more determined, more knowledgable Rich Franklin to step into the octagon. Rich Franklin, is one of the smartest fighters in the game, and he is going to defeat Anderson Silva, because he has learned from his mistakes, and he will find a way to defeat Anderson.

I am taking Rich Anderson via submission armbar!

I stick as a true loyal fan to Rich Franklin, and I have him taking this incredibly hard fight, to recapture his title, then to fight Dan Henderson for a unification title match.

 
Comment by PW
2007-09-21 15:54:01

I’d love to know why so many people are giving Franklin absolutely no chance to win this fight, and don’t give me the cliche ‘uh, did you watch the first fight?’ garbage. Yes, I did. A few years ago everyone was saying how unbeatable Arlovski was, then he went out and crushed Sylvia. Then in the rematch Sylvia got floored with a big shot, but got up and knocked Arlovski out. Then he bored everyone to tears in the rubber match, but that’s irrelevant. My point is a champion-level fighter got destroyed and came back to win a rematch that everyone said was unwinnable. Rich is also a champion-level fighter, so what’s to stop him from coming back with a better game plan and beating Silva?

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-21 16:00:40

[quote comment=”154808″]All of you people thinking Anderson Silva is just going to waltz in there and just dominate Rich like it is no sweat, no problem, that right there just shows you what kind of tool that you all are.

It shows you really have no smarts with MMA.

I read that “Rich looked awful his first fight.”

Actually no he did not, I have seen the fight so many times, and I have broken down the tape, Rich was winning the round untill Anderson and Rich started throwing punches, and Rich got sloppy, got off-balanced then that lead to Anderson running in clinching up, and dominating Rich Franklin in the clinch.

..So he was winning the round before any exchange happenned?? hmmm..were you one of the judges at the Hammil fight…Rich the the poster boy former MW champ..got exposed..Machida made him his bitch so he dropped to 185..fought a bunch of scrubs..had like two title defense..then Silva made him his bitch..There is no where else for Rich to go. I said it b4, I’ll say it again..Rich is a good fighter..not a great one. ( I don’t care if no one trains like him except for the Roided Shark ) Silva owns Rich..end of story.

 
Comment by kickbox
2007-09-21 16:04:37

I think silva will win, but if Franklin stays outside and uses leg kicks and avoids the clinch, he has a chance of pulling off the upset

 
Comment by Jack
2007-09-21 16:22:38

When you get your face pushed in, in such an overwhelming fashion, how can anyone come back and win without a team of therapists working 24/7, for months - and them, after the mental aspect - just consider why he lost in the first place. The spider was just too good and too strong.

I’ll watch this fight and hope silva wins again, but I’ll be praying for Franklins health…It’ll be hard to watch the guy get beat down again i that way.

That said, it’s MMA, and shit - anything can happen.

 
Comment by Jack
2007-09-21 16:24:59

[quote post=”3400″]kickbox Sep 21st, 2007 at 4:04 pm Quote this comment

I think silva will win, but if Franklin stays outside and uses leg kicks and avoids the clinch, he has a chance of pulling off the upset[/quote]

Yeah, Franklin will be OK if he stays on the outside …on outside the Octagon.

 
Comment by john
2007-09-21 16:27:52

Listen, I dont know what all the fuss is about. The UFC is marketing this perfectly and most fans seem to be bitting. UFC is marketing this fight as if Franklin really has a chance at beating Silva. They are giving Rich home feild advantagfe against the champ, y do you think Dana is being so generous? Because its a goood marketing tool and in reality it doesnt matter where Franklin fights silva, he will still loose to Anderson.

I dont think this fight will determine rich’s legacy. Anderson Silva is an amazing Champion, so Rich cant beat him. To cement his legacy, I want to see Rich fight other Top dogs in the World like Filho, Kang, Henderson. Lets face it Jorge Rivera, the crow, arent exactly incredible wins for Rich. They are B - level at best fighters who happened to be the best the UFC middleweight division had to offer, but that doesn’t mean that its the best the world has to offer.

Rich Franklin has been great for MMA. He was a great champion, and a class act, but lets face it, out of all the big name champions that we have had lately Rich Franklin has faced the worst competition. Lets not let the UFC marketing team cloud our judgement. The only challenge he has faced in the UFC that was a legitimate #1 contender was maybe Tanner. Tanner was a great warrior but in the Grand scheme of things I dont think he was ever a top 10 worldwide fighter.

