Anderson Silva: Rich Franklin toughest UFC fight to date
by MMAmania.com on Jul 15, 2008 11:21 PM EDT
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Props: Baltimore Sun
Quoteworthy:
"His game is what he felt the toughest to train for. His striking game was probably the most complex in the UFC."
UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva reveals that Rich Franklin was his toughest test to date inside the Octagon in a recent interview. "The Spider" toppled ace in the span of 12 months in rather convincing fashion both times. Meanwhile, he appeared to have more trouble against Travis Lutter and Dan Henderson before eventually winning those fights ... in convincing fashion.
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franklin, i guess thats why the spida broke his nose twice
by Mr.FancyPants on Jul 15, 2008 11:25 PM EDT reply actions
Silva is going to take over the UFC and beat anyone in his way!
Jan 2009 UFC 99
Anderson Silva vs (Champion 205)
BJ Penn vs Georges St.Pierre
Rampage Jackson vs W. Silva
by mikeybear on Jul 15, 2008 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think we will be close to UFC 99 by Jan 2009.
by Bojo on Jul 16, 2008 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
UFC 87 is on Aug. 9.
Follow the math 99 – 87 = 12.
Unless they start holding 3 ppv’s per month, then UFC 99 will most likely be next summer.
by MongoMan on Jul 16, 2008 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t believe how many people just shit on Franklin, and say that the only reason Anderson said this was……..
Franklin looks like a damn good fighter to me, and if Anderson says he was tough, and has a ton of respect for him, I am not gonna disagree.
by naturalshadow on Jul 16, 2008 3:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, people forget what a great fighter Rich was/is. Silva made him look terrible but he would still be the favorite in my eyes to beat any other middleweight with the exception of Hendo! But if Hendo doesnt step his game up, I thionk Franklin could take him as well!
by john on Jul 16, 2008 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Franklin’s striking game might have been complex… but it was definitely scared and hesitant. Ive said it before, Rich Franklin hasnt impressed me in a LONG time… His only semi decent performance (somewhat recently) was against Jason MacDonald, I believe Yushin Okami should have got that decision for attempts at ending the fight, achieving the mount, etc… he was crushed by Silva both times, and really didnt look too good against Lutter, I think Machida would have even been able to finish that fight faster than Rich did, Lutter couldnt even keep his hands up! Rich Franklin better step his game up! I think hes gonna get crushed at 205!
by brendan on Jul 15, 2008 11:29 PM EDT reply actions
yeah…cuz you know…you know more about the fight game then anderson silva and rich franklin. i cant believe your right, you should contradict the ifghter more often man..as a matter of fact you need to train franklin and silva out of your extensive background in mma analyzing. its like you were there cornering silva. amazing how you can so easil contradict the fighter experience.
by santiago69us on Jul 16, 2008 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
you seem to forget (or just didn’t know) that prior to the lutter fight anderson operated both his knees…
by BNF'S B_tch aka LINX on Jul 16, 2008 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I was talking about Franklin’s fight against Lutter Linx
by brendan on Jul 16, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
The exact points you give here are the reason that I think that Bisping would have a better chance against Franklin then people would like to believe. The Franklin of old was a force to be reckoned with, but like yourself I have seen nothing of late to tell me that the Franklin now, is the same fighter he was then. Silva absoultely destroyed Franklin twice, and I need to be convinced that he is still the fighter he used to be after that severe beating. And I felt exactly the same way about the Lutter fight. Franklin did not impress me at all against Lutter. Lutter was so out of shape and unfit, that if he was fighting Bisping, he would not made it past the first round. Again, I do agree that Bisping would probably be taught a lesson by the old Franklin, but from what I have seen lately, I would say he has pretty good chance. I have always liked Franklin, but I need to be convinced that he’s still got what it takes.
