Props: UFC.com
Quoteworthy:
“It’ll be interesting to see when they actually come to me because the UFC are actually the ones who encouraged me to move up to 205 pounds. And with Bisping now being at 185 I’m not sure what they are going to do about that. I did [The Ultimate Fighter] one time and it was great, but I’m not as excited about it this time. But I’m always willing to help the UFC out and do what they need me to do so we’ll talk about it after the fight.”
Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin shares his thoughts on the rumors that he is on the short list of coaching candidates for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) opposite Michael Bisping during the UFC Fight Club question and answer session today for UFC 91: “Couture vs. Lesnar.” He still says he has never even been approached about the possibility and finds it a bit weird since he no longer fights in the middleweight division. “Ace” will take on Dan Henderson in the main event at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17. It’s widely assumed that the winner of that match will get the nod — both fighters have competed at 185 pounds. However, it’s also possible that if Franklin defeats Henderson the UFC could go in a different direction altogether and select someone like Nate Marquardt because a third match with Anderson Silva, by his own admission, is not that interesting (the TUF 9 coaches will likely compete at the conclusion of the show for the right to challenge “The Spider” at a later date). In short, a decision on a TUF 9 U.S. coach will likely be made shortly after January 17.
15 Comments »
I’d really have love to seen Rich and Dan be the next coach’es to hype up their fight. Rich vs Dan is a match ive wanted to see for years. Predictions for the Rich vs Dan fight everyone ????? I think Rich catches Dan with a head kick that daze’s him and Franklin take’s advantage and finish’es it with GNP…..
Funny how Rich and Dan are fighting for a spot on the show(winner is the coach) and the fighters are fighting for a shot at the UFC
Rich would destroy Bisping!!! Rich and Dan will be great! I will be rooting for Rich being a member of Team Gurgel myself
Rich needs to keep that liver kick sharp because hendo’s chin is unquestionable. Both would smash Bisping.
Hendo and Rich would hurt Bisping!!!
Its seems more likely to be Quarry (if he wins) or Marquardt!
Bisping would win both guys! and he will.
What would Bisping win both guys…a new car? I think you mean Bisping would BEAT or DEFEAT both guys.
i agree with rich – it’s extremely odd that the winner of this blockbuster 205 bout would be “rewarded” with a move back down to 185.
i think its a very tough fight to call also!! Different styles, but i think it will be predominately be a stand up war…..that said I go for ??????? hendo…franklin….hendo….franklin……Naah i cant decide!! Im awful at deciding these close ones lol!!!
that fight will be big
2009 will be a sick year already
jan. ufc 93 hendo vs franklin
ufc 94 gsp vs penn woww
anderson could be moving up to LH so rich and bisping could be fighting for a vacant MW title or dan and bisping depending on the out come from ufc 93
im going with rich by tko after a good war. this is a gr8 fight for the fans
I’m sure Hendo will smash Franklin…. I know Rich is a good fighter… but Hendo has a win over Wandi… Franklin could not stand and bang with the axe murderer!!
Franklins record is deceiving… look at who he was fighting at middleweight before silva came along – Dewees, Quarry, Rivera, Louaso etc… during this time Hendo was fighting much better competion over in Pride!
Hendo by GnP in the third!
CHA CHING!!
We have a winner!!!
For the uninformed, Hendo holds a win over current UFC HW champ, Antonio Nogueira