Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva UFC 99 fight possible in Germany
by MMAmania.com on Feb 18, 2009 4:52 PM EST
Email
Print
Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin could be the first to introduce Pride FC superstar Wanderlei Silva to a division south of 205 pounds at UFC 99, which is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany on June 13.
MMAWeekly.com reports that the potential showdown could be contested at a catch weight of 195 pounds. "Ace" and the "Axe Murderer" have competed as light heavyweights in their most recent performances. And Silva is expected to eventually make the drop down to 185 if called upon.
Perhaps this is just a quick stop on the road to middleweight for the Brazilian.
Silva -- a former Pride FC middleweight champion (205 pounds) -- has lost two of his last three fights inside the Octagon and four of his last five. It's quite a slump for the wrecking machine who did not lose in 18 straight fights from 2000 to 2004.
It's important to point out that the Brazilian has not been fighting any cream puffs of late, losing to Mirko Cro Cop, Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. However, the method in which he is losing -- by vicious knockout -- has many wondering if the best days are behind the 32-year-old slugger.
One thing is for certain: Opponents have figured out how to handle his wild and aggressive style and are making him pay for it. And Franklin -- a very technical and patient striker -- may be able to to do the same if Silva does not change things up.
Franklin recently dropped a split decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 last month. The former math teacher sustained a grizzly eye injury from an accidental poke, which required surgery to repair. It is expected that he will be fit and ready when fight night rolls around four months from now.
He currently does not have a home in any one division, bouncing back-and-forth between 185 and 205 pounds. And it's unclear where a win against Silva would place him in either weight class. Regardless, "Ace" has been nearly perfect inside the Octagon (11-1) with the exception of his two losses to Anderson Silva and recent defeat to Henderson.
In short, Franklin is a dangerous opponent for any fighter, much less someone who is "testing" competing at a lower weight for the first time ever.
Indeed, with both stars coming off losses it appears to be a case of curious matchmaking, but perhaps the promotion is more concerned with putting on great fights rather than worrying about individual records.
141 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If the point of moving Wanderlei Silva to the MW division was so that he can FINALLY fight smaller guys, then WHY oh WHY are they matching him up with one of the largest MW’s???? That part of the matchup makes ZERO sense to me. Yes Wandi is getting old and he can’t be in any “gimme” matches, but they should have given him an average sized MW in his first fight at 185. I mean, what weight was Rich’s last fight? 205.
If Rich can handle the initial onslaught and avoid the clinch, this is his fight to lose. But can he get by the initial onslaught and avoid the clinch???
by ViolentMike on Feb 18, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
not only that Mike, What happened to Rich at LHW?
by kevin on Feb 18, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
THis is a BS match up that shouldnt be happening, but its a great fight. its actually a rematch of their 1st epic battle! Their 1st fight was a WAR!!!!
I think wanderlei is just too violent for Rich! Rich should avoid Brazilians named silva, with Brutal tai clinches.
I hear that Rich’s plastic surgeon will be in his corner! hahahaha
War wanderlei!!!!!1
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
What rematch are you talking about. These two haven’t fought before have they?
by Bluepit on Feb 18, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
They did face each other in an intense rock, paper, scissors match though. youtube it
by sac165 on Feb 18, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
Damn it SAC165!!!! YOU got my joke really quick! That was thew most intense game of Rock, paper, scissors ever played!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT***
M-1 March 29th in Russia: Aleksander Emelianenko vs.Ibragim Magomedov
Ibragim Magomedov is a fairly famous Russian fighter, he was the fighter who fought Mirko Crocop and lost via Liver kick.
War Aleks “no std’s, healthy as a mule” Emelienenko!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
fIGHT Announcement***
André "Dida" Amade vs.Buakaw Por Pramuk april 21st at K-1 World Max. Fight takes place under K-1 rules.
“Dida” formerly of ChuteBox now trains with the rua brothers.
Buakow, for those that dont know is one of my favorite fighters on the planet with some of the best Muy Tai, I have ever seen
I would love to see:
Buakow vs. “KID”
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
great fight, but dumb match up.dosn’t make much sense fot either one of them.
by roy on Feb 18, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Wand should have an easier fight- Franklin doesn’t have that short circuiting power (at least against decent chins). Aleks should easily kill Ibragim. Dida will get killed horribly. Kid would be way small.
by NameNotRequired on Feb 18, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
finally someone on here knows a thing or 2 about Buakow!