by Ade on Jul 16, 2008 6:42 AM EDT up reply actions
You sound crazy you telling me Bisbing stands a chance against Franklin? People are even questioning if Bisbing can handle Leben you should wait before you make these comments because Bisbing is going to get KTFO by Leben and Franklin is going to beat Hamill blind deaf and dumb. You put your cards on the wrong guy cause from what I can see Franklin only has 3 losses on his record and they come from Silva and Machida.
by Bic on Jul 16, 2008 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I apologise if I came across as being crazy, I actually thought that I made perfect sense. I have not seen anything from Franklin’s performances lately to tell me he is still the fighter he once was. I do not see the same fighter who took out Tanner or Loiseau. From what I have seen Bisping would stand a pretty good chance against him, until I see something to show me otherwise. I hope that this is a little clearer for you.
by Ade on Jul 16, 2008 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Well…you came off as crazy for sure…tell you what..lets see what bisping does with leben then we can gauge if he can hang at the top and not end up like nate marquardt …you know the guy with all the tools to beat silve..like you say bisping has…mmamath done work here son. you need to analyze styles not fights. franklin would eat him alive.. as well as hendo and specially silva. maybe when franklin and silve and hendo decide to leave for in a couple years you can get the champion you want.
by santiago69us on Jul 16, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you need to take your medication and calm down. I did not mention Bisping beating Silva or Hendo. I do not consider Franklin to be up there with them at this point until I see otherwise. Stop getting your knickers in a twist just because I mentioned the name Bisping. Some of you guys act like you are related these fighters, you really do need to get out more.
by Ade on Jul 18, 2008 7:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Anderson was just paying some respect to Rich after destroying him twice in such devastating fashion.
by DJ on Jul 16, 2008 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Okami should have got the decision? The submission attempt doesnt mean much when the other guy gets out, then ends the fight raining punches down on you after the failed attempt. Also, Lutter was basically out on his feet after that headkick, which is more than Silva did to Lutter standing. What does Machida have to do with the price of rice?
by mma dude on Jul 16, 2008 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Jan 2009 UFC 99
Anderson Silva vs (Champion 205)
BJ Penn vs Georges St.Pierre
Rampage Jackson vs W. Silva
by mikeybear on Jul 15, 2008 11:31 PM EDT reply actions
do you think they’re gonna put on 10 UFC’s before january?? noway.. january will be 94 or something
by RoB on Jul 16, 2008 5:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Enough with all this stupid talk about Silva fighting for the LHW title! ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, so snap back to reality and talk about something that is actually a possability. Silva said it himself, so get over it! Plentty of great match ups for Silva with out fighting for the LHW title….I dont get the Obsession!
by john on Jul 16, 2008 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
He just feels bad because he took him belt and broke his nose twice.
by dana's cheap on Jul 15, 2008 11:32 PM EDT reply actions
yea the fight was so tough, he felt the need to showboat by putting his hands down in the exchange
by kama kaze on Jul 16, 2008 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
He really respects Franklin…When he fought him the second time he felt bad he was fighting him in his home town and after he won the fight he looked like he lost because he visibly felt bad.
by Toad on Jul 15, 2008 11:45 PM EDT reply actions
Silva’s ego is growing exponentially. Saying Franklin’s striking was the most complex in the UFC is Silva saying that his own striking is vastly superior to anyone’s in the UFC. Silva is a great fighter but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: 185 is the weakest division and he hasn’t truly been tested
by keith on Jul 15, 2008 11:58 PM EDT reply actions
SILVA’S STRIKING IS NOT ONLY VASTLY SUPERIOR TO ANYONE’S IN THE UFC BUT ON THE PLANET. AND 185 IS ALSO NOT THE WEAKEST DIVISION. THERE REALLY ARE NOWAK DIVISIONS. I BET YOU WOULDN’T LAST 10 SECONDS. GIVE SILVA SOME CREDIT IF NOT ALL. HE’S THE BEST OF ’EM ALL. RATED #1 FOR A REASON.
by spiderman on Jul 16, 2008 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree, whose striking is better than anderson’s?
