Comments on: What’s next for Rich Franklin? http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/ Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:49:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: manny http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127547 manny Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:59:03 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127547 I dont see him being champion or top contender at MW or LHW. I dont see him being champion or top contender at MW or LHW.

]]> By: Bullylover http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127465 Bullylover Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:13:57 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127465 it's only been 4 days since saturday and people are talking about rich franklin being a gatekeeper.if that's the case then majority or fighters in their respective weight classes are gatekeepers.I mean sure rich may never be champ again with silva being MW champ and machida being lhw champ but lets not throw the man to the wolves just yet.like moose and rich s. have been saying there are still plenty of quality matches for rich in the ufc. If people can be nuthugging brandon vera right now then why the hell are they doubting rich franklin who is a way better fighter.you coul have rich face forresst,lil nog,tito,t.silva,luis cane,shogun(if he loses to machida)cantwell,stann,etc. it’s only been 4 days since saturday and people are talking about rich franklin being a gatekeeper.if that’s the case then majority or fighters in their respective weight classes are gatekeepers.I mean sure rich may never be champ again with silva being MW champ and machida being lhw champ but lets not throw the man to the wolves just yet.like moose and rich s. have been saying there are still plenty of quality matches for rich in the ufc. If people can be nuthugging brandon vera right now then why the hell are they doubting rich franklin who is a way better fighter.you coul have rich face forresst,lil nog,tito,t.silva,luis cane,shogun(if he loses to machida)cantwell,stann,etc.

]]> By: neijia http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127464 neijia Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:53:00 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127464 > I hope he doesn’t become a stepping stone for future stars or the guy in between divisions, fighting for no reason. If you're not a contender for the belt, being a stepping stone or gatekeeper is the next best thing --- but there are still plenty of entertaining matchups for fighters who aren't going to win the belt and who are no longer in "up and coming" status. Dan Henderson is another guy who is not gonna beat Anderson Silva or Lyoto Machida, but he also has a name, always goes 110% and is fun to watch. If there is some question who won, having Hendo vs. Franklin again could be hyped up a bit. > I hope he doesn’t become a stepping stone for future stars or the guy in between divisions, fighting for no reason.

If you’re not a contender for the belt, being a stepping stone or gatekeeper is the next best thing — but there are still plenty of entertaining matchups for fighters who aren’t going to win the belt and who are no longer in “up and coming” status. Dan Henderson is another guy who is not gonna beat Anderson Silva or Lyoto Machida, but he also has a name, always goes 110% and is fun to watch. If there is some question who won, having Hendo vs. Franklin again could be hyped up a bit.

]]> By: moosebaby02 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127438 moosebaby02 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:20:52 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127438 more good points Rich. Just keep given him big name fights like he wants. He is an fighter/entertainer who go's to war for the fans. more good points Rich. Just keep given him big name fights like he wants. He is an fighter/entertainer who go’s to war for the fans.

]]> By: Rich S. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127435 Rich S. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:56:20 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127435 I can understand why people don't think Franklin will ever be champion again.. But, honestly, who do you think WILL beat Anderson or Machida? I can't think of anyone who can beat them skill-wise.. Maybe a freak knockout, but that's it.. He's still a great fighter, he's just unlucky in that he fights at 185-205, weight classes who's champions are two of the best fighters on the planet.. And he's definitely got what it takes to GET a title shot.. I mean, if you can beat Hendo (we'll say he beat him, for the sake of arguement) and Wandy, you can hang with most of the LHW division.. I just don't think he wants a title shot.. He's stated that he doesn't want to fight Anderson again, and he doesn't think he needs a rematch with Lyoto, because he lost definitively.. I'm with you, moose. I think it's pretty sad that he still only has 4 REAL losses in 30 fights and people are already giving up on him.. I'm not going to mention the Machida and Anderson losses, because I have so many times and I don't think they need explaining.. But, in regards to Vitor, normally people think of him as an on and off fighter.. knocking someone out, then losing a decision, and on and on and on.. Well, now, he seems to be on a role.. Maybe he'll be the next Anderson Silva now that he's training at XC.. We won't know until his next fight.. But, if he gets another quick knockout, you can't take anything from Franklin's chin.. On another note, if ANYTHING, Rich's chin is commendable for not actually getting knocked out in the Silva fights.. I can understand why people don’t think Franklin will ever be champion again.. But, honestly, who do you think WILL beat Anderson or Machida? I can’t think of anyone who can beat them skill-wise.. Maybe a freak knockout, but that’s it..

