UFC Quick Quote: Rich Franklin wants to train with Wanderlei Silva after their date in Deutschland
by MMAmania.com on Apr 11, 2009 10:35 AM EDT
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"He had invited me to train at his gym in Las Vegas before this fight had been scheduled. I have enormous respect for Wanderlei Silva … I’m always in Vegas and intend to train at his academy after this fight. We’re great fighters but UFC wanted to make this fight .... [Silva] is very strong, fast and has knockout power in his hands. Everything I know it’s going to be a big fight. He has victories over Rampage in PRIDE and Jardine in UFC. He’s still hazardous as he was in PRIDE and is still exciting in action. I’m training my clinch, training hard to avoid his Muay Thai clinch. I’m training wrestling and jiu jitsu as well and the rest of the aspects I have trained as I usually do to face other fighters."
-- Get the snorkels ready! Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin reveals (via Fighters Only Magazine) his intentions to train alongside Wanderlei Silva after the pair collide in a 195-pound catchweight bout during the UFC 99: "The Comeback" main event from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, on June 13. Both fighters are in must win situations. Who ya got?
Check out what it's like to train with "The Axe Murderer" after the jump.
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rich is a very respectable guy, i dont care who wins as long as this fight is epic
by Jared on Apr 11, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions
I think rich’s power may be slightly overrated due to the quarry KO. I certainly don’t think he’s got what it takes to shut off Wand.
by NameNotRequired on Apr 11, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed wands chin isnt that fragile when you think about it. cro cop just went cro cop on him, hendo had him rocked from the spinning backfist and than threw i think 2 punches before the left hook and page just had a perfectly placed shot. he withstood chucks punches for the entire fight and will do the same with rich
by Jared on Apr 11, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I definitely do not think that Rich has the ability to finish wanderlei, but Rich is more then capable of winning a decision. I am a big fan of Rich and I respect the hell out of him. He is always a CLASS ACT and he works hard…i just ADORE wanderlie, the guy has given his SOUL to the fans..YOU gotta lOVE that!
As for the actual match up…I think its great. I hope that this fight propels the winner up the ladder in their respected weight classes. I dont think either fighter should be punished for fighting at a catch weight especially since both fighters are top dogs in their opponents new weight class (make sense?).
I say this all the time, but here we go again. In my eyes, I ALWAYS give the edge to the fighter thats capable of FINISHING the fight. Dont take this post as a Knock on Franklin and his skills because I think the WORLD of him. Franklin is a finisher, but I think in this case, he wont be able to finish wanderlei. Wanderlei has been hit by a lot of better strikers that out-weighed wanderlei by tONS…and his chin stood tall for the most part. Besides Anderson, and I guess Hendo, rich has never taken a shot like Wanderlei PACKS…I dont think he will hold up in this fight. Franklin could very well use his technical striking and wrestling/G n P to take wanderlei to a decision and win it….BUt I have to go with the fighter that has the ability to end the fight at any moment over the fighter that will need 15 minutes to win the fight.
Like I said, this post is not a Knock on Franklin. When 2 great fighters are matched up, someone has to lose. I think the world of Franklin, but wanderlei backed up against the corner is a DANGEROUS thing, and I am so incredibly BIASED towards wanderlei that i Have to go with Wandy!
I will probably bet small on wanderlei, but thats just because I love the DUDE!
Anyone know the odds for this fight?
by john on Apr 11, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
“Everything I know it’s going to be a big fight.” not exactly a very good sentence coming from a former teacher :/
by brendan on Apr 11, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
rich franklin is another spoon fed forrest griffin type fighter who cant compete with top competition, i seriously doubt well ever see him holding a title again in his career
by brendan on Apr 11, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Rich hasnt been spoon fed…the only argumental case you have for saying that is Matt Hammill and that was his first fight at 205 so thats not very fair to say. Rich has always fought top competition. His only losses were to A Silva nd lost Split dec to Hendo which could have went either way. Not sure why anyone would say he cant hang…
by c-war on Apr 11, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Brendan, he was a math teacher not an English teacher in his defense.
by halljam2 on Apr 11, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotta respect your post John!!
But I will have to go with Franklin,I think he will be to Technical for Wandy and will either stop him in The later round’s or get a UD!!
by NM on Apr 11, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
rich franklin has only beat one top ten guy in the world, and that is okami… who else has he beaten that is even a contender right now? quarry? lutter? everytime he steps up against top guys, hendo, machida, silva, he has lost… id still say franklin is top ten or so, because he can beat most guys in the ufc at 185, but at 205 i think hes a lamb among wolves, and there are several 185 pounders outside the ufc that would probably murder him
by brendan on Apr 11, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Brendan, I totally disagree. At the time of the 2nd Tanner fight, Evan was world ranked. Loiseau was world ranked when he got beat. Quarry was a fast up and comer, and probably didn’t deserve a shot, so I’ll give you that one. With Jmac, he had just beat 2 TUF vets, and it was only Leben’s 2nd loss in the UFC. Lutter almost armbar’d Silva, and Hamil was his first 205 fight in a while, plus an amazing wrestler, who in many eyes outstruck Bisping. He lost a split to Hendo, and how are you going to hold losses to Spider and Machida against someone?? I think he is a very big threat to the 205 pound title, and is clearly in the picture.
