Winner of Franklin vs. Henderson at UFC 93 will oppose Michael Bisping as coach on TUF 9

by Jesse Holland on Dec 10, 2008 4:20 PM EST Comment 68 comments

UFC President Dana White recently announced that the winner of the upcoming fight between Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland on January 17 will oppose Michael Bisping as coach for the upcoming ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9.

The confirmation was made at a special UFC Fight Club Q&A session in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Rumors have been swirling for weeks that both men were up for consideration. Franklin served as coach opposite Matt Hughes on TUF 2 and was initially lukewarm to the idea of serving a second term.

"Ace" did however agree to assume the position if indeed asked when the topic was brought up at the UFC 91 Fight Club Q&A last month.

Despite some erroneous reports about Henderson's level of interest, "Hollywood" told host Larry Pepe on MMAmania.com's exclusive presentation of Pro MMA Radio that he would be more than happy to try his hand at coaching a group of new recruits.

When asked if he found the idea of coaching interesting:

Yeah, I think it would be fun to do. Especially in the setting they're gonna have of the US vs. the UK, I think that's a little bit different, I think it would be fun to do.

Sounds like Hendo is interested to me.

TUF 3 winner and current British UFC posterboy Michael Bisping on the other hand was always a clear choice for the position, considering TUF 9 will be themed, "U.S. vs. U.K." White confirmed his participation following "The Count's" unanimous decision victory over Chris Leben at UFC 89.

TUF 9 was originally set to feature a mix of middleweight and welterweight hopefuls competing for a "six figure" UFC contract in a tournament-style format.

However the 185lb weight class was recently scrapped in favor of lightweight in anticipation of the influx of middleweights that is expected to follow the dissolution of the middleweight division in the Zuffa-owned World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).

The production schedule has not been revealed at this time; however, the promotion is targeting a January 2009 start (and April debut) in order to wait for the conclusion of Franklin vs. Henderson.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com as more details become available for season nine of The Ultimate Fighter.

(Special thanks to MMAmaniac "They Live" who was in attendance)

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Comments

I don’t like this…I wish they would just pick a weight class….nobody wants to see Rich/Silva again am I right??

by McArthur on Dec 10, 2008 5:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

question, does this mean hendo or franklin will be moving back down to 85? makes sense for dan, he could try to fight silva again, kinda pointless fot rich though!

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

this doesn’t make sense….does anyone want to see Rich fight Silva again?? I thought he was staying at 205

by McArthur on Dec 10, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Don’t worry, Franklin won’t have a chance at a second term in TUF, he will not get past Hendo. You heard it here first, right Kevin and John?

by haglnuts on Dec 10, 2008 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

right, you said it first, just look at the time on my post when it comes up!
why do you need john and I to approve of you?

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 6:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i am picking franklin via UD but anyway what happen then if rich win he will be a coach and fight bisping por the number one contender that doesnt make any sense
silva vs franklin III i dont think that anybody wants to see that

by JoW on Dec 10, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Franklin needs to keep his chin tucked and work that liver kick if he hopes to win. I got Hendo by UD most likely but hoping for rd2 TKO.

by NameNotRequired on Dec 10, 2008 8:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kevin…. what is up with you today? Did someone take a tinkle in your cereal? Usually you are pretty cool but today you have been kind of a prick…. not to me but to other people, just doesn’t seem like the new Kevin?

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed… i am new in this site and had a feeling he always is like that….. but if you are sayind that, maybe, its just not his day to bee cool….

by JoW on Dec 10, 2008 8:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No kevin is cool….him and John have alot of insight and you can learn alot from them… there are alot of cool people on here and some complete idiots but it is the best site on the web, believe me…I have benn on all of them

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kevin is cool….him and John have alot of insight and you can learn alot from them… there are alot of cool people on here and some complete idiots but it is the best site on the web, believe me…I have been on all of them

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

best MMA site

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

haha believe you buddy…. i love this site.. hope i can learn a lot more of this great sport in this site

by JoW on Dec 10, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Psyqo. Yeah I’ve really enjoyed this site and Kevin and John seem to be quite knowledgable so I do like to get their feedback. I definitely don’t need their “approval” as I have my own ideas. But site comradery is never a bad thing is it?

by haglnuts on Dec 10, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Comradery is an awesome thing….

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

alright haglnuts, I’ve rethought it, my bad! I truly appreciate the fact that you were actually asking what I thought! Had 3 bad days in a row at the poker table (worst today, flopped a set of jacks and guy went runner runner for a straight) and I took it out on you! I really do feel as if I offer quite a bit of knowledge, and welcome you to the site! I am honored that you wanted my thoughts!