Just look at Anderson Silva’s eyes while he is walking to the ring, The fire in his eyes has been obvious in the past couple of fights. If he walks out the dressing room with that same fire in Cincinatti IT is not gonna be a pretty night for Rich Franklins ribs. I see some of you suggest that Rich should stay on the outside to avoid the clinch, what good will that do? All that means is a quicker more precise Anderson Silva will light him up from the outside. When Rich Franklin has had enough of getting abused on his feet, if he has anything left in the gas tank he will shoot for a half ass takedown all lazy and get clipped with a Flying knee, just like Carlos Newton got clipped by Anderson.

This is the same situation as Chuck vs. Rampage, same old result. Anderson will prove that he has Franklins # and that he is the much supperior fighter!

 
Comment by ACanadianPotHead
2007-09-21 16:28:41

Rich should go back up to 205 after this fight…

 
Comment by cmac
2007-09-21 16:30:16

I agree with PW… Does Liddell/ Couture ring a bell. Randy owned Chuck the first fight. Then look at the rematch!!!

 
Comment by EdenMachine
2007-09-21 16:36:23

If Rich walks into the octagon with a black eye or gash under his eye this will be like the 5 fight in a row he’s done that.

 
Comment by RobH86
2007-09-21 16:36:52

[quote comment=”154796″][quote comment=”154790″]Franklin …. maybe looking into light heavyweight after this fight, any thoughts.[/quote]

Rua will then destroy him.[/quote]

Yeah, he’d get maimed if he moved back up…Off topic but if Rua loses then Pride was complete bs. That said he’ll probably win. Hopefully he can keep the Pride flag flying after less than impressive performances from Herring (bad anyway), Nog and Crocrap.

Rampage came from WFA after leaving Pride so at least he knew what to do in the cage. More Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson style smooth transitions for the Pride boys please.

 
Comment by James S
2007-09-21 16:51:02

[quote comment=”154846″][quote post=”3400″]kickbox Sep 21st, 2007 at 4:04 pm Quote this comment

I think silva will win, but if Franklin stays outside and uses leg kicks and avoids the clinch, he has a chance of pulling off the upset[/quote]

Yeah, Franklin will be OK if he stays on the outside …on outside the Octagon.[/quote]

That is exactly right.

 
Comment by James S
2007-09-21 17:05:07

[quote comment=”154811″]I’d love to know why so many people are giving Franklin absolutely no chance to win this fight, and don’t give me the cliche ‘uh, did you watch the first fight?’ garbage. Yes, I did. A few years ago everyone was saying how unbeatable Arlovski was, then he went out and crushed Sylvia. Then in the rematch Sylvia got floored with a big shot, but got up and knocked Arlovski out. Then he bored everyone to tears in the rubber match, but that’s irrelevant. My point is a champion-level fighter got destroyed and came back to win a rematch that everyone said was unwinnable. Rich is also a champion-level fighter, so what’s to stop him from coming back with a better game plan and beating Silva?[/quote]

That was Arlovski. You are talking about Anderson The F’ing Spider Silva. Franklin doesn’t have the talent to develop a better game plan and beat Silva. Stand up, Silva breaks Franklins bones( nose or ribs, Franklin can block whichever area he wants to keep in tact) 99 times out of 100. On the ground Silva is a BJJ black belt, Franklin meteocre grappling at best. There is nobody Franklin can train with to prepare him for Silva. I like Rich. He’s a cool guy and an American Citizen, but he has nothing to offer Anderson Silva other than an easy win. I love the underdog, I will pray Rich Franklin KO’s silva in the first round, but i’m not living in fantasy land. Anderson Silva TKO, second round.

 
Comment by c-war
2007-09-21 17:10:01

I guess Im the only guy here that thinks Rich will win it. He has a great heart. With a heart that big, you can do anything you want to do. Thats also the reason why I pick Forrest to beat Shogun. You dont have to have the best skills to win a fight, just the desire and perseverance to be the victor can be more than enough to get you the win.

 
Comment by Diesel_Power
2007-09-21 17:22:46

[quote comment=”154890″]I guess Im the only guy here that thinks Rich will win it. He has a great heart. With a heart that big, you can do anything you want to do. Thats also the reason why I pick Forrest to beat Shogun. You dont have to have the best skills to win a fight, just the desire and perseverance to be the victor can be more than enough to get you the win.[/quote]

LOL! All heart does is give you the will to get back up after being knocked down just so you can get knocked down again until your out cold.