He’s still a great fighter, he’s just unlucky in that he fights at 185-205, weight classes who’s champions are two of the best fighters on the planet..

And he’s definitely got what it takes to GET a title shot.. I mean, if you can beat Hendo (we’ll say he beat him, for the sake of arguement) and Wandy, you can hang with most of the LHW division..

I just don’t think he wants a title shot.. He’s stated that he doesn’t want to fight Anderson again, and he doesn’t think he needs a rematch with Lyoto, because he lost definitively..

I’m with you, moose. I think it’s pretty sad that he still only has 4 REAL losses in 30 fights and people are already giving up on him.. I’m not going to mention the Machida and Anderson losses, because I have so many times and I don’t think they need explaining.. But, in regards to Vitor, normally people think of him as an on and off fighter.. knocking someone out, then losing a decision, and on and on and on.. Well, now, he seems to be on a role.. Maybe he’ll be the next Anderson Silva now that he’s training at XC.. We won’t know until his next fight.. But, if he gets another quick knockout, you can’t take anything from Franklin’s chin..

On another note, if ANYTHING, Rich’s chin is commendable for not actually getting knocked out in the Silva fights..

]]> By: fanoftna33 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127431 fanoftna33 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:40:34 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127431 I think people started to think he had a suspect chin way back when he fought Quarry and one of the main points leading up to the fight was Quarry stating how he had heavy hands and Rich had a weak chin. Like people have stated he has only been koed by 3 fighters, all three are great champions(I know Vitor was only champ for about a week but he was LHW champ). If Rich starts dropping like Liddell then I would think talk of a weak chin was warented. I think people started to think he had a suspect chin way back when he fought Quarry and one of the main points leading up to the fight was Quarry stating how he had heavy hands and Rich had a weak chin. Like people have stated he has only been koed by 3 fighters, all three are great champions(I know Vitor was only champ for about a week but he was LHW champ). If Rich starts dropping like Liddell then I would think talk of a weak chin was warented.

]]> By: moosebaby02 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127427 moosebaby02 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:28:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127427 well put shin. Franklin is not done yet. His last 3 fights were against title holders either in the UFC or Pride. Also he has been stopped once in those fights. The man lost 4 fights his whole life all of a sudden people says he has a suspect chin??? 3 of the 4 was a ko and two tko's. Vitor former title holder and Anderson current title holder. There are worse records out there with more ko or tko's out there. He is know were close to being a gatekeeper yet but if he continues to slide then in the future yes. Still way to much you can get out of him still well put shin. Franklin is not done yet. His last 3 fights were against title holders either in the UFC or Pride. Also he has been stopped once in those fights. The man lost 4 fights his whole life all of a sudden people says he has a suspect chin??? 3 of the 4 was a ko and two tko’s. Vitor former title holder and Anderson current title holder. There are worse records out there with more ko or tko’s out there. He is know were close to being a gatekeeper yet but if he continues to slide then in the future yes. Still way to much you can get out of him still

]]> By: mu_shin http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127425 mu_shin Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:11:57 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127425 I've written previously about the honorable role of the journeyman fighter, specifically about Heath Herring, but I think Rich Franklin may also fulfill that role in the future. He's still tough, still talented, but seems unlikely to challenge for either MW or LHW titles. That does not mean he can't put on entertaining fights that MMA fans would feel good about paying to see. Many of the potential matches mentioned above would be crowd pleasers and competitive contests, so as long as Franklin trains hard and brings his best game to the octagon, I'd expect the UFC to continue to give him the opportunity against quality opponents. A lot was written about the "glancing blow" that Couture took from Brock, and I was a little surprised at seeing Franklin fold as he did against Belfort, but having had the experience of being clipped by "glancing" punches and kicks and seeing stars, as well as staring up into the lights a couple of times, I would never second guess a fighter like Rich Frankllin. If he went down, it's because his lights were going out, and Belfort deserves credit for that kind of punching power. I'm sure we all would have liked to have seen that fight develop a bit more, and see more and better action from those two warriors, but MMA can't be scripted, and it played the way it played on fight day,.. I’ve written previously about the honorable role of the journeyman fighter, specifically about Heath Herring, but I think Rich Franklin may also fulfill that role in the future. He’s still tough, still talented, but seems unlikely to challenge for either MW or LHW titles. That does not mean he can’t put on entertaining fights that MMA fans would feel good about paying to see. Many of the potential matches mentioned above would be crowd pleasers and competitive contests, so as long as Franklin trains hard and brings his best game to the octagon, I’d expect the UFC to continue to give him the opportunity against quality opponents.

