UFC 103: Hermes Franca vs Tyson Griffin possible for Sept. 19
by Jesse Holland on Jun 17, 2009 11:24 PM EDT
24 comments
UFC lightweights Hermes Franca (19-7) and Tyson Griffin (13-2) are in talks to compete in a 155-pound match up at UFC 103 in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 19, according to MMAWeekly.
Franca has been on a roller coaster ride during the past 18 months. The former number one contender returned from a 12-month steroids suspension in 2008, losing to Frank Edgar in his July comeback fight at UFC Fight Night 14.
The Brazilian then rebounded with a win against his former Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher Marcus Aurelio at UFC 90: "Silva vs. Cote" in October. And shortly thereafter he was arrested in Jupiter, Fla., on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
That case is still pending; however, Franca has insisted that he was exhausted, which caused him to drive erratically. He is innocent until proven guilty.
Franca was then penciled in to battle Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 17 back on February 7 but was forced to withdraw due to an ACL tear in his right knee, which should be good to go by September.
Griffin is coming off a closely contested unanimous decision win over Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night 18 this past April in a scrap that awarded both men ‘Fight of the Night’ honors.
The Xtreme Couture product seems to have a thing for being judged, going the distance in his last seven fights and winning five of them. Prior to Dos Anjos, he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Sean Sherk at UFC 90 after stringing together four straight victories since UFC 67.
And that’s the thing with Griffin -– fireworks always seem to follow him. In fact, he’s been rewarded with several "Fight of the Night" bonuses in addition to one he nabbed on April 1. Perhaps the only thing keeping him out of serious title consideration is his inability to finish.
He'll get yet another chance to make a statement when he battles Franca later this fall.
For more on the still-developing fight card for UFC 103 click here.
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Griffin UD even though i want Hermes to win. It will be like Franka-Edgar. He’s gonna get outboxed coz of his wild hooks and his sub game relies too much on lulling guys to sleep before pouncing. Griffin’s top game and scrambles are too good for that.
by NameNotRequired on Jun 17, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Griffin will outwork him and most likely get another decision win.
by Johnny Farnham on Jun 18, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be an amazing fight. I like Hermes chances!
by JOhn G on Jun 18, 2009 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed. Although, as I said, I reckon Griffin will have a higher intensity. It’s another shoe-in for Griffin to add to his pile of Fight Of The Night honors too.
But I never rule Hermes out, he’s quality.
by Johnny Farnham on Jun 18, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Griffin tends to do well against BJJ guys. Franca has some heavy hands and knees, but I don’t see him knocking Tyson out.
by DB on Jun 18, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DB: I dont see it either, but I wouldnt be shocked at all if he knocks Tyson’s head off! Hermes throws these Clubbing power punches that really inflict Damage, and his Knees just BLAST people!
His JIts is also top notch, and in his last fight we saw Tyson struggle a little aginst good jist. THis will be a great fight, that will be contested both standing on the ground. BOth guys are strong standing and on the ground.
If I had to make an early prediction, I would have to go with Tyson. Hermes hasnt fought in a while, and I expect some Cage rust. Imo the difference in this fight will probably be the high level pace that Tyson will push. I do not think that Hermes can keep up with that pace…he wont be able to beat Tyson if it goes to a decesion….but he is fully capable of finishing anyone at 155 lbs….I really think that Hermes will have to finish Tyson to beat him.
I am much more of a Hermes fan then a tyson fan, but Im just trying to keep it real!
by JOhn G on Jun 18, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefuly the UFC doesnt allow Tyson to duck Nate Diaz much longer!
by JOhn G on Jun 18, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hermes ftw! Tyson is starting to annoy me… that dude throws everything into every punch and he can’t seem to realize that that’s not the way to roll if you want to finish a fight!
by RoB on Jun 17, 2009 11:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Griffin by – what else? Decision.
by Jeremyjackson on Jun 17, 2009 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah… I like Tyson alot, but man.. Finish your fights man. Hes a great fighter, but not finishing Dos Anjos.. Him and Frankie Edgar need to fix that. Exciting fighters, but as much finishing abilities as Matt Serra.
by Syn on Jun 17, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see how this fight benefits Griffin very much.
by DSmith on Jun 18, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d dump Griffin. He doesnt use what got him him there. I am looking at a current list of eligible fighters for this event and I cant figure out a main event.
by Kilby on Jun 18, 2009 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Franca will catch him with a knee at one point while Tyson try’s to shoot and that will be all folks
by See What Had Happend Was !!!! on Jun 18, 2009 12:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats right Tyson isnt Sherk, thats why Tyson will have his pillow/blankey/ and pacifier and be out cold after Franca hits him with a Knee
by See What Had Happend Was !!!! on Jun 18, 2009 12:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like tyson, and I think he will pull win
Maybe decision but it’ll be great
I wanna see griffin vs joe daddy
Hermes vs florian is interesting tho it won’t happen soon but it can be good
by phenomenal angel on Jun 18, 2009 1:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
franca = jackass. exhausted my ass. I’ve seen that dude and he is no bowl full muffins when hes all messed up. I think this is a guy that gets away with plenty of naughty shennanagins who wont learn until hes held accountable.
by jeff on Jun 18, 2009 8:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How did I miss that ufc 103 is going to be in Dallas! I will definitely go watch this event live. Any other Maniacs live in DFW and going to see this event?
by Mad A on Jun 18, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I will be there! Im in Grand Prairie!
by Chadx23 on Jun 24, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When did they announce it was in Dallas ??? Im in Houston and i will definatly find a way to be there
by See What Had Happend Was !!!! on Jun 18, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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