E.g. Jardine vs Alexander

 
Comment by twizted203
2007-09-21 18:32:05

[quote comment=”154730″][quote comment=”154713″]What the hell does ROFL stand for? it’s been driving me nuts since i found this site.[/quote]
Rolling On Floor Laughing

[quote post=”3400″]Rich Franklin is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether he beats Silva or not. The guy has only two losses; he is solid. [/quote]

That is insane. I laughed when I read what Franklin said about being a HOFer. If Rich wins, he won’t be in the HOF unless he carries the belt for a long time. He has 2 defenses and then loses it to Silva in brutal fashion. The only way he is a HOFer is if he holds it longterm of wins it 4 or 5 times.[/quote]

Actually it wouldnt take that long for rich to become a HOF at Middleweight because of the fact rich is the only one in the middle wight with two succesful title defenses most guys in the past held the title after on defense or none at all….specially if he win his title back that will guarantee him a spot. hed be the only one to hold it twice. unless of course he beats silva. now silva will also be on track to be Hof if he beats franklin again and Okami as well.

 
Comment by JTK5
2007-09-21 19:28:42

[quote comment=”154698″]This is such a terrible fight to watch for most MMA fans. I mean if you’re not rooting for Rich something wrong with you and if you don’t think Silva is going to turn his face into pulp again something’s wrong with you. I get nervous for Rich just thinking about it right now.[/quote]

I look at this site all the time, and I like reading everyone’s comments. This is my first post and all I have to say is I totally agree with this statement. I hope Rich digs deep and trains like you see in the movies - were all of a sudden he gets this secrets of an all knowing Master to teach him the the “Death Touch” LOL - he’s going to need it!!! Okay I had two things to say.

 
Comment by Machine
2007-09-21 19:31:07

[quote comment=”154790″]Franklin …. maybe looking into light heavyweight after this fight, any thoughts.[/quote]

Now that would make for some interesting matches…………

 
Comment by ShadowoftheDarkgod
2007-09-21 19:32:28

I don’t see Rich changing his strategy: Break Silva’s knee with his face.

 
Comment by "Mr. NC-17"
2007-09-21 20:29:19

[quote comment=”154817″][quote comment=”154808″]All of you people thinking Anderson Silva is just going to waltz in there and just dominate Rich like it is no sweat, no problem, that right there just shows you what kind of tool that you all are.

It shows you really have no smarts with MMA.

I read that “Rich looked awful his first fight.”

Actually no he did not, I have seen the fight so many times, and I have broken down the tape, Rich was winning the round untill Anderson and Rich started throwing punches, and Rich got sloppy, got off-balanced then that lead to Anderson running in clinching up, and dominating Rich Franklin in the clinch.

..So he was winning the round before any exchange happenned?? hmmm..were you one of the judges at the Hammil fight…Rich the the poster boy former MW champ..got exposed..Machida made him his bitch so he dropped to 185..fought a bunch of scrubs..had like two title defense..then Silva made him his bitch..There is no where else for Rich to go. I said it b4, I’ll say it again..Rich is a good fighter..not a great one. ( I don’t care if no one trains like him except for the Roided Shark ) Silva owns Rich..end of story.[/quote]

Actually, I scored the bout 29-28 Hamill thank you very much. Actually there was exchanges, and Rich was picking his spots, similiar to his fight against Yushin Okami. Then he got sloppy, slipped and got caught and finished.

“Machida made him his bitch so he dropped down to 185″.. You’re real smart. Rich continued to fight at 205 untill Jorge Rivera, he actually went on to win 3 more fights at 205, then fought Jorge Rivera, went back up weight to fight Ken Shamrock at 205.

So I guess Randy Couture is a bitch for dropping down weight too?

I would love to see you call Evan Tanner and Jorge Rivera scrubs to thier faces. Would pay $40 dollars to see it. I guess Nate Quarry is a scrub too?

Too bad these scrubs are getting a crap load more than you and I.

What is this “Rich got exposed” garbage you keep mentioning? The guy went head to head with the guys strength, and he got exposed. Please your ridiculous. I guess Anderson got exposed when he got caught in a submission by Ryo Chonan? He got beat by another mans strength. That is MMA. Rich did not exposed, he got beat by a better fighter on that night.