by BNF'S B_tch aka LINX on Jul 16, 2008 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions
none that I know of as far as technical goes…
by Chadx23 on Jul 16, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
technical machida has better striking :x even though i HATE him, if he would go down and fight anderson (i know will never happen) that would be a weird fight
by randy murders on Jul 16, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Anderson Silva is the most humble and respectful fighter in the UFC, and when you say his ego is growing exponentially, that shows me you know absolutely nothing about Anderson Silva. He was giving Franklin the respect he deserved for being a champion for so long.
by Spider Rulz on Jul 16, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
wow how can anyone say silva hasnt been truely tested? smashing franklin who before looked unstoppable twice, submitting a black belt within 2 rounds, and choking out dan henderson? id say hes proved his worth to me
by wtf on Jul 16, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions
no kidding, he proved plenty. Why does everything have to be taken in a wrong way. I don’t think he is slamming anybody, I think he is just giving Franklin credit for being a difficult fighter to prepare for. So much hate around here. He has never said anything bad about anybody, so why would he start now. I will say it seems like he has a Man-Crush on Franklin.
by e-brawler on Jul 16, 2008 12:31 AM EDT reply actions
Jesus Christ, wtf is Anderson talking about?
Henderson is the worst match up for him, and Henderson even won the first round
That’s not all, Silva said Machida already proved that he was the
205 pound champ. What by beating sokoudjou and a washed up ortiz?
But wat upsets me most of all is he didn’t touch gloves with Henderson! God damn it!
by Joe on Jul 16, 2008 12:33 AM EDT reply actions
It looked like Anderson didnt touch gloves with Hendo, and thats how Rogan made it seem, but IMO I think Silva didnt realize Hendo was trying to touch gloves. I really think Silva thought Hendo was just sticking his arm out to measure distance….I could be wrong…I just think that Silva was so focused that he misinterpreted the gesture.
Either way, I have no problems with fighters not touching gloves for title shots. Part of the game is mental….so whatever!
by john on Jul 16, 2008 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree he probably didn’t know and Hendo is a class act so he isn’t going to make a big deal about it but you know in the next fight they have Silva will make a point to touch gloves with Hendo
by Smokes on Jul 16, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
SMOKES: I agree…. I am sure after watching the film, Silva realized and regretted it…. I dont think Silva was being disrespectful at all!
by john on Jul 16, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I have seen some idiots “pretend” like they want to touch gloves and then try to bang or something like that, I’m sure SIlva didn’t want to take any risks so he didnt touch gloves. I was pissed about it at first, but when you think about it, its not a rule just up to the fighters, they already touch em when the ref gives them the instructions.
by Chadx23 on Jul 16, 2008 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree. He dominates Franklin twice and gets dominated by Henderson for the first round yet Franklin is the toughest yet???
He definately doesn’t want to acknowledge Henderson’s status for some reason as he said the samne thing straight after their fight??!? which I thought was strange…either way it will be a different fight the second time if they ever do square off again and Dan will have a much better chance of winning that than franklin does IMO.
by Ca$z on Jul 16, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Is it possible he is underestimating Irvin? The Spider may seem a little less unstoppable after this weekend. Or not.
Someone said Franklin seemed scared, and I could not agree more. He looked like he lost before the fight started.
That statement should get Dan fired up to campaign for another shot. He owned Silva in the first round, but there is no room for mistakes with that guy.
Silva will more than likely stay on top until he burns out, or retires. It looks as if his next two title defenses are lined up, and both seem to be sure bets. But anything can happen in this crazy world of MMA.
by Bob on Jul 16, 2008 12:52 AM EDT reply actions
Franklin has been so respectful of Silva that he wants to return the sentiment. Rich is a hardworking, tough fighter, but his stand up just isn’t world class. He can wear you down in a war of attrition, but he can also get caught by guys that are not exceptional strikers, see Tanner. Against anyone with great striking Rich is in a world of danger. He was fortunate in avoiding anybody like that in the UFC until Anderson showed up.
