Henderson vs Franklin

Greenman · 03-15-2006, 07:28 PM

I know it likely won't happen, but if I had one MMA wish, I think that would be it. Oh, and maybe real female UFC MMA.

[Danny] · 03-15-2006, 08:05 PM

He fought in the UFC back in the day, but he's been a staple for Pride for 6 years now. I doubt we will see him leave. But I want a match between him and Franklin. I think that those two are the only ones that can beat each other at 185 pounds.

angryjonny · 03-15-2006, 09:18 PM

You are forgetting that Lindland could very possibly beat both of them Danny. But yeah I'd love to see Rich and Dan throw down.

[Danny] · 03-15-2006, 10:51 PM

Whever I think of Lindland at the top of the rankings, I think of Terrell vs him at UFC 49. I don't think Lindland could hang with Dan or Rich.

Flying Triangle Choke · 03-16-2006, 12:58 AM

that fight with Terrell was priceless...it's almost literally a blink-and-you-miss-it fight

sitnspin · 03-16-2006, 05:37 AM

Lindland and Henderson wouldn't fight, and I no longer think Matt could beat Franklin, because wrestling is his deal and strength factors too much into that. I've decided that Franklin is way stronger than Matt Lindland and probably couldn't be controlled on the ground.

angryjonny · 03-16-2006, 10:01 AM

I can understand people writing Lindland off because of the Terrell fight and I'm not saying that isn't a possibility because anyone can be knocked out but on the other hand Lindland and Henderson are the best wrestlers at 185 and I think Lindland might be a little better. No way Franklin could hang, he may be a little more powerful but he is surely not a better wrestler. But obviously the edge would be the striking for both of them. And just because they won't fight being out of the same camp doesn't mean Matt couldn't beat Dan and shouldn't be included at the top. In my opinion they are the big 3 right now with a couple others not too far behind. Everyone thinks Rich and Dan are like these invincible fighters but there are a few guys who could take both of them out.

sitnspin · 03-16-2006, 11:38 AM

I completely agree that Matt is the superior wrestler to Franklin, but I still think Rich would beat him. I think his conditioning is better, he's stronger, and he has a more complete game than Matt.

I also agree that people are probably giving Rich Franklin even more credit than he deserves, but until someone comes along and beats him (the Rich Franklin of TODAY), I can't fully analyze his weaknesses. I need to see some weaknesses first.

Matt Lindland is definitely deserving of more respect than he's received in this sport, and I'm hoping he ends up finding a home in Pride where he can show his stuff.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 04:47 PM

Last week I would have said it would be real close, but after last nights performance, I have my doubts. Henderson wasn't throwing many jabs, and his right didn't connect as much as Misaki's leg kicks, which won the fight for him. I see Henderson thriving much more in the octagon, where he can pin an opponent against the cage (standing) and work them with elbows and "dirty boxing" from the clinch, that in a ring. I on the other hand, it was Misaki who put Henderson in the corner in round 1...Maybe Dan was sick or something...

I think it would be a compelling match if both men were at their peak. Both like to box, Dan is orthodox, while Rich is a southpaw. Henderson is an olympic class wrestler, while Franklin is a Brown belt in BJJ and a second-string High School football player. Franklin has been dropped by a bomb to his chin more than once, but quickly regains his composure (except against Machida), while Henderson has yet to be knocked out. both men have excelent cardio, but it looked like Henderson was gassed a little last night.

Any thoughts?

Ryduce · 08-28-2006, 04:51 PM

If Henderson lands that big right he'll win.

However,I do think Rich is a better all around fighter.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 05:00 PM

One thing though, Franklin has an unusual ability to break people's faces. I don't think I've seem him fight anyone where they weren't a bloody, mangled mess after three rounds.

Ryduce · 08-28-2006, 05:07 PM

The Crow dropped him with a big left,Tanner rocked him pretty good,and Machida KOed him.

I think Franklin would win,but Henderson could easily drop him if his shots land.

Gooner · 08-28-2006, 05:20 PM

Hendo would beat Franklin. And so would probabaly Filho and Kang too.

Also, when you beat another fighter, you are a better "all around fighter". Simple as that.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 05:44 PM

Unlike some sports, nothing in combat sports is certain. If you make it out undefeated, you're either fighting the wrong people, or you are Rocky Marciano. I think once you get into the top 5-10 in any weight division in Boxing, wrestling, or MMA, anyone has a chance to upset anyone. I was talking about a compelling match up between two very complimentary fighters, not a who-do-you-think-would-win? I think Henderson has lost to the bigger names, and I give him lots of respect. I was surprised to see Franklin top the 185 catagory charts on MMAweekly, but after Saturday night, I think they're right. Misaki didn't hurt Henderson, but Henderson didn't hurt him either. I think Franklin would have. My opinion may change, depending how Silva/Franklin goes.

By the way: this fight will NEVER happen because fighting orgs (like PRIDE and UFC) are businesses promoting their fighters, not a worldwide unified association. So stop promoting the org over the sport or we'll never see Silva/Liddell, Henderson/Franklin, or Fedor/Silvia. What MMA needs is a Superbowl between UFC and PRIDE FC, Like an annual GP between top contenders in BOTH orgs. Using a unified system of rules. It will not be happening anytime soon, but it would be nice.

tejas · 08-29-2006, 12:28 AM

ive said this before and ill repeat it here. rich franklin is pound for pound the best fighter in the world imo. i know some of you are gonna say fedor like last time but ill stand by my opinion. that being said, he hasnt fought in several months, not sure anyone really knows how good he will be. if he comes in 100%, silva better take some advils before, during and after the fight. chris leben wont be in front of him this time.

GSPALLTHEWAY · 08-29-2006, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooner

Hendo would beat Franklin. And so would probabaly Filho and Kang too.

Also, when you beat another fighter, you are a better "all around fighter". Simple as that.

gotta be honest, id guess kang would be a 6 to 1 underdog in that fight... you must be a huge pride fine.. franklin is the best in the world right now bar none... someone needs to drop down to even give him a run

Ryduce · 08-29-2006, 12:34 AM

He is gonna get dropped come October.

w0264007 · 08-29-2006, 12:59 AM

I wouldn't say he is the best. I WOULD say he is one of the best: well conditioned, very determined, and a very smart fighter. Loiseau is very dangerous, but Franklin took him out of his game and beat him with a broken hand and a bum ankle. If Silva is as good as everyone says (I think Leben is good, but still young), then we're gonna see a war because Franklin won't give up the belt until he's unconscious or dead...I just don't think Silva wants it that bad yet...I'm sure he THINKS he does, but he doesn't, and he's going to find that out in October.

Sevensinsproject · 08-29-2006, 05:04 AM

look for franklin to get hurt and take it to the ground where he has the major advantage...otherwise he'll get ko'd

Anti-Sanchez · 08-29-2006, 06:12 AM

Franklin would've dominated the Henderson that showed up the other night at Bushido. And I'm a big fan of both fighters. Henderson just looked uninspired. Now if both guys are running on full cylinders at 100% then I'd give the edge 51%/49% Franklin. Both guys have rediculous punching power and can end a fight with 1 shot.