 
Comment by Chadx23
2007-09-22 01:53:39

you guys make me laugh arguing about this fight. It could go any way. Personally, I think Silva is a phenomenal striker, but my god he almost got his ass beat by TRAVIS LUTER who was ass washed up for their fight anyway. yea he beat Luter in the end, but for a second there Lutter ALMOST had Silva. I know, I know, I’m crazy whatever. I think if Lutter fought Silva again and wasnt such a bum ass about his weight, I believe he would win. Also, look how busted up Rich was for thier first fight lol. He looked like a dude who was just taken out of a car crash wiht his busted ass eye. Silva is not the world’s greatest 185 pounder. Henderson would make Silva his bitch. In the UFC so far imo, Silva has beat B level fighters.

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-22 11:49:20

[quote comment=”155018″][quote comment=”154817″][quote comment=”154808″]All of you people thinking Anderson Silva is just going to waltz in there and just dominate Rich like it is no sweat, no problem, that right there just shows you what kind of tool that you all are.

It shows you really have no smarts with MMA.

I read that “Rich looked awful his first fight.”

Actually no he did not, I have seen the fight so many times, and I have broken down the tape, Rich was winning the round untill Anderson and Rich started throwing punches, and Rich got sloppy, got off-balanced then that lead to Anderson running in clinching up, and dominating Rich Franklin in the clinch.

..So he was winning the round before any exchange happenned?? hmmm..were you one of the judges at the Hammil fight…Rich the the poster boy former MW champ..got exposed..Machida made him his bitch so he dropped to 185..fought a bunch of scrubs..had like two title defense..then Silva made him his bitch..There is no where else for Rich to go. I said it b4, I’ll say it again..Rich is a good fighter..not a great one. ( I don’t care if no one trains like him except for the Roided Shark ) Silva owns Rich..end of story.[/quote]

Actually, I scored the bout 29-28 Hamill thank you very much. Actually there was exchanges, and Rich was picking his spots, similiar to his fight against Yushin Okami. Then he got sloppy, slipped and got caught and finished.

“Machida made him his bitch so he dropped down to 185″.. You’re real smart. Rich continued to fight at 205 untill Jorge Rivera, he actually went on to win 3 more fights at 205, then fought Jorge Rivera, went back up weight to fight Ken Shamrock at 205.

So I guess Randy Couture is a bitch for dropping down weight too?

I would love to see you call Evan Tanner and Jorge Rivera scrubs to thier faces. Would pay $40 dollars to see it. I guess Nate Quarry is a scrub too?

Too bad these scrubs are getting a crap load more than you and I.

What is this “Rich got exposed” garbage you keep mentioning? The guy went head to head with the guys strength, and he got exposed. Please your ridiculous. I guess Anderson got exposed when he got caught in a submission by Ryo Chonan? He got beat by another mans strength. That is MMA. Rich did not exposed, he got beat by a better fighter on that night.[/quote]

..Rich beat who?? Jorge?? Even Tanner?..these guys are good..but not good enough to be a Killa like Silva..And I know Silva can be beat like Fedor can be beat..anyone ca be beat any given day..I look at the current UFC MW Divison..and there is NO one that stands a good chance of beating Silva..if Rich proves me wrong..good for him..I doubt it.

The MW divison needs new blood.

the last time Silva lost he got caught in a flying heel hook..which was nasty..he did not get the shit beat out of him..like what he did to the Ace.

