Fighters Only

Issue 054

September 2009

Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin is one of the most recognizable faces in the UFC. A former middleweight champion, Franklin has fought some of the toughest competitors in both the 185lb and 205lb divisions.

STATISTICS

Name Rich Franklin

Age 34

Height 6’1”

Category Middle / Light Heavyweight

Record 25-4-0 (1 nc)

Fighting Style Kickboxing / jiu-jitsu

Fights out of Cincinnati, Ohio

Active since 2000

He made his UFC debut back in 2003, beating the tough Evan Tanner. Since then ‘Ace’ has stepped into the Octagon a total of 14 times, picking up wins over fighters such as Ken Shamrock, Nate Quarry, David Loiseau, Jason MacDonald, Yushin Okami, Travis Lutter, Matt Hamill and even Wanderlei Silva. In fact, Franklin’s only losses in the Octagon were to Anderson Silva (twice) and Dan Henderson.

A well-traveled competitor, Franklin has fought as far afield as Canada, the UK and Japan. It was in Japan that he picked up his other notable loss – a second-round TKO to current UFC 205lb champion, Lyoto Machida.

Having fought most of his career as a light heavyweight, Franklin really made his name at 185lb, but in 2008 decided to go back to 205lb due to the presence of champion Anderson Silva, who Franklin has no desire to face again. The two even trained together in Los Angeles, with Silva helping Franklin prepare for his recent fight against Wanderlei Silva.

Composure

A cerebral fighter and clinical technician, Franklin is a former high-school math teacher who brings an analytical approach to combat. Intelligent and articulate, he is a precise striker and competent grappler and one of the UFC’s best all-rounders.

Weight

By no means a small light heavyweight, Franklin’s ability to cut down to 185lb saw him capture UFC gold but his two unsuccessful tilts with Anderson Silva prompted him to re-evaluate his career path. Going back up to 205lb, he handled Matt Hamill and lost the closest of decisions to Dan Henderson (missing out on a coaching spot on TUF as a result). Recently, he met Wanderlei at a catchweight of 195lb, but insists he will campaign at 205lb from now on.

Left Leg

Fighting out of a southpaw stance, one of Franklin’s biggest weapons is his left body-kick. He stopped Matt Hamill by repeatedly slamming his shin into the liver (a major organ located on the right side of the torso and a perfect target for the left-handed fighter).

Career Snapshot

2000

Makes MMA debut on regional-level events in the Midwest.

2003

Makes UFC debut against Evan Tanner. Suffers first loss to Lyoto Machida (in Japan).

2004

Rebounds from first loss of career with four wins.

2005

Beats Ken Shamrock on the first TUF finale. Drops to 185lb and

wins UFC title.

2006

Loses middleweight title to Anderson Silva.