I am impressed NamenOTrequired! Big Buakow fan over here!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Rich Franklin is a bad fight for anyones first fight at MW. on top of that Silva just got knocked the fuck out!! this is a stupid matchup.
by belfort_fan on Feb 18, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
I hope Rich is ready to get some more facial reconstruction! go wandy!!!
by brendan on Feb 18, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
Great fight, but whoever loses is not in a good place. Doesn’t really make sense???
by LJ on Feb 18, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
google " joe rogans open letter to kelloggs"..very very very funny!
by newfie on Feb 18, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
lol, john…is sure admire buakaw more than u are…he is a bad mofo..considered as the greatest MT fighter in 2001..he exploded in 2004 when he defeated Masato..he will scram it out with dida in 23..great match up..but the shiva or the 4 handed beast will take this one.
by gaara on Feb 18, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
I like how you changed the subject John, or shall I say MISTER PERFECT. It will be a great fight.
by BROCKLOVER on Feb 18, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks John. I myself am a fan of his. I still havent seen his fight with Kraus but i still have the sweet memory of when he blew out Gill.
by NameNotRequired on Feb 18, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
Im loving you guys today!
YOu guys dont understand! once every 6 months I bring up Buakow and all I hear is **Crickets***….. Its great to find other fans of his! That dude is amazing! Its a shame that he will never come to mma. He doesnt like mma at all (ground game).
oUt of all combat sports, and Combat fighters, he is easily one of my favorites to watch in ALL combat sports!
I like Dida, but Buakow’s kicks will be TOo much!
by john on Feb 19, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, moving Rich around like that has Dana-ism written all over it. Rich did something to piss him off and Dana has him going up and down between divisions…. ridiculous.
Is Rich not fighting Hendo at LHW with the winner meeting Bispinb at 185??? Stupid, just stupid. And now this, meeting Wandi at MW.
by DJ on Feb 18, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
That already happened my friend, Rich lost a split decision to Hendo
by PRiME on Feb 18, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the whole thing was so uneventful for me it slipped my mind! Thanks dude.
by DJ on Feb 18, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, that is what I was thinking when I read this story. This makes me think that Dana is looking to move Wandi out of the UFC. This is a tough fight for MMA fans (or me), I love both these dudes and their fighting style. I hate to see either lose. With that said, I have to give this one to Rich! Hate to Wandi go down like this! I know Wandi is a competitor and he wouldn’t want to fight a can, but WOW what a test at 205! Good luck Wandi!
by mmamac on Feb 18, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Won’t happen man. Dana could not wait to sign Wanderlei…and he sure will NOT let him go. Bad thinkin man.
by TheEder on Feb 18, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
no, he’s right.. why match two fan favourites against each other? it would have been better to have both on the card but fighting other opponents!.. Rich can’t take another loss and neither can Wanderlei, so to make sure one of them gets that loss they match them up against eachother!… what a smarta$$ move by Dana
by RoB on Feb 18, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
catch-weight?
what happened to 205 Rich?
Wandy wins three or four in-a-row he would have to fight maia at 185 who he trains and corners
by Mikeybear2009 on Feb 19, 2009 1:17 AM EST up reply actions
Wandy would fight anyone, he trained with Forrest and both said they’d fight each other if they had won their fights in December.
by Shadyone33 on Feb 19, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sick of hearing about how fighters are washed up. Wandy, Chuck, Cro Cop, Couture, ect. They could still beat the piss out of everyone in this forum.
by brandongk4 on Feb 19, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody else here that Cro cop vs Coutoure might be on this card as well?
by Kdog on Feb 18, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know. Ace doesn’t have that one punch K.O. power like Rampage. Remember when Cro Cop knocked him out he had swell up his face and the KOed him with a kick. Those kicks are like getting hit with a ball bat. Don’t give up on Wanderlei just yet. He might surprise in this one.
by brandongk4 on Feb 19, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
This is a tough one to call. Will the old Wandy be reborn at the lighter weight? Pick ’em fight in my opinion.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 4:54 PM EST reply actions
Im sick of all this “will the old wandy show up CRAP”! Its the same MONSTER wanderlei…only difference is that every single one of his fights is against top caliber opponents that all out weigh him. Look at who’s beaten wanderlei? NO shame in losing to any of those dudes.