A lot was written about the “glancing blow” that Couture took from Brock, and I was a little surprised at seeing Franklin fold as he did against Belfort, but having had the experience of being clipped by “glancing” punches and kicks and seeing stars, as well as staring up into the lights a couple of times, I would never second guess a fighter like Rich Frankllin. If he went down, it’s because his lights were going out, and Belfort deserves credit for that kind of punching power. I’m sure we all would have liked to have seen that fight develop a bit more, and see more and better action from those two warriors, but MMA can’t be scripted, and it played the way it played on fight day,..

]]> By: moosebaby02 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127405 moosebaby02 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:19:20 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127405 when you come on here calling people nubes and telling them they have to get educated your pretty much telling everyone that you do know everything Clay especially since you post is just filled with what you believe and no facts to base them on. Just cause people think something that’s not what you agree with dosent mean its wrong. Sure the score cards say he lost and it Franklins fault for not finishing the job like he supposes to but shit happens. These forms are put out here for people to give their opinions not to be shot down by someone who "thinks he knows everything by coming back at some ones grammar. Thats like calling a fat kid fat when you have nothing better to come back with. I suggest you take some of you own advice when you come on here calling people nubes and telling them they have to get educated your pretty much telling everyone that you do know everything Clay especially since you post is just filled with what you believe and no facts to base them on. Just cause people think something that’s not what you agree with dosent mean its wrong. Sure the score cards say he lost and it Franklins fault for not finishing the job like he supposes to but shit happens. These forms are put out here for people to give their opinions not to be shot down by someone who “thinks he knows everything by coming back at some ones grammar. Thats like calling a fat kid fat when you have nothing better to come back with. I suggest you take some of you own advice

]]> By: edub http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127402 edub Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:05:49 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127402 Ah got nothing to come back with so you attack grammar on a blogging website. BTW Bisping never fought anyone named Hamell. He did however beat Matt "Hamill". Ah got nothing to come back with so you attack grammar on a blogging website. BTW Bisping never fought anyone named Hamell. He did however beat Matt “Hamill”.

]]> By: Clay The Caveman Guida http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127400 Clay The Caveman Guida Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:50:30 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127400 edub: "we're" not "were." Who needs the education? Rich beat Dan up... that is just plain funny. I am just sick of it. Every fight that goes to decision could possibly go either way since the judges make the decision. It will forever be a loss on Franklins record, much like Bisping on Hamell's record. I have not stated that I am all knowing or great, just that Hendo won and there was nothing Franklin could have done in the last 40 seconds of the fight to change that. He is a great fighter, but will never be a knockout artist. edub: “we’re” not “were.” Who needs the education? Rich beat Dan up… that is just plain funny.

I am just sick of it. Every fight that goes to decision could possibly go either way since the judges make the decision. It will forever be a loss on Franklins record, much like Bisping on Hamell’s record.

I have not stated that I am all knowing or great, just that Hendo won and there was nothing Franklin could have done in the last 40 seconds of the fight to change that. He is a great fighter, but will never be a knockout artist.