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 9:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Now THAT’S the Kevin I know, welcome back buddy! By the way, I made a horrible mistake and watched Casino Royale (Bond) and went confidently to a poker table and had my ass handed to me on a platter. So yeah. . .I know how you feel. lol.

by haglnuts on Dec 11, 2008 3:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

youre definitely right haglnuts

by brendan on Dec 10, 2008 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Brendan. BTW, my name is Brandon :)

by haglnuts on Dec 10, 2008 8:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would go by Haglnuts too then…. Just messin’

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol. Haglnuts is my highschool nickname that I never was able to shake. lol. oh well, haglnuts it is.

by haglnuts on Dec 11, 2008 3:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ATTENTION EVERYONE****

Tonights episode (8 pm) of UFC Unleashed will feature the 1st BJ Penn vs. Gsp fight! For those that havent seen it its a must watch. I will tune in just because its been a long time since I watched that fight and I want to look back and see how much they have both improved since then!

by john on Dec 10, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

People also need to go to Fightmetric to see the statistical breakdown. It was close by a ridiculous margin.

by NameNotRequired on Dec 10, 2008 8:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

After rewatching that fight….it really could have gone either way.

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks john! but i already got my research put together on this fight bro…lol ufc 58 dvd had that in my collection for a while! hey anyone know if they have any UFC dvd on hd or blu ray?

by santiago69us on Dec 11, 2008 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BJ BJ BJ BJ!!!

by --utaptout-- AKA..."The Prodigy's" 4th biggest hugger on Dec 12, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich is kinda over the whole coaching TUF thing so it makes this fight seem a little anti-climatic from that point of view.

That being said I am very excited to see this fight, just could care less who the next TUF coach is really.

by WB on Dec 10, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I can’t say I like this move. They must have made Rich a pretty sweet offer to get him to coach again given how unexcited he seemed before. I think it makes more sense for him to stay at LHW, especially since he’s been training to make that a permanent move. I would rather have Nate Marquardt be the coach if Franklin beats Henderson, I think it would be good exposure for him. It’s pretty well established that Franklin vs. Silva 3 isn’t the most exciting fight, but I’m wondering if the UFC wants Franklin back at MW because of Silva’s retirement talk. He is a very marketable fighter, and they might see him having another run at 185 after Silva retires.

by GregC on Dec 10, 2008 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

All I know is that Hendo is getting old and it will be a damn shgame if we dont get to see Wanderlei vs. Hendo 3!

by john on Dec 10, 2008 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

John I couldn’t agree more, that fight HAS GOT to happen before Hendo loses a bit of steam.

by haglnuts on Dec 11, 2008 3:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wandy takes the 3rd fight…

by --utaptout-- AKA..."The Prodigy's" 4th biggest hugger on Dec 12, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

not that I’m assuming Rich will beat Hendo or Bisping (although I think he will) but you know what I mean

by McArthur on Dec 10, 2008 5:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Damn you Jesse Holland! Stop calling him “Hollywood”! I already told you, its Dan “Built Ford Tough” Henderson. Get it right next time buddy! lol

Hendo was at some of the tapings of the current season so maybe thats how he warmed up to the idea of coaching. I cant say I really care to much who wins out of Hendo and Franklin. Both are great guys and amazing fighters. TUF would be lucky to have either.

Not to get ahead of ourselves and I am going to get FLAMED for this comment, but here it is:

I like Bisping’s chances against either one of them!

Late the hate begin! I Hater!

by john on Dec 10, 2008 5:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree johm, and anyone that thinks otherwise is a douche! Bisping has great striking (may not be ko power, but very technical) and his gnp is good too. He hasn’t been KO’d and has a decision loss to the guy fighting for the title at LHW. I think either guy is in trouble with Bisping. Trackback (some may remember), I predicted him beating henderson or franklin and then losing to silva around 6+ months ago!