When you are constantly fighting the best, you are going to accumulate losses! Doesnt mean he is less of a fighter now than when he terrorized pRIDE!!!!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
Couldn’t of said it better. I see a (T)KO in late second.
by Bluepit on Feb 18, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
you know? I am so sick of people talking about him like he is done. His losses come to Liddell, Cro Cop (in his prime), Rampage, and Henderson! boo hooo! nOthing to be ashamed about! you consistently fight against the best, you are going to lose a few…those days of crazy winning streaks are over. TO much Parity in the sport now. Wandy is just as dangerous as he has ever been!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
This fight is ending with brutal knees out of the tai clinch! can anyone guess who will be the winner? lol
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
I haven’t seen Wanderlei throw a knee since 2006.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
what are you talking about? wandy tried to crack Rampage with a knee, before being KO’ed!
Keep in mind, Wandy and Anderson are good friends. Wanderlei has seen the footage of both Anderson/Franklin fights. Dont you think he is salivating at the thought of slapping that Tai Clinch around his neck?
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, key word he tried John. Wandy couldn’t get his knee up if he took Cialis. lmao
by Anthony on Feb 19, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Wanderlei looks slower and smaller than he did in PRIDE. He’s taken too many shots to the dome and it’s catching up with him. I love Wandy too but deal with it.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
when have you really gotten to see much of wanderlei to base this BS judgment. HIs recent fights were over really quick. So how exactly did you come up with this opinion.
Did you realize this when you watched his 2 minutes against Rampage which was a feeling out process until Rampage hit him with the shot of the year?
Or did you come up with this theory when he saw him destroy Jardine in like 20 seconds?
not a lot of footage to base your slandering an mma legend if you ask me….but Hey, to each his own!
Not to mention, besides Henderson, Wanderlei is always the smaller fighter!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you 100%,I am so sick of people licking a fighters balls then he loses,and oh he is over the hill!No,he just got caught by one of the greatest fighters in the world.He is still the Axe murderer.
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s see. I looked at him. Decided his body looks less muscular than it used to. Maybe those PRIDE, ahem, supplements aren’t available on this side of the pond.
Then, and you should try this John, I WATCHED some of his older fights and compared his hand speed with his last few UFC bouts. Found it lacking. And if he hasn’t diminished as a fighter, then why didn’t his lack of size always affect his ability to kick ass?
LOL at slandering an MMA legend. I said I was a big fan of his and pointed out that he hasn’t looked as impressive lately.
As fot your “he’s fighting the toughest guys, he’s bound to accumulate losses” argument…
1. Not three losses in four fights.
2. Check out a guy named GSP. He fights all the toughest competition back-to-back as well. And kicks their asses. That’s what dominant fighters do. Wandy WAS a dominant fighter. He isn’t anymore. I don’t know how anyone could argue that.
The only MMA legend I like slandering is your boy BJ Penn. And his arguments are almost as pathetic as yours.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
He’s lost four of his last five. Try using logic instead of blatant nuthuggery to make your points. And if WAR stands for “what a retard”, then I concur.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
No matter what people think about Wanderlai,he can beat anybody on any given night,he earned his nickname.That is why no matter who he fights people will tune in ,because you will probably be a witness to a very brutal KO.I wish people would ask Jardine or Chuck if he is washed up.Actually he messed Jardine up so bad he probably doesn’t even remember the fight.For a washed up fighter he sure did destroy him in a matter of seconds,if that is washed up then 95% of the all the fighters are washed up,so why are we even watching all these washed up has beens(sarcasm for those that can’t pick it up)
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
Be careful scott, I heard that if you use the term “washed up” more than six times in one paragraph you are permanently banned.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
listen Buddy! When did you look at his hand speed? DUring the 2 jabs he threw at Rampage, or the 8 punches he landed in 3 seconds against Jardine? GTFO here! Acting like you can actually analyze his hand speed in these past 2 fights! Thats not enough footage for even an expert to analyze and form an opinion on!
He looked Phenomenal against Liddell if you ask me! Had that fight happened in Pride, Chucks head would have been punted into the nose bleed section. Only reason he didnt finish chuck was cause he froze when he knocked him down. I honestly feel that he froze, because he had to think and fight off his instincts to run up to chuck and kick his head off like he was allowed to do in Pride for so many years! No shame in any of wandy’s losses
Big difference between GSP’s opponents and Wanderlei’s.
Besides a lightweight, BJ Penn….. gSP is dominating against young up and comers. Wanderlei is matched up against lEGENDS on a constant basis. Apples and Oranges buddy!
wandy’s recent losses:
Rampage (legendary)
Henderson (legendary)
cro cop (Legendary)
chuck (Legendary)
Gsp’s opponents:
Serra (hahahah)
Fitch (up and commer)
BJ (legendary lW)
Alves ( young pitbull puppy who is going to knock GSP back to his shrinks office)
by john on Feb 18, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
LOL!
And if BJ Penn put on 20 pounds of muscle he could have beat GSP! And if Dan Henderson hadn’t started throwing bombs in round two maybe he beats the Spider!
At what point do you stop making bullshit excuses and start considering the fact that the guy has lost 4 of 5. Any fight can be looked at with hindsight and you can pick something that the fighter who lost shouldn’t have done! It’s irrelevant. They still lost, in Wanderlei’s case repeatedly.
Either Wanderlei has deteriorated or he is suddenly the most unlucky dude in the free world! Your argument is weak. Like BJ.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
I am just sick of people saying that after they have a bad fight.These are people that train their lives away to go out there and put on a show,for us ,the fans and all they get in return besides the paycheck which is a lot ,is a bunch of disrespect from people that believe they know everything about the sport,now you may have went a researched this,not saying you didn’t but he is still a legend ,and slower or not can still put on a great show,and can KO almost any fighter in the world
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
And the only thing that looked phenomenal against Liddell was Wandy’s chin. Unless wildly swung looping punches that come nowhere near landing impresses you.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Now I was with you John until the GSP hate,GSP is alot better than you make him out to be right there,you forgot that he has destroyed every single one of them,and he will destroy Alves too.Do not let your love for BJ cloud your judgement,just messing with you
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Also you said all he does beat up young,up and comers,
can you remind me how old is GSP,compared to all these young fighters he has been beating up on
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
GSP is only 27 ,compared to John Fitch ,who turns 31 in six days,so who is beating up on the young people
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
That argument could easily be twisted the other way by suggesting that the “legends” who beat Wanderlei (Cro-Cop, Liddell, Henderson) are all old fighters who are past their prime, while GSP has been fighting top talent who were IN their prime (Fitch, Koscheck, BJ, Hughes). Thereby making GSP’s accomplishments even more impressive.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
now Alves is 25 so I will give you that one ,Serra is almost 35 and Penn is 31 so how is it he that is beating up all these young people
by scott on Feb 18, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Im just a tool. I want to be the only smart guy on this site. So when I see some smart people I try to bash their comments. And when I loose the argument I just stop posting.
by john on Feb 18, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
then, stop defending these fighters with an argument that u cant defend in the end..i was with u until u screwed up with GSP fighting up and comers…but i really dont agree scott..that wandy’s oppo are old and past their prime..that is just a bold blind bias statement..i am not making excuses for wandy’s loss or watever or compare him with GSP..wid d liddell fight he is confused bro..there was an post fight interview and he said that he is still adjusting with the ufc rules..and his recent loss against rampage..air is covering his head..way too cocky to put on a show..his eagerness killed him…but none of them are excuses..
by gaara on Feb 18, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
honestly, john is a little biased when it comes to Wanderlei. I think had he and Chuck fought in Pride, that Chuck would have KO’d him…that was back when every shot Chuck through had KO power, not half of them like now, and Chuck was much faster in 2003 and tougher than he is now. That being said, Wanderlei has lost some luster since 03 also, so who really knows??? John, would you argue in Chuck’s favor about his last 3 losses as you would in Wandy’s? They have a very similar situation….if the answer is yes, then you are truly unbiased, but I’ve seen your posts and the answer is no…
by Chadx23 on Feb 18, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
Wanderlei is just like Chuck throwing too wild and leaving himself way too open for a knockout punch, and when you’re fighting top competition you’re gonna pay for that sooner or later!.. Wanderlei and Chuck should go train with pro boxers get a jab and get better boxing defense..
by RoB on Feb 18, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Um John, GSP defeated a legend…twice. So I dont get where your saying he only beat “up and comers”. And Matt Serra was a legend/veteran considering he fought during the years when hardly any one even watched UFC. So yea..
by BrutalKnockout. on Feb 18, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
I am a big gSP fan, you lunatics! I cant believe a discussion about wanderlei being done or not done turned into people acting like i HATE ON gsp.
Gsp is one of my favorite fighters in the world, and the last thing I wanted to do was discredit GSP. THe only reason I have even been picking against GSP recently is because he happened to be booked against 2 fighters I liked more. GSP is still of my favorites and unquestionably a top 5 p4p fighter.
GSP is easily a much better fighter RIGHT now, then wanderlei….No doubt about it!
THe only reason GSP’s name came up was because Jeremy brought it up.
I was trying to make a few points before this debate spiraled out of control:
1) I do NOT think Wanderlei is DONE. Wandy probably wont ever hold a UFC title, but by no means is he DONE! When I was saying comparing Gsp’s recent opponents was like comparing apples and oranges, I wasnt trying to say that GSP has been beating cans! he has been fighting the best that the WW division has to offer on a consistent basis. THats a TRUE champion if you ask me. I was basically trying to say that the losses wand suffered were against more dangerous fighters than who GSP faces. I base this because wandy fights in the LHW division, Where ALL THE FIGHTERS have tons of KO power. In that division 1 single punch can end the fight. WE have to admit that welterweights on average dont have that kind of KO ability. We all know Fitch cant end a fight with 1 punch….I was on “team Penn” and I never thought there was a chance of Penn beating Gsp with 1 punch. LHW is just such a dangerous division, that 1 single strike ends fights. Rampage (who is one of my very favorites) only landed 1 big punch to win. Henderson landed the big spinning back fist followed by that BOMB of a right hand. Chuck has more KO power than he knows what to do with. THats all I was trying to say. LHW division is a much different BEAST to tackle. 1 strike against most opponents and its OVER. Keeping that in mind, combined with the fact that Wandy’s losses have come against MMA Royalty, I just dont think its fair to say that he is done. I do think he should be DONE fighting at LHW, but he is far from done.
One of the more important points I was trying to make is that, I wont say Wandy is done because his recent losses have come agai9nst MMA Royalty, and most losses came because he was fighting Legends with tons of KO power, who simply Caught wanderlei! I dont think its fair to say that He is Done!
No shame in getting KO’ed by Cro cops left High kick….He has maimed millions of fighters with that move through out his career. not to mention that fight was in Cro cop’s prime (heavyweight), when he went on to win the OPen weight Grand Prix…and Hendo who was the only man in mma to hold 2 titles simultaneously in a major organization.
This debate spiraled way out of control. THe only things I was trying to say is that NO shame in wandy’s recent losses. I dont think any of us are qualified to accurately state that his hand speed has diminished after having so little footage to judge that by because his recent fights all ended quickly.
The last thing I meant to do was diminish what GSP has been accomplishing because GSP is doing some really Big THings right now!
by john on Feb 19, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
I would like to continue having the original debate that we were having about wanderlei before my poor choice of words turned this into a GSP comparison.
is Wanderlei done?
Has his hand speed diminished!
I would say NO on both counts! YOur thoughts?
by john on Feb 19, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Agree with you %100 John!!! I can’t wait until this fight happens, I been itching to see Wanderlei back in the cage and get a look at what he’s been working on. I know he was talking about changing up his striking, and coming at things with a more technical approach. Wandi is the most viscious fighter to ever step into a ring/cage, this guy is only 32 years old; he’s FAR from finished. Yes he has fought some serious wars and taken some serious punishment; but he’s 32 years old for crying out loud!!! Thats not over the hill, for god sakes its still PRIME TIME. Maybe the best of Wanderlei is behind him, but you can’t ever count this guy out, he could definatley go on another KO spree of terror before his time is up. WAR WANDERLEI!
by O damn he got caught on Feb 19, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
THank you Odoamn! Thats all I was trying to say!
If Silva were to go on a losing streak against guys like Leben, Cote and Kendall Grove….then yeah,you can make an argument for him being done. But when your loses come to guys like Cro Cop, Hendo, and Rampage….No shame in that!
by john on Feb 19, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I am back with you John,I sort of did turn it into a GSP discussion,but all these people are wrong for writing Wanderlai off ,also to gaara are what ever it is John and I were the one’s defending Wanderlai,just pointing that out like it matters ,but read the post
by scott on Feb 19, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Wow. Tough one for me to call because Rich is from my home town of Cincinnati, and Wanderlei is sick.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Feb 18, 2009 4:56 PM EST reply actions
Wandy by KO Rich’s striking is way overrated whenever I see him strike I just see it as an horrible mess wandy may not be techniqule but he is a whole world better than Rich in striking and on the ground
by Shadow side on Feb 18, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions
i guess better technique means lowering your head and winging punches. rich’s straight left will be his worst enemy.
by sac165 on Feb 18, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
so now Franklin loses the pounds to fight Wandy?? not fair to Rich .. he is getting bounced around in weight classes to make fights.
by commoner on Feb 18, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions
The UFC is really not messing around with Rich and Wandy, tough fights all the way. That is great for the fans though! This should be awesome.
by Mad A on Feb 18, 2009 5:09 PM EST reply actions
I’m really excited for this if it is going to happen…but IMO is catchweight the right thing. Why can’t they fight at middleweight or lightheavyweight. A catch weight doesn’t solve anything in my opinion and doesn’t move you up the rankings cuz it’s not a division.
