Belfort win over Ace is one which the UFC definitely have taken note of. Belfort former light heavyweight title holder beat former middleweight champ with big punches. Belfort at catchweight did stand off quite a bit and exploded. Belfort did show that he has not lost any of his speed and deadly accuracy. Franklin looked aggressive but standing and banging was his downfall.
Personally speaking I think if he gets the opportunity to face Anderson Silva it will be far too early. There are two big names he should face before, Dan Henderson and Nate Marquardt. Of course the middleweight division is not full of contenders unlike the light heavyweight division which has many fighters who could fight and win the title.
I’d like to see Belfort really pushed before a title shot, both Marquardt and Henderson have expressed real desire to face current champion Anderson Silva who has demonstrated his domination in both middleweight and light heavyweight.
Franklin now finds himself in catch 22, continue fighting catchweight or/and jumping in-between light heavyweight and middleweight. I actually think he should concentrate on middleweight, Anderson Silva is being prepared to go up to light heavyweight and there will be an opening for a former champion to set up and take on the limited contenders at middleweight.
For Belfort he will need to prove himself in another fight, he is very popular and the UFC are known for their nostalgic approach to former champions and crowd favourites. Belfort will need to fight one more contender before a title shot and will need to perform again.
Just a passing note, as Joe Rogan pointed out, 195 would be a really good weight to be introduced into the UFC especially if the flood of WEC fighters come into UFC and will allow the smaller light heavyweights and the heavier middleweights compete at a more natural weight.
Danny Denhard