]]> By: moosebaby02 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127397 moosebaby02 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:25:13 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127397 Clay The Caveman Guida knows all. We should all bow down to him since his word is the only thing that matters. There are many people who saw it the other way even some people who work on this site. Hell even Dana said he thought Franklin won but it could have gone either way. I guess Dana is a nubes as well Mr. second coming of Christ As for the rematch it wasnt that no one was interested it was the timing with the Tuff show for Hendo and his match with Bisping that got in the way of that. Trust me there are alot of people who want to see that rematch and the end of the day we the fans how have the right to state are own opinion are the ones filling their pockets with $$$ to see the fights we want Clay The Caveman Guida knows all. We should all bow down to him since his word is the only thing that matters.
There are many people who saw it the other way even some people who work on this site. Hell even Dana said he thought Franklin won but it could have gone either way. I guess Dana is a nubes as well Mr. second coming of Christ
As for the rematch it wasnt that no one was interested it was the timing with the Tuff show for Hendo and his match with Bisping that got in the way of that. Trust me there are alot of people who want to see that rematch and the end of the day we the fans how have the right to state are own opinion are the ones filling their pockets with $$$ to see the fights we want

]]> By: edub http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127396 edub Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:19:20 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127396 Um yea apparently were a little more educated than you because guess what the fight was damn close. And just because you dont have KO power it doesnt mean you cant drop someone. Rich beat Dan up in that fight and without the eyepoke many people including myself feel the fight wouldve been a different decision. Dan was hurt and getting rocked with head shots and kicks to the body. Jeez man get educated. Noob. BTW this was directed at the wet blanket. Um yea apparently were a little more educated than you because guess what the fight was damn close. And just because you dont have KO power it doesnt mean you cant drop someone. Rich beat Dan up in that fight and without the eyepoke many people including myself feel the fight wouldve been a different decision. Dan was hurt and getting rocked with head shots and kicks to the body.

Jeez man get educated. Noob.

BTW this was directed at the wet blanket.

]]> By: Clay The Caveman Guida http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127392 Clay The Caveman Guida Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:55:49 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127392 I just can't stand all of the nubes on here thinking that Rich beat Hendo. He was outclassed. He fought hard, but did not do enough to win, and don't even start with the eye-poke excuse. It's not like he has knockout power and could have ended the fight. Get over it. It wasn't even really that close, which is why nobody - other than Franklin- was interested in seeing the rematch. Come on people. Get educated. I just can’t stand all of the nubes on here thinking that Rich beat Hendo. He was outclassed. He fought hard, but did not do enough to win, and don’t even start with the eye-poke excuse. It’s not like he has knockout power and could have ended the fight.

Get over it. It wasn’t even really that close, which is why nobody – other than Franklin- was interested in seeing the rematch. Come on people. Get educated.

]]> By: edub http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127382 edub Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:51:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127382 A few things: A fight against someone like Cantwell, Soszyinski, Stann, Jardine, or Forrest make the most since to me right now with an emphasis on the Forrest fight. I say give him someone that is not gonna be as dangerous as a Cane, Vera, or a Bones Jones just yet. On Louisau and Quarry I think you at least have to consider them quality strikers since 1. Nate KOs most of his opponents and he has a helluva chin. and 2. Everyone who fights Louseau immediately takes the fight to the ground. David Louseau was on an absolute terror before the Franklin fight and he hasnt been the same fighter since. I would say Rich vs Dan was a very close dec for dan. I just would have liked to see how the final minute wouldve gone without the eyepoke. Hendo was gettin his butt handed to him for about a minute straight before that. A few things:
A fight against someone like Cantwell, Soszyinski, Stann, Jardine, or Forrest make the most since to me right now with an emphasis on the Forrest fight. I say give him someone that is not gonna be as dangerous as a Cane, Vera, or a Bones Jones just yet.

On Louisau and Quarry I think you at least have to consider them quality strikers since 1. Nate KOs most of his opponents and he has a helluva chin. and 2. Everyone who fights Louseau immediately takes the fight to the ground. David Louseau was on an absolute terror before the Franklin fight and he hasnt been the same fighter since.

I would say Rich vs Dan was a very close dec for dan. I just would have liked to see how the final minute wouldve gone without the eyepoke. Hendo was gettin his butt handed to him for about a minute straight before that.

]]> By: Brandon http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127376 Brandon Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:53:05 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127376 I had Henderson easily winning that fight against Rich. Loiseau and Quarry quality strikers? Ummm did you not see how sloppy both of those guys last 5 fights have been? When I mean quality strikers, I mean guys who have good technical skills, not guys who throw windmills that are predictable and miss most of the time. I say give Franklin a young guy like Cane or even Vera, if he can't beat one of those guys then he needs to end up on the under cards or fight nights fighting against mediocre talent like Krystoff Sozychinski (sp?) or Brian Stann.... I had Henderson easily winning that fight against Rich.