by Synyster on Apr 11, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
if he gets through wanderlei, big IF, they will probably give him another can and then maybe a contender like jardine or cane and if he gets through one of those guys i could see giving him a shot, but theres alot of IFS in my post!
by brendan on Apr 11, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
oh and theres no way he will ever beat machida… that will for sure nullify his chance of being a titleholder at 205
by brendan on Apr 11, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Regardless of the outcome of this fight, I think Rich should fight Chuck or Vera. I think both of those fights would be very exciting. If Chuck loses then I can see it happening, but if he wins, its very doubtful, but the Vera fight, win or lose vs Hamil I can see happening, and I hope it does. I want to see Rich vs the top dogs at 205. Just so you can be wrong. lol. Just kidding. I’ve been a Franklin fan for a while, and I want to see some good fights from him.
by Synyster on Apr 11, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I pick Franklin in this fight, he’s made that weight before and i also think he’s the more complete and stronger fighter at this point in their career’s.. Rich is gonna use his reach just like he did against Hendo, but this time he doesn’t have to worry about getting taken down, so in my eyes Rich has this fight!
by RoB on Apr 11, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Rob, I think you need to watch Wandys fight with Chuck again. Chuck threw everything but the kitchen sink at him and still couldn’t knock him out. Most of the shots that landed througout the whole fight were power shots, and Wandy took them all. Do you honestly think that Franklin is capable of causing more damage than Chuck did. I seriously doubt it. And completly disagree with Brendan saying that Franklin has been spood fed fighters, but I have said many times in the past that I have not seen anything to show me that the Franklin of to day is the same Franklin that beat Tanner and Loiseau, he has not had any real outstanding or memorable performances and the Lutter and Hamill fights were pretty sad. This was one of the reasons that I gave as to why I thought Bisping would satnd a good chance against him because I really have not seen anything of late from Franklin for Bisping to be worried about.
by Ade on Apr 12, 2009 5:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Why do i need to watch that fight again? Chuck dominated and won clearly. go back up and re-read my post, I did not say anything about causing damage, I’m saying that he’s gonna use his reach and outscore him to win the fight pretty much like Chuck did.. you know taking and absorbing punishment does NOT score!
so i do not see what your point is at all?
by RoB on Apr 12, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
My point was that you think that Franklin is the stronger fighter. My point was do you think, that Franklin would be strong enough to take what Wandy did in that fight. My point was that I do no think Rich would have been strong enough to. My point is that I think you are wrong about Franklin being the stronger fighter. Do you get my point now.
by Ade on Apr 13, 2009 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions
ok, but Wanderlei won’t be able to give Franklin what Chuck gave Wand… and ok then he may not be the stronger fighter, but he is bigger and has the reach advantage on him..
by RoB on Apr 13, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Franklin is very technical and will most likely beat Silva. This fight is at 195 lbs so Im not sure who has the advantage but I got Franklin to win it.
by c-war on Apr 11, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
i hope silva wins but i wouln’t bet on it.. big silva fan but what happens when or if he loses via KO?
by mikeybear on Apr 11, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I put money on Rich. I wish the line was closer and I would have put more money on Rich. I think it’s a bad matchup for Wandy. I don’t think you can bum rush a guy a like Rich. And Rich is too long with those angled strikes.
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Apr 11, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d pick Wand.
For those of you who missed it, click my name to see a bunch of pics at the strikeforce weigh in
by kevin on Apr 11, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Great pics and I am happy to see that u enjoyed yourself. HOw tall are you Kev? I ask so that I can see how tall the fighters are when standing next to you.
by john on Apr 11, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Never mind Kevin. I saw that you responded on Facebook. THanks.
Hey everyone, Kevin is only 5’1 in height! Freaking midget! hahahah JOking!
by john on Apr 11, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t click on punch you in the ovaries. it takes you to you porn
by old dirty chinese restaurant on Apr 11, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
If you scroll over it the URL says youporn dot com. Who would have that that was a porn site lol.
by halljam2 on Apr 11, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Kevin,you got a Facebook?
If yeah what’s your email I’ll show you some pic’s.
by NM on Apr 11, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
kevjack115@yahoo.com sorry if this is a double post, trying to comment from iphone
by kevin on Apr 11, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
rumor vitor belfort has signed a 5 fight contract with the ufc. had a meeting on the 11th with them and they agreed on the 5 fight contract
by Jared on Apr 11, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
franklin by decesion, his striking is very technical compared to wandys brawling, franklin could use his reach to jab at silva for all 3 rounds, and of course he will avoid the clinch like the plague!!!!
by jslim on Apr 11, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions
Rich has only gone the distance twice in the UFC, and beyond the 3rd round only one other time. I think he will break Silva’s will, and TKO him late. Unless Wandy gets a cut on him.
by Synyster on Apr 11, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I have to agree… Rich is going to stay at a distance as much as he can scoring points from the outside.
