Franklin to 205?

Kurtis636 · 05-01-2008, 04:56 AM

Looks like it might be a possibility. Realistically there are very few fights left for him at 185. There are some, but what do you do if he keeps on beating contenders and you have a clear cut 1 and 2 in the division? At this point I think the only way Rich stays at 185 is if Anderson loses (not likely anytime soon) or changes weight classes.

- RICH FRANKLIN MOVING TO 205? - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more

levi69 · 05-01-2008, 05:07 AM

I completly agree with what you said captin

sidewindergunnar · 05-01-2008, 07:35 AM

yeah I think rich will keep fighting contenders and just hope that anderson silva loses, otherwise I think he has to move up to 205 if he ever wants to hold the title again

FatCat · 05-01-2008, 08:13 AM

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. He'd be nowhere near the top 5 if he moved up to 205. He's not extremely technical in any facet of the fight game. He wins fights @ 185 because of his size and strength and would forfeit that with a move to 205. Lose lose situation.

FightFan76 · 05-01-2008, 09:20 AM

I dont see Rich moving up 1st and foremost b/c he has stated time and time again he does not want too. If he was to fight the only other MW who could possible beat him IMO which is Hendo, and he beat him, then somewhere down the road he may very well fight Silva for the title if he does not lose the belt. I personally dont know if he could ever beat Silva, but I do believe he could use a different strategy and make a good run at it and make a better fight anyway.....

Bomber · 05-01-2008, 09:34 AM

I have to have to have to see Franklin vs Henderson at 185. I've waited long enough dammit, make it happen.

I'd be more than interested in seeing how Franklin would fare at 205, but let's deal with the unfinished business first and line up Hendo vs Ace.

Cuts O Meat · 05-01-2008, 09:37 AM

I'm still waiting to see Franklin vs Kampmann.. Anyone know when Kampmann is due back?

Gooner · 05-01-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bomber

I have to have to have to see Franklin vs Henderson at 185. I've waited long enough dammit, make it happen.

I'd be more than interested in seeing how Franklin would fare at 205, but let's deal with the unfinished business first and line up Hendo vs Ace.

You and me both. (where have you been btw)

Allegedly (MMAjunkie) Franklin was offered Hendo at UFC 85, but he turned it down because he just fought Lutter.
They should fight later this year though.

Also, I'm not sure if he'll want to move up after Hendo KO's him...

Notbuddyrich · 05-01-2008, 10:51 AM

I think Anderson Silva is too deep in Rich's head for Rich to make a 3rd stab at it, i think he should keep fighting tough opponents, entertaining the crowd and putting on good performances, and if anderson ever loses, i see rich having a good chance of taking it back. THEN, we may see anderson silva vs rich franklin 3, if silva wants his belt back.

with that said i dont see silva losing anytime soon at all, soooo....sorry Franklin.

FightFan76 · 05-01-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

You and me both. (where have you been btw)

Allegedly (MMAjunkie) Franklin was offered Hendo at UFC 85, but he turned it down because he just fought Lutter.
They should fight later this year though.

Also, I'm not sure if he'll want to move up after Hendo KO's him...

Maybe its just me, but I think people are selling Rich short against Hendo. At 1st I didnt think Rich stood a chance aginst Hendo either but the thing is, Rich matches up much better stylistically w/ Hendo than he does Silva. I believe Hendo could take Rich down and beat on him but we all know that Hendo will try to slug it out w/ Rich where I give Rich a slight edge. Having said that, I know Hendo could KO Rich w/ a solid shot but I believe Rich could put Hendo in alot of trouble as well. Either way I believe this would be a solid 2-3 round fight and would not be suprised if either guy won.....

Mulla · 05-01-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuts O Meat

I'm still waiting to see Franklin vs Kampmann.. Anyone know when Kampmann is due back?

He's fighting Jorge Riveira at UFC85.

Cuts O Meat · 05-01-2008, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

He's fighting Jorge Riveira at UFC85.