Everyone that Rich beat

6/16/2007 Win Yushin Okami UFC 72: Victory Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
3/3/2007 Win Jason MacDonald UFC 68: The Uprising TKO (Corner Stoppage) 2 5:00
10/14/2006 Loss Anderson Silva UFC 64: Unstoppable TKO (Strikes) 1 2:59 Lost UFC middleweight championship
3/4/2006 Win David Loiseau UFC 58: USA vs. Canada Decision (Unanimous) 5 5:00 Defended UFC middleweight championship
11/19/2005 Win Nathan Quarry UFC 56: Full Force KO (Punch) 1 2:34 Defended UFC middleweight championship
6/4/2005 Win Evan Tanner UFC 53: Heavy Hitters TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 4 3:25 Won UFC middleweight championship
4/9/2005 Win Ken Shamrock The Ultimate Fighter Finale TKO (Strikes) 1 2:42
12/12/2004 Win Curtis Stout Superbrawl 38 Submission (Punches) 2 1:28
10/22/2004 Win Jorge Rivera UFC 50: The War of ‘04 Submission (Armbar) 3 4:28
7/14/2004 Win Ralph Dilon Alaska Fighting Championship Submission (Keylock) 1 ?
4/16/2004 Win Leo Sylvest Superbrawl 35 Submission (Strikes) 1 1:13
12/31/2003 Loss Lyoto Machida Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003-Inoki Festival TKO (Strikes) 2 1:03
9/26/2003 Win Edwin Dewees UFC 44: Undisputed TKO (Strikes) 1 3:35
7/19/2003 Win Roberto Ramirez Battleground 1: War Cry KO (Punch) 1 0:10
4/25/2003 Win Evan Tanner UFC 42: Sudden Impact TKO (Punches) 1 2:40
9/17/2002 Win Antony Rea UCC Hawaii: Eruption in Hawaii TKO 1 2:46
6/15/2002 Win Yan Pellerin UCC 10: Battle for the Belts 2002 Submission (Armbar) 1 3:23
11/3/2001 Win Marvin Eastman World Fighting Alliance 1 Submission (Armbar) 1 ?
8/25/2001 Win Dennis Reed Extreme Challenge Trials Submission (Strikes) 1 1:38
7/13/2001 Win Chris Seifert Extreme Challenge 41 Submission (Strikes) 2 1:45
3/17/2001 Win Travis Fulton RINGS USA: Battle of Champions TKO (Broken Hand) 1 5:00
1/13/2001 NC Aaron Brink IFC: Warriors Challenge 11 No Contest (Accidental Injury) 1 ?
6/29/2000 Win Dennis Reed Extreme Challenge 35 Submission (Armbar) 1 1:56
5/13/2000 Win Gary Myers WEF 9: World Class KO (Kick) 3 0:59
3/24/2000 Win Rob Smith Extreme Challenge 31 TKO (Punches) 1 2:30

Everyone he has fought were good…but not that good of a level of fighter such as Anderson Silva.

 
Comment by wendell
2007-09-22 11:58:01

Silva is gonna hold the belt for a long time.The ufc has to come up with somthing better than Rich Franklin. I take Silva Tko or Ko in the first round. Rich didnt look very good in his last two fights.

 
Comment by john
2007-09-22 12:23:53

[quote comment=”155195″]you guys make me laugh arguing about this fight. It could go any way. Personally, I think Silva is a phenomenal striker, but my god he almost got his ass beat by TRAVIS LUTER who was ass washed up for their fight anyway. yea he beat Luter in the end, but for a second there Lutter ALMOST had Silva. I know, I know, I’m crazy whatever. I think if Lutter fought Silva again and wasnt such a bum ass about his weight, I believe he would win. Also, look how busted up Rich was for thier first fight lol. He looked like a dude who was just taken out of a car crash wiht his busted ass eye. Silva is not the world’s greatest 185 pounder. Henderson would make Silva his bitch. In the UFC so far imo, Silva has beat B level fighters.[/quote]

What the hell does that mean, ” He almost had him”? Since when has almost counted for anything in sports. Fujita almost had Fedor, So what? The outcome was Silva finishing the fight! Thats all that matters. Take that he almost had him crap outta here, its comple5te BS. At some point in any competitive fight does the looser almost have the winner beat, So What?

 
Comment by AnonymousF*ck
2007-09-22 13:46:53

[quote comment=”155644″]Silva is gonna hold the belt for a long time.The ufc has to come up with somthing better than Rich Franklin. I take Silva Tko or Ko in the first round. Rich didnt look very good in his last two fights.[/quote]

Why do you all lean towards the spider when we all know Franklin is equally good if not better. Franklin has a 22-2 record, he is stronger and smarter than Silva. Franklin is a competetive freak, he’s not gonna lose 2ce to Silva. Never gonna happen. Once again, he’ll show why he was the champion and why the UFC still believes in him.

 
Comment by Lycan
2007-09-22 17:40:45

All of you talking shit about Rich are gonna be kissing his ass after that fight! YOU swear he’s just gonna go in there and be in the clinch like the last fight, watch him beat that skinny dumbass!

 
Comment by PhilQNY
2007-09-22 18:48:04

[quote comment=”155721″][quote comment=”155644″]Silva is gonna hold the belt for a long time.The ufc has to come up with somthing better than Rich Franklin. I take Silva Tko or Ko in the first round. Rich didnt look very good in his last two fights.[/quote]

Why do you all lean towards the spider when we all know F