Up at 205, he would be in major trouble against Chuck, Machida (again), Rampage if he wasn’t in jail, Wandy, you name ’em. Even Forrest could out strike him.
Rich fairs best against grapplers who don’t strike especially well. He might be able to hang with Hendo or Marquardt, but that’s only a maybe. But he def should stay at 185 where he could remain in the top 5 for a good while longer. Complex his striking game is not.
by Revjames13 on Jul 16, 2008 1:04 AM EDT reply actions
When you speak of the Ace, you should give him the proper title, “Ace”, not ace.
by holmz76 on Jul 16, 2008 1:52 AM EDT reply actions
While I agree Silva is a beast and is one of the greatest fighters out there, he is not unbeatable.
by parks1 on Jul 16, 2008 2:37 AM EDT reply actions
You’ve gotta say this is the weakest divison. Theres Rich and Anderson. Dan Henderson is 2-3 in the last two years. Then who else Okami(rich beat him). Leben. He cried like a pussy the whole TUF show. Cote sucks. He beats Kendall Groove who is 1-2 and now he’s in line for a title. Of course Rich was his toughest opponent.
by spenny on Jul 16, 2008 2:42 AM EDT reply actions
yushin okami wlll beat silva if hes given a shot, :) im just a yushin fan, wOOPATANG
and come on dan and rich have had a shot at silva, give okami a shot and if he gets owned then so be it, at least lets c if he can do it, hes paid his dues, i know he aint the most exciting fighter, but he gets the job done. REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
by randomizer on Jul 16, 2008 4:27 AM EDT reply actions
yeah yeah anderson silva is fan-fuckin-tastic. i gotta agree
by dana's affliction on Jul 16, 2008 4:44 AM EDT reply actions
It seems to me that Travis Lutter almost submitted Silva – so wouldn’t Lutter be considered his toughest UFC opponent to date?
by Muscle Dolphin on Jul 16, 2008 8:24 AM EDT reply actions
It cracks me up that when a fighter loses all of the keyboard warriors come out and say he is washed up. A loss or two means nothing. It happens to the bets of them. Hell ,everyone thinks Randy is a god and he has lost his fair share.
Maybe some of you should actually train and then you will understand the fight game better.
by StayDown on Jul 16, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions
Franklin is a great fighter. All Dan Henderson did was hold his gloves over Silva’s mouth and nose for 1 round and then he got killed in the second. I concur with Silva
by Lucas on Jul 16, 2008 9:19 AM EDT reply actions
I would really like to see Anderson against all 4 of Dream 6 finalist like:
Jacare,Manhoef,Galesic, or my pic to win it Gegard
UFC should really look into signing these guys, these guys are definitely can compete with Franklin and Silva
by TKO on Jul 16, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions
Jeez, so much hate for Franklin. I seem to recall Loiseau saying he couldn’t figure out Franklin’s timing at all. Remember that fight? A lot of people were picking Crow to win, and Franklin made it look EASY and Loiseau has never been the same.
But hey, what would the fighters who’ve actually fought Franklin know about Franklin’s striking game? It’s obvious keyboard warriors are the perfect critics, because they have an outside, objective look. Right.
by Ryan on Jul 16, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions
Franklin would beat Machida this time around as broken as he is, as broken as he is against Silva.
Him vs Hendo would be a battle.
by WB on Jul 16, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions
so im a keyboard warrior? lol… im just a big fan giving my opinion on a fighter, and that his last 5 performances have been mediocre to unsatisfactory in my opinion. IN MY OPINION… im not his cornerman, im not his boxing coach, but the old Franklin I used to watch looked alot better than the one were seeing now
by brendan on Jul 16, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions
Why does Silva give Franklin so much credit. He dominted him in those fights. Maybe he secretly loves him.
by Perkins on Jul 17, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions
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