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 5:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

john and kevin, I like both of your guys, but F the both of YOU for referring to me as a douche (well, john didn’t say that so my bad). kevin, I’m absolutely gob-smacked that you believe that drivel. I want bets on that fight! I cant even debate this pie in the sky horsepuckey (M.A.S.H. reference), ……yep, can’t even comment on it. hehehe

by chefdaddy on Dec 10, 2008 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Chef, There is something different today

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, it’s no sweat, I imagine both of those guys know I was kidding (about the f you part). Granted Bisping Does stand a chance, but the odds are almost microscopic. I would debate this, but I don’t want to come across as a hater (lame, so lame a term). I have been WAITING to see a Bisping fight and think to myself,“OH!!!! THAT’S why everbody likes him. Where the F have I been?” But I’m still waiting. Hey Psyqo, you said something last week, any new news on that front? And john and kevin, I was simply busting b@lls. But I still think you guys should take off the rose-colored glasses. But hey, we’ll see. I am, however willing to bet on either of those two matchups!!

by chefdaddy on Dec 10, 2008 8:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah…. the surgery was put off(for reasons unknown to us) and we are all kind of in the dark still…. She has a grapefruit size something in her abdomen…now we just wait to see if it’s the “c” word. Very confusing.

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hope all is well psycho, and chef, yes I knew you were joking! how’s the new gig?
I like bisping, good personality, good all around fighter, what’s not to like!??

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That is what I want from Bisping….. I definitely do not hate the guy just looking for that “wow” moment. If he beats either one of these guys (which I don’t see happening) I will definitely change my tune a bit.

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Kevin! I knew there was something different about you today. Sorry about your last few days…. you will come back strong though.

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know, just been getting rivered like mad! I cashed like 8 times in november. I’ve gotten rivered literally 3 days in a row! Yesterday, I raised twice, both times a guy had pocket aces. what’s up with that? I got a big tournament sat and sun with a guaranteed prize pool of 18k, and this is my luck going in. It doesn’t matter how well I’m reading guys or what flops I’m getting, if these guys keep calling with 3 outs and catching, I’m gonna have to go back to work!

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it is just the calm before the Hurricane Kevin…. wiping everyone out this weekend. It’s just time for your comeback!

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it should have read…..Maybe it is just the calm before “Hurricane Kevin”

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think he’ll have a chance against hendo cuz by the time he actually fights hendo, hendo will be right near the end of his career.

franklin though i dont think he can win… franklin is a bit to much for him but i do think bisping can/will last 15 mins against franklin

by ufcaddict on Dec 10, 2008 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I give him a decent chance because before all this improvement that Bisping has show, he was fighting some big guys at Heavyweight so he would still be able to deal with Rich’s size, which is what gives many middleweights problems.

Any Combo of Bisping/frankli/Hendo would go to a decision! I dont think any of them can finish each other. only one who could get finished is Rich!

by john on Dec 10, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i am just glad they are not using any champs this time i hate the belt being tied up, either one will be good i think dan still has enough in him to beat franklin or bisping, i don’t think bisping could beat either one of them yet but i think he will give either of them a good fight.

by roy on Dec 10, 2008 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Depending on who they deem next in line for Silva….They could be holding up the belt. If the winner of Bisping/Henderson vs. Franklin gets a shot at Silva next then the belt will be held up.

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i’m a fan of dan so it’s hard not to hate you right now.

by jonsey on Dec 10, 2008 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah McArthur, beat my by 30 seconds….. damn you.

That is another good point though, Franklin has said he doesnt think a 3rd fight against Silva would be exciting at all for the fans. And I agree.

by WB on Dec 10, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think that is something he wants to re-live either…

by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 10, 2008 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Check out this pic of Rogan and Eddie Bravo toking away all chinky eyed!

http://www.cagepotato.com/joe-rogan-and-eddie-bravo-enjoy-marijuana

by john on Dec 10, 2008 5:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Holy shit, check out Bravo on the second pic. Are you sure this isn’t Gay Times magazine??lol.

by haglnuts on Dec 11, 2008 3:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They are paying Hendo to say that….He is not interested in that shit period. He wants to fight for the belt again he thinks he is better then Anderson and wants that rematch wants that championship gold around his waist and the $$$$ that comes with it. The only way he could be interested in this is if after he beats Bisping he gets his title shot for sure.

by Khaos_Warrior on Dec 10, 2008 6:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’d have to agree with this statement! The Bisping fight will be to determine the #1 contender, what doesn’t make sense to me is how exactly Franklin fits into that!???

by kevin on Dec 10, 2008 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

dan is one of the best in the world! but his age is getting up there, i would rather see him fight as much as possable rather than waste a year on tuf, just to wipe up bisbing. rich is just as good but he’s still got a lot of years in this sport if he wishes ( i think he’s waiting out silva to get his title back)so for that reason alone i want franklin to win. WAR!!! ACE!!

by Swizz on Dec 10, 2008 6:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs