Rich Franklin hopes to begin "Cinderella" run to UFC title against Cung Le at UFC 148

Quote :

Rich Franklin has been out of action since a decision loss to Forrest Griffin last February, but he's getting back into the cage this summer when he moves back to the middleweight division against Cung Le. In moving back to 185 lbs., Franklin is hoping to put together one final run at a UFC title before he finishes his MMA career.

"The great Cinderella story would be for me to drop to 185 and make a run for the title," Franklin said in an interview with MMAJunkie.com. "I can't say I haven't thought about that. But I don't want to put the carriage before the horse. I have a tough opponent in front of me, and I really need to focus on that fight first and get some momentum going."

It would be an incredible feat for Franklin to get himself back into a title fight four and a half years after his last bout with Anderson Silva, but he knows it's not going to be an easy task. First up is former Strikeforce Champ Le, who presents quite a few different challenges for Franklin, and he isn't looking past that.

"This is not an easy fight," he said. "He's southpaw, and I've historically had problems with southpaws. So this will be a good challenge for me to come back at 185."

source

I don't know.

This isn't the same MW division that he left 4 years ago. Even if Silva retires before Franklin gets near a title shot, there's still some killers in his way. You got guys that can overwhelm you like Sonnen and Munoz, and remember that guy Vitor Belfort? Actually, you probably don't.

I don't know if he can rule today's MW division. he can definitely be competitive, but I don't see him being champion.

Sadly Trig, I agree with you. But he had a much better shot at 185 then he does 205. There's also much better fights for him at MW. After he beats Le I'd love to see him take on Bisping.

I do prefer him at MW, as well.

I'd love to see a Franklin/Stann match-up.

I thought Rich was a Math Teacher.... cause things sure don't add up for him in the MW division. He'll never get near the title again.

Maybe by "adding" himself to the "division", he can "subtract" a "fraction" of the weight disadvantage he has at LHW. I just hope he doesn't make "multiple" weight-class jumps, because it would diminish his "value" in either class. I know he's not that old, but I have to think that the "number" of fights he has left isn't a huge "total", and I don't think he can "inch" too close to a title shot by bouncing around. It's not a good "formula", IMO.
MW is probably for the best. Even though he isn't "equal" to the fighter he was in his "prime", it will be a good "measure" of where he stands.

I wish him the best. Always one of my favorite fighters.
However, at his age and history of injuries, I think even one loss could force him into retirement.

I always liked Rich but he is out of the mix. Like stock said one good beat down on him will probably be his last. plus with the way Vitor steam rolled through him i just dont think he can stand up to most of the top 10 middle weights any more. I could be wrong but i dont think i am.

Franklin is one of my favorite fighters of all time. I hope he goes out ahead of the game instead of getting beaten up time after time like Hughes is doing and then ends up being forced out for his own good.

Best of luck to MMA's most hardest working athlete! Rich deserves the Cinderella story. I hope he does it!! Like this guy right here (Wishful thinking)

I agree that he will be virtually "mathematically" eliminated from contention with one loss.



OK, that was my last one, I promise.