Loiseau and Quarry quality strikers? Ummm did you not see how sloppy both of those guys last 5 fights have been? When I mean quality strikers, I mean guys who have good technical skills, not guys who throw windmills that are predictable and miss most of the time.

I say give Franklin a young guy like Cane or even Vera, if he can’t beat one of those guys then he needs to end up on the under cards or fight nights fighting against mediocre talent like Krystoff Sozychinski (sp?) or Brian Stann….

]]> By: xtreme_machine http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127362 xtreme_machine Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:42:20 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127362 common guys Rich is no were near being done he has only lost to Anderson, Machida, Belfort, and Hendo( we all know rich won this one) and this guys are legends on the sport and are at the top of the food chain. that is it Also, they give guys Fight of the Night and KO of the Night awards to encourage them to stand up and bang for the entertainment of the fans but when the other fighter gets KO they immediately start questioning whether or not he still has what it takes they get KO because they want and need that money and because they want to entertain the fans So UFC, Joe, Dana why not cut the guys a brake and do not be so quick to judge IMO common guys Rich is no were near being done

he has only lost to Anderson, Machida, Belfort, and Hendo( we all know rich won this one) and this guys are legends on the sport and are at the top of the food chain. that is it

Also, they give guys Fight of the Night and KO of the Night awards to encourage them to stand up and bang for the entertainment of the fans

but when the other fighter gets KO they immediately start questioning whether or not he still has what it takes

they get KO because they want and need that money and because they want to entertain the fans

So UFC, Joe, Dana why not cut the guys a brake and do not be so quick to judge

IMO

]]> By: Makington http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127354 Makington Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:47:47 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127354 Loiseau and Quarry are both quality strikers, but ok. Anderson Silva is more than a quality striker as well, and Vitor just has tremendous power. Rich is still a great fighter and the UFC can still do a lot with him and for him. I think he can atleast hang with the top of the heap at LHW. Unfortunately I don't think he'll have a belt again but he will give anyone he's fighting trouble. Loiseau and Quarry are both quality strikers, but ok. Anderson Silva is more than a quality striker as well, and Vitor just has tremendous power.

Rich is still a great fighter and the UFC can still do a lot with him and for him. I think he can atleast hang with the top of the heap at LHW. Unfortunately I don’t think he’ll have a belt again but he will give anyone he’s fighting trouble.

]]> By: Brandon http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127350 Brandon Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:19:43 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127350 Rich needs to fight B level fighters (Shamrock, Loiseau, Quarry) in order for him to look like he has any possibility of being a top tier fighter. It's unfortunate but the truth is Rich is the one who was always over rated, he's a class act guy with a nice physique and personality so he looks like a true all around fighter. I say let him continue to being a gate keeper, give him fights against up and comers on fight night cards and everyone will go happy. Whatever they do... please no more A level competition, it pains me to see the guy get smashed whenever he fights a quality striker. Rich needs to fight B level fighters (Shamrock, Loiseau, Quarry) in order for him to look like he has any possibility of being a top tier fighter. It’s unfortunate but the truth is Rich is the one who was always over rated, he’s a class act guy with a nice physique and personality so he looks like a true all around fighter.

I say let him continue to being a gate keeper, give him fights against up and comers on fight night cards and everyone will go happy. Whatever they do… please no more A level competition, it pains me to see the guy get smashed whenever he fights a quality striker.

]]> By: Angry Mike http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/09/21/whats-next-for-rich-franklin/comment-page-1/#comment-127345 Angry Mike Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:48:34 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=17370#comment-127345 Love to see him fight Tito, but I might hang myself in the garage if Tito won. Maybe it's just me, but I was a little surprised by the ko of Franklin. It looked to me like he went down on a glancing blow, and the intial shots he took on the ground (with the exception of one hammer fist that looked like it hit on the back of his head) didn't land flush, either. Wonder if the damage is starting to take a toll. Love to see him fight Tito, but I might hang myself in the garage if Tito won.

Maybe it’s just me, but I was a little surprised by the ko of Franklin. It looked to me like he went down on a glancing blow, and the intial shots he took on the ground (with the exception of one hammer fist that looked like it hit on the back of his head) didn’t land flush, either. Wonder if the damage is starting to take a toll.

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