by wtf itz me on Feb 18, 2009 5:12 PM EST reply actions
Absolutely. Catchweight is the way to go with this one.
by Dredg XI on Feb 18, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Not at all. It makes no sense. Why put Wandy against one of the biggest middleweights when he is moving down weightclasses? Thats BS, and i hope this doesnt happen.
by Dayvet on Feb 18, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Wandy want’s to fight the best at this class, Even though he’s a MW he’s still smaller than the guy’s he has been fighting. I like both fighters but would like Silva in this one, Frank has fought some good battles and this fight is not a given.
by Puck Head on Feb 18, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Probably because Wanderlei is still in the process of adjusting to cutting to 185.
by Space on Feb 18, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
This is the one of the dumbest decisions if this go’s through. After Thiago Silva’s performance against Machida, Wandy should stay at LHW. It makes no sense to move Wandy down to MW. They have already announced that the Henderson/Bisping fight is for the number one contender, not to mention they are already talking about Silva fighting GSP on the New Years Eve card. Wandy wouldn’t get a title shot for atleast a year and a half assuming he wins all his fights. Dana also said Okami is getting a title shot to. I am dumbfounded. So as it looks it will be
Penn vs Florian
Couture vs Cro Cop (?)
Franklin vs Wandy
by Kilby on Feb 18, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions
some fighters get 6 or more months to train to fight for a maximum of 15 or 25 minutes! Thats way to much time to train, they’re proffesionals already and should already be in amazing shape and their technique should be great. There might be injuries that make them sit on the sidelines but what about the fighters that don’t get hurt. They take another six months when there good enough to fight on the next card. Dana needs to figure some stuff out and especially for the middleweight division.
by wtf itz me on Feb 18, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t wait if this is true. :O
These are two of my favorite fighters.
by Natas on Feb 18, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions
I like this fight. I don’t want to see Wandy fight any scrubs. Rich is a great guage to see were Wandy is at in this stage of his career. He’s lost 4 out of his last five, but they’ve been against top flight competition. The old Cro Cop, Dan Henderson, Chuck, and Rampage. If he beats Rich I can definatley see him being able to fight for a title again at MW. If he looses then I don’t think he’ll get another shot. It won’t be that loss specifically, but I think he just won’t be competitive enough to earn another shot if he looses.
by DB on Feb 18, 2009 5:18 PM EST reply actions
Ya i don’t think wanderlei can afford to loose another fight either. His backs up against the wall, but rich franklin might be too technical standing up. Wanderlei swings for the fences that might be a factor, in either a good or bad way.
by wtf itz me on Feb 18, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
Franklin is washed up. he hasnt beaten anyone worthwhile in a long time. Silva by KO
by Ian on Feb 18, 2009 5:26 PM EST reply actions
rich’s last 5 fights:
Dan Henderson (lost close split decision) top 3 guy in the world
Matt Hamill (won TKO) top 7 in UFC
Travis Lutter(won TKO) had anderson silva in the worst spot we have seen wim yet in UFC
Anderson Silva nothing has to be said about that
Yushin Okami (won UD) #1 contender
Jason Mcdonald (won TKO) at the time considered top 5 in UFC
To say rich is washed up is going a little far. He could beat 90% of the fighters at 185 or 205 on any day.
by sac165 on Feb 18, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Only decent fighters on that list were Okami, Silva, and Hendereson.
Had he lost to any of those other fighters it would have been the upset of the year!
I dont think Rich is washed up, but he wont ever be champion again, no matter what division he chooses to fight in.
I kind of want Rich at middleweight. Its not like he can win the title at LHW anyway, so stay at middleweight. So Many great opponents for Rich at 185 lbs that he has never faced. When he was champ he was fighting b level fighters like Rivera, the crow, deWees….Tanner was a legit challenger!
I want to see Rich face guys like:
gouveai
Goran Reljic
Nate Marquardt
Maia
Bisping
Leites
Those would be five great fights for Rich!