Gnarley! Thanks for the tip dude

StrikeHARD · 05-01-2008, 01:27 PM

I think there are still a few fights left for Franklin before he should consider moving up. I think Henderson, Maia, Leben - and after his recent impressive performance - Bisping, would be matches I'd like to see Rich in.

It all depends on his mind-set though. I really don't see him holding the belt again, aslong as Silva is around - So it really depends whether he is content to be known as the number 2 Middleweight, and to cement his reputation as that, or does he always strive to be number one - In which case he might want to move up in an attempt to regain a title... Although I really don't see him holding the LHW belt either; Rampage, Chuck, Shogun and Wanderlei are fights I don't see him winning. although there are several fights I'd like to see him in at 205... Thiago Silva, Griffin, Jardine, Machida etc.

Bomber · 05-01-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

where have you been btw

I tried to PM you, but this is what I got:

Gooner has exceeded their stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space.

I post on one audio board, three photography boards (my new hobby) and two MMA boards. Plus I have to work once in a while so I don't get fired. I need my job to support all my hobbies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

Allegedly (MMAjunkie) Franklin was offered Hendo at UFC 85, but he turned it down because he just fought Lutter.
They should fight later this year though.

Hope so!

opsy · 05-01-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

Also, I'm not sure if he'll want to move up after Hendo KO's him...

I agree, if Hendo comes in shape

BCguy · 05-01-2008, 02:18 PM

I think Franklin would have a lot of trouble at 205. I can see him getting KO'ed on a regular basis by the top fighters at LHW.

Gooner · 05-01-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bomber

I tried to PM you, but this is what I got:

Gooner has exceeded their stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space.

I post on one audio board, three photography boards (my new hobby) and two MMA boards. Plus I have to work once in a while so I don't get fired. I need my job to support all my hobbies.

Hope so!

Yeah, Rush keeps clogging up my inbox with all those flirty PMs.
I'll need to save them and make some room for new ones...

Cool, just remember to pop in here once in a while as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by opsy

I agree, if Hendo comes in shape

Rich's only chance of winning would be via decision, no way is he submitting or knocking out Hendo.
He'll have a better shot at getting that in a 3 round fight as well imo.
But chances are Hendo will drop Rich at some point inside the 3 rounds and get the finish.

Ryduce · 05-01-2008, 03:22 PM

I remember discussing this when I first came to the boards along time ago. Back then I was pretty emphatic that Hendo would KO Rich rather easily.

I still think Dan would be the favorite and probably win. His duck my head and throw right hands routine would only have to catch Rich once, and it seems pretty fair to say that he could take Rich down if he gets in serious trouble on the feet. However, I really don't like Hendo at 185. He loses something at that weight. He hasn't looked good there in awhile.

So if Rich doesn't get caught with Hendo trying to brawl, I think he could eventually overwhelm him as the fight progresses.Although I don't think he could finish him.

opsy · 05-01-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

Yeah, Rush keeps clogging up my inbox with all those flirty PMs.

forward ftw

Quote:

Rich's only chance of winning would be via decision, no way is he submitting or knocking out Hendo.
He'll have a better shot at getting that in a 3 round fight as well imo.
But chances are Hendo will drop Rich at some point inside the 3 rounds and get the finish.

The in shape was a Hughes reference

And it's not like Rich sets a fast pace bullying his opponents around the ring wearing them down. Striking gets him his victories. Hendo will have him backing up for the whole fight, and can afford to take a few shots.

Kurtis636 · 05-01-2008, 03:33 PM

I'd like to see Rich vs. Hendo and Rich vs. Marquardt, but I don't know that we'll see either any time soon since those are probably the next two in line to fight Silva after Okami. I have a hard time seeing the UFC putting any of those 3 up against each other in the near future. I wouldn't mind Rich vs. Bisping, but again it's probably not a fight that will happen since the UFC doesn't really want to see either one lose.