 Rich
Franklin
Profile
DOB--10/5/1974
HEIGHT--6'1
WEIGHT--185 and 205
STYLE--freestyle
What a shame it would
be that Rich Franklin is known more for his beatings from Anderson
Silva than his domination of the
UFC's middleweight
division. While his story isn't a hard knocks life story it's a
story that makes heads turn.
Rich Franklin is
one of the most well liked and respected fighters in the world. The
former
high
school math teacher who has a master's degree in education
and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Cincinnati
became the UFC middleweight champion. Along with those credentials he
was also coach on The Ultimate Fighter-season 2 where his teacher Jorge
Gurgel was on his team.
Rich began his career
12-0 before losing to current UFC stud Lyoto Machida. Franklin followed
up that loss with 5 more wins to earn
a title shot at then champion Evan Tanner whom he had already defeated
in his UFC debut. Rich defeated Tanner again to become the champion,
as well as, earn him his coaching role on The Ultimate Fighter. For
his
first title defense, Rich faced Nathan
Quarry a well respected
fighter
who was on The Ultimate Fighter season 1. Franklin won with a highlight
knockout that will be shown for years to come. David Loiseau was up
next for Rich
and it was another sucessful title defense. While his victory was by
unanimous decision, Rich broke his left hand very early in the fight
and continued
on for a dominating performance. The injury required surgery to
have a metal plate and screws inserted into his hand and put him on
the shelf
for 7 months.
Anderson
Silva was the next contender on the list. Anderson put on a dominating
performance
that nobody in the world had expected. Never before has anyone seen Rich
Franklin being beat down like he was. After the fight was stopped at
2:49 of the 1st round, cameras caught Rich's face and it showed
one of the worst nose breaks that could be imagined. Losing to Anderson
again made Rich jump up to 205 and test the waters there. Knowing that
he wouldn't get a 3rd shot at Silva he made his first fight back at 205
a victory over fellow Cincinnati native Matt Hamill with a liver kick.
Rich Franklin vs Dan Henderson in Ireland January 17th is when he fights
next and its been rumored that the winner will be the next coach on The
Ultimate Fighter season 9.
Rich
Franklin Profile:
Gabe December 17, 2008 |