He needs to make peace with the fact that he will never hold the belt again, but thats oK…He had a nice run and will go down in history as a champion. He needs to stay at Middleweight and fight these tough guys!
by john on Feb 18, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
the only probelm with that is he can beat all the middle weights but never the champ, it’s kinda like when tito had the belt and chuck was fighting the top guys. there is no place left for rich but LHW. this fight could go eighter way i see wandy by ko or UD for franklin.
by Blazy J on Feb 18, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
depending on when/if anderson goes to lhw there is definatly a possibility rich can hold the belt again..until anderson wants it back
by sac165 on Feb 18, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
oh and john to call anderson silva and dan henderson just decent is a huge understatement. those are all legit fighters who could all hold titles in other orginazations.
by sac165 on Feb 18, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
i think marquardt could take franklin… perhaps even yushin okami could win a rematch
by brendan on Feb 18, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
Slow Down Sac! Poor choice of words on my part! Hendo and Silva are 2 of my favorite fighters on this planet…. I didnt mean that statement as them just being decent fighters, I was just trying to say that the others werent that good!
No crap that they are more than DECENT, Silva is one of the 3 best fighters on earth!
BLazyJ: a year ago, I would say that Rich could easily beat all the other middleweights besides Anderson. TOday, I am not so sure! Not because I think Rich has lost a step, cause I havent. I just think that other middleweights Have gotten a lot better!
I think Rich would have very tough fights against the top UFC middleweights. None of the fighters I mentioned above would get steamrolled by Rich. He owuld beat a few, but I Promise he wouldnt run the table against those 5 fighters. Thats why I think he should just fight at MW!
by john on Feb 19, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Tough one to call, but at the moment I have to go with Franklin.
I hope he utilizes his clinch, and picks Wandi apart.
Also, I hate to change the subject, but has anyone read Jo Rogans letter that he sent to Kellogs regarding Michael Phelos?
It’s classic.
If your looking for something worth reading, I advise you fund it.
by Madnuts on Feb 18, 2009 5:27 PM EST reply actions
I read it. It’s pretty good. Do you know if Rogan is a member of NORMAL? They asked all their members to send letters to Kellogs.
by DB on Feb 18, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
in my not so humble opinion as someone who has practesed kickboxing and MMA at age 13 Rich has good striking when he fights a wrestler or BJJ guy but when he fights a real striker with the exception of David loiseau he just sucks he cant punch vary well he definitly cant kick dont mention Matt Hamill liver kick look I am not saying wandy is techinqle at all but he still is better than Rich
by Shadow side on Feb 18, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions
holy crap Cro Cop may be coming back to YES!!!!!
WAR CRO COP!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAR WANDERLEI!!!!!!!!!!
by Shadow side on Feb 18, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
Rich is prone to getting KO’d with knees and Wandi has great knees in the clinch. Still will be a great fight because I don’t see this one going to the ground.
by VNDK8 on Feb 18, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions
Rich is prone to getting KO’d by knees made of organic steel delivered by Anderson Silva…I think Rich can take this one if he can avoid the brutal flurry at the beginning.
by MM_Eh on Feb 18, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
I’d put any amount of money on Rich. People forget he has a ground game too if his standing game goes bad.
Lets not forget Silva has said several times that Rich has been his toughest opponent in the UFC. They may look like beatings but Rich stood in the pocket with the best and landed a few before getting owned. No one else can say that about their fights with Silva.
by EazyEismydad on Feb 18, 2009 5:43 PM EST reply actions
a lil birdie told me that kongo and hardonk are now on the main card at 97! mean fight right there…
by markg on Feb 18, 2009 5:54 PM EST reply actions
okay so whats the whole main card looking like on the 97 card, alot of good fights dont know which will be undercards:P
by Jared on Feb 18, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
btw ill take rich. hes the much bigger man, and i think at this point any top 10 fighter not named keith jardine can beat wandy
by Jared on Feb 18, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
so you think that the DeanofMean is top 10?
by the Levi on Feb 18, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Wierd match up but great fight. I think Rich could win this one if he took Wandy down. But he prob. will try to stand and throw so this is pickem fight for me. If it goes to a decision I’m leaning a LITTLE toward Rich. If it ends in a ko, it will be Wandy’s hand raised imo.
by brac on Feb 18, 2009 6:16 PM EST reply actions
screw the kongo/hardonk fight on the main card i’d def rather see stann/krystof on there than that fight ….hell macdonald/quarry would be better even than that one
by maxxwell99 on Feb 18, 2009 6:21 PM EST reply actions
Going with Wanderlei on this one. Should be a great fight to watch. I love the UFC!! I also think MMA fights held in a ring are gay. MMA belongs in a cage.
by blackBEERd on Feb 18, 2009 6:27 PM EST reply actions
I don’t know what all the arguing is about? Rich vs Wandy is a great fight….I rather see big fights if they can happen than Jasckson vs Jardine type fights…..Wandy is a living lengend why should he have an easy fight at 185? Anderson moved up and fought the sandman….Hendo moved up and fought Rich, BJ vs GSP…. some of you guys make it seem like Wandy is a 99yr old man….Wandy vs Rich is a great for the fans….
