Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva UFC 99 fight possible in Germany
Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin could be the first to introduce Pride FC superstar Wanderlei Silva to a division south of 205 pounds at UFC 99, which is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany on June 13.
MMAWeekly.com reports that the potential showdown could be contested at a catch weight of 195 pounds. “Ace” and the “Axe Murderer” have competed as light heavyweights in their most recent performances. And Silva is expected to eventually make the drop down to 185 if called upon.
Perhaps this is just a quick stop on the road to middleweight for the Brazilian.
Silva — a former Pride FC middleweight champion (205 pounds) — has lost two of his last three fights inside the Octagon and four of his last five. It’s quite a slump for the wrecking machine who did not lose in 18 straight fights from 2000 to 2004.
It’s important to point out that the Brazilian has not been fighting any cream puffs of late, losing to Mirko Cro Cop, Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. However, the method in which he is losing — by vicious knockout — has many wondering if the best days are behind the 32-year-old slugger.
One thing is for certain: Opponents have figured out how to handle his wild and aggressive style and are making him pay for it. And Franklin — a very technical and patient striker — may be able to to do the same if Silva does not change things up.
Franklin recently dropped a split decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 last month. The former math teacher sustained a grizzly eye injury from an accidental poke, which required surgery to repair. It is expected that he will be fit and ready when fight night rolls around four months from now.
He currently does not have a home in any one division, bouncing back-and-forth between 185 and 205 pounds. And it’s unclear where a win against Silva would place him in either weight class. Regardless, “Ace” has been nearly perfect inside the Octagon (11-1) with the exception of his two losses to Anderson Silva and recent defeat to Henderson.
In short, Franklin is a dangerous opponent for any fighter, much less someone who is “testing” competing at a lower weight for the first time ever.
Indeed, with both stars coming off losses it appears to be a case of curious matchmaking, but perhaps the promotion is more concerned with putting on great fights rather than worrying about individual records.
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