I say Rich, 3 RD UD.
by DJ on Apr 11, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I usually love KO’s but I hope this goes to the judges. I like both these fighters too much to see either of their careers damaged by a KO. Especially Silva. That would make two in a row for him. And American fans have a short memory.
by wAyNe on Apr 11, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
I never forget a good knock out. And I really hope that this fight provides one, a main event should not be a 3 rd decision between two ex champs who are WAY past championship material. We already had to sit through the Henderson-Franklin bore match, so if this fight does not end with one of these two face down dreaming I will not be satisfied and will start to boycott Rich Franklin fights altogether.
by JRE on Apr 11, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
why would you boycott a fight were two guys were almost evenly matched!?! i thought it was a descent fight, but unlike most of us arent in it to see our fav fighter constantly TKO’ed I want wandy to come out of this okay as well as franklin both of these guys have never ducked fights and fight hard to win the fan over just because you are silly enough to believe in wholesale annihilation of any fighter doesnt mean they will fight just for your own content. why would you boycott franklin he has only had 3 decisions in his career and only 2 of them were somewhat slow. but anywhere near a borefest like guida(huggy bear guida, not guida when he first came to the UFC) or maynard. I think your just a franklin hater from the sherdog blogs.
by Santiago69us on Apr 11, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with wAyNe. If they have to go I want them to go out with some dignity. I don’t want to see Chuck shut off again either.
by DSmith on Apr 11, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow…
The more I get to know Wanderlei the more I like him.
No matter who wins this fight, Wanderlei-Silva could be a great tandem. I think these two fighters really could help each other.
Don’t forget that Forrest had Wanderlei helping him for the Rampage fight and he praised Wanderlei a lot as a partner. I think Wanderlei could really help Forrest with his Muay Thai, clinch and so on.
Very nice…
by aman on Apr 11, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
Rich is about the classiest guy in MMA, but I might go with Wandy on this one. I think rich will have to shut off his lights or go for takedowns to win.
by Kuato on Apr 11, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions
I feel Ace possibly by TKO. A decision is more likely in Franklin’s favor I just don’t see Wanderlei knocking him out. Either way it will be an exciting fight and I’ll be happy if both look impressive.
by Vulcano on Apr 11, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions
I am not at all surprised to see Rich going to train with The Wand. Rich loves to torture himself in training. The guy almost always has a black eye when interviewed, and his cardio training is sick. Can’t wait for this fight. I like them both, but I will go with Wandy via tko late in the second. Rich will not look nearly as foolish as he did in the two Anderson fights in the striking game though.
by Ti Odio on Apr 11, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions
Personally, I think Rich will get KTFO. We have already seen how weak Rich is in the clinch and you gotta believe that Wandy is gonna exploit that. Wandy has killer knees and that will chop Rich to the ground where Wandy will pound him out brutally.
by mike on Apr 11, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
Rich is not weak in the clinch. It is one of the best parts of his game but against Silva it looked weak. Anderson has the sickest Thai clinch in all of mma. Watch Rich man handle guys with the clinch, it happens over and over.
I see this being a fight where Rich uses his reach advantage like Chuck did against Wandy. He will use his superior footwork to counterstrike and may even look to put Silva on his back where Rich can deliver thos fight ending blows.
I really like both of these guys and I know Rich personally. I did not want to see this fight happen because I don’t like to see either lose but I do think it will be a fun fight to watch
by StayDown on Apr 28, 2009 6:58 AM EDT up reply actions
HATE to see this fight but it should be EPIC…
Both are two of my favorites, can’t pick a winner!
Although, i think WANDY has an edge is the experience department just because he has faced higher leverl of competition
ie: Crop cop, Henderson, Rampage, Liddell, Jardine etc.
Don’t get me wrong tho Franklin has faced tough guys too A. Silva, Quarry, Lyoto machida, Tanner etc.
by SoCalStunNa on Apr 11, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions
Very excited for this fight. IMO, it boils down to if Rich can keep his distance or if Wanderlei can force his way inside.
by ShitleTot.com on Apr 11, 2009 8:15 PM EDT reply actions
i think this fight is clearly a wanderlei win. like other ppl said rich is garbage when he gets put in a clinch we have seen it time an time again and wanderlei is a master at the clinch. he also has loads of experince on his side when he was in pride he was taking fights at a months notice and still killing mofos. and he is deff a more powerfull and explosive fighter than franklin. i see franklin getting knocked out in the first with his teeth laying there next to him
by JoshHop on Apr 24, 2009 10:57 AM EDT reply actions
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