by Robert(1) on Feb 18, 2009 7:01 PM EST reply actions
gota give it up 2 both these guys..no matter what they never look an easy way out and pick a fight with sum1 with far lower ability than them…hard to pick this fight maybe rich on points if he can utilize the jab and stay away from the wreckless swinging of wanderlei.
although thats how many expected the henderson franklin fight to go (with rich winning on points) wandy doesnt have dans wrestling so thats 1 less thing for rich to think about.
by Randy for Couture on Feb 18, 2009 7:06 PM EST reply actions
Rich will pick wandy apart with relative ease, wandy’s way of fighting doesn’t work anymore and will be proven each time he faces a quality opponent in the ufc.
by LG on Feb 18, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions
I agree that this match up doesn’t make much sence, but who cares. It’s a great fight and in the end that’s all that really matters. I think Franklin will take this one. I think he’s technically the better striker and I think Wandy has lost a step.
by DB on Feb 18, 2009 7:34 PM EST reply actions
I agree GSP vs Anderson really doesn’t make sense but hey let them fight….. same thing here.
by Robert(1) on Feb 19, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
wandy cant put his hands down and throw wild rich is a bit too technical for that he needs to box nice with his hands up close the distance then work some knees any 1 agree
by damon on Feb 18, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions
i do but i think rich will take it, much bigger and has some nice kicks, and i think he actually is the better striker
by Jared on Feb 19, 2009 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
this will be an awesome fight if it happens. i dont care what weight they fight at, 185, 195, 205. id rather have both fighters battle and fight permanently at 185 though.
rich needs to come out more aggressive than the henderson fight. he was way too relaxed in the prefight interviews and during the fight, kinda like he was over this whole fighting thing.
by COR on Feb 18, 2009 7:43 PM EST reply actions
Alot of people have said stuff like “Franklin will take it if it goes to the ground”….
Correct me if i’m wrong but isn’t Wandy a BJJ black belt under Carlos Gracie???
I know we never see it but i think Wandy’s ground game may be VERY underestimated..
by Danny on Feb 18, 2009 8:33 PM EST reply actions
nah whenever he tries to slap on a sub ppl usually get out with relative ease
by Jared on Feb 19, 2009 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
You dorks can yell “war wandi!!!!!!1111” all you want, this ends with him face down on the mat. And you can spare me the crap, because I heard it when I said this for his last fight.
by Jon on Feb 18, 2009 8:53 PM EST reply actions
I would like to see Wandy VS Anderson. I know he doesn’t deserve it yet but that would be an amazing fight at any weight class.
It would have been amazing if Anderson’s first fight at 205 was against Wandy and not the sandman.
by Dubbie81 on Feb 18, 2009 9:00 PM EST reply actions
LOL at those saying Franklin is washed up. He beat Henderson. If not for a Ric Flair thumb to the eye by Hendo, it wouldn’t have even been close.
Any fight against a top fighter is big for Silva. He can’t have many chances left to prove that he isn’t the one who’s washed up.
by Big_B on Feb 18, 2009 10:03 PM EST reply actions
I thought Franklin could have got the decision against Henderson, he was owning him in the final round.
by Jeremyjackson on Feb 18, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
i think franklin won too, very close tho, hendo was eating kicks to the body all day
by markg on Feb 19, 2009 6:03 AM EST up reply actions
no hendo won the first two rounds pretty easy.
by Jared on Feb 19, 2009 7:41 AM EST up reply actions
Rich has been steadily gaining mass for 205 and as DANA WHITE said looks huge.
so why make him cut BACK down when you JUST movbed him UP.
AND
Wandy is cutting DOWN so why give him a HUGE mw at his FIRST fight..
It’s a bad deal for BOTH of my favorite fighters!
FRANKLIN VS VERA
WANDY VS QUARRY
by SoCalStunNa on Feb 19, 2009 2:53 AM EST up reply actions
My only hope is someone in Wand’s camp teaches him how to move his damn head!!!!! Wand will fight anyone anytime, and at any weight (Mark Hunt, had 80 lbs on him), one of the last true warriors walking around.
Please Wanderlei, get Franklin in the clinch and get the knees flying again, it’s only been a few years since you threw the last one.
I don’t like this fight either, two great names, instead of one great fight, have two great fights.
by The Slovak on Feb 19, 2009 8:41 AM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
