Rich “Ace” Franklin Vs. Vitor “Phenom” Belfort
Name: Rich Franklin
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 195
Record: 27-4-0, 1 NC
Name: Vitor Belfort
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 195
Record: 18-8-0
Rich Franklin, what is there to say about this former middleweight turned light heavyweight contender? Rich Franklin has recently fought some of the toughest men in MMA, his recent fights include two fights against Anderson Silva, win over Matt Hammill, close loss to Dan Henderson and at his last outing at UFC 99 he defeated Wanderlai Silva, again another tough decision.
Rich has an impressive record, 27 wins and only 4 loses. Franklin has had 15 fights in the UFC which makes him one of the longest serving fighters in the Zuffa owned company.
It is interesting how he takes on one of the original UFC legends Belfort at catch weight level, at 195lbs it is between light heavyweight which Franklin stepped up to after his second lose to Anderson Silva at UFC 77.
Brazilian fighter Vitor Belfort has had a very colourful but successful MMA career. Belfort is on a 4 fight win streak, winning two fights at UK based cage rage and his last two fights with Affliction. Belfort also has fought over in Japan at Pride and fought some of the best there. His last run in the UFC ended with two straight losses, UFC 51 he lost to Tito Ortiz and at UFC 49 he lost to Randy Couture.
It appears to me that the 32 year old is keen to make a mark in the UFC again, whether that is at middleweight or light heavyweight. That first fight back in the Octagon is always the trickiest for fighters.
Rich Franklin has many fights against the best fighters in the UFC, his experience in the octagon will definitely help with fighting a seasoned fighter like Belfort. Belfort on the other hand has many fights across the world, including in England, Japan and of course in the US.
I expect to see Belfort come out swinging, he is a banger and is known for knock outs, 12 out of 18 wins in MMA have come from KO’s and did win one pro boxing fight by KO. Franklin will have to use other skills as his punching is not his main strength, so his submission game may have to be utilised. Franklin had a hot streak mid way through his career of submitting his opponents which I personally think he will need against the bigger and more powerful Belfort.
I think this could be a 3 round slug fest, Belfort won’t want to lose on his return to the UFC, Franklin will need another win to push him back into the frame of contender at either middleweight or light heavyweight.
Little prediction Ace might get caught by Belfort in the 2nd, his defence has been tested with big punching Wanderlai Silva and Dan Henderson and got away with it, he might not be so lucky with Belfort.
Danny Denhard