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Rich Franklin

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Rich Franklin
BornRich Jay Franklin II
(1974-10-05) October 5, 1974 (age 50)
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight (185 lb)
Light Heavyweight (205 lb)
Reach76 in (193 cm)
StyleKickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofCincinnati, Ohio
TeamTeam Extreme/The JG MMA and Fitness Academy
TrainerMatt Hume
Jorge Gurgel (Jiu-Jitsu)
Joel Jamieson (S&C)
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jorge Gurgel
Years active1999–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins29
By knockout15
By submission10
By decision4
Losses6
By knockout4
By decision2
No contests1
Amateur record
Total2
Wins1
By submission1
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
UniversityUniversity of Cincinnati
SpouseBeth
Notable school(s)William Henry Harrison High
Websitehttp://www.richfranklin.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: September 16, 2011 (2011-09-16)

Rich Jay Franklin II (born October 5, 1974)[1] is an American mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion. He holds notable victories over Evan Tanner, Ken Shamrock, Yushin Okami, Wanderlei Silva, and Chuck Liddell.

Background

Franklin was born to Richard Sr. and Vaila Franklin. The couple divorced when Rich was five years old. He has one biological brother, Greg, and five step-siblings.[2][3]

Prior to becoming a full time MMA fighter, Franklin graduated from William Henry Harrison High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and later earned a master's degree in education at the University of Cincinnati,[4] and taught mathematics at the Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.[5]

Franklin and American Fighter President Jeff Adler created The Keep It In The Ring Foundation to advocate non-violence and build character in youth. This is done through after school sports, martial arts and life skills programs. His nickname "Ace" comes from his resemblance to Jim Carrey, who played the character Ace Ventura. Joe Rogan once called him "An angry Jim Carrey". Franklin made his acting debut in a film called Cyborg Soldier where he plays an escaped super soldier and partners with Tiffani Thiessen.

Franklin is a born-again Christian and quotes Psalm 144:1 on his webpage and fighter gear. February 21, 2006, was officially named "Rich Franklin Day" in Cincinnati by the city's mayor.[6][7]

Mixed martial arts

According to Rich, he first learned submission fighting from instructional video tapes. He has been associated with and trained with Meat Truck Inc. and currently trains at facilities run by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jorge Gurgel, (New Generation Martial Arts); Neal Rowe, a Muay Thai instructor (Sacan Martial Arts); and Rob Radford, a boxing instructor (Boxing 4 Fitness). Franklin is currently ranked as a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jorge Gurgel. Since losing his title to Anderson Silva, Franklin has started training under Matt "The Wizard" Hume.

UFC career

UFC debut

Franklin began his UFC career with a perfect 3-0 start, including a victory over skilled MMA veteran Evan Tanner at UFC 42, Edwin Dewees at UFC 44 and Jorge Rivera at UFC 50.

On April 5, 2005, Franklin fought in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale, which was the first live UFC card on free cable TV. He faced former UFC champion Ken Shamrock and won the fight via TKO due to strikes. Franklin was highly impressive in this fight as he was able to knock Shamrock out, something that no one else had done to that point in Shamrock's career. Franklin's win over a mixed martial arts icon like Shamrock propelled him into UFC stardom and established him as one of the organization's biggest stars.[8] The win over Shamrock also ensured a title opportunity for Franklin.

Middleweight title

This title shot came at UFC 53 on June 5, 2005. Franklin defeated Evan Tanner for a second time to win the UFC Middleweight Championship. The victory led to him being a coach (along with welterweight champion Matt Hughes) on the second season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Defending the title

At UFC 56 on November 19, 2005, Franklin defended his title against Nate Quarry, a competitor from season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter. Franklin won the fight via knockout in the first round.

At UFC 58 on March 4, 2006, Franklin defeated David Loiseau in a unanimous five round decision to retain his title. Franklin broke his left hand early on in the second round. The injury required surgery, including a metal plate and screws and Franklin was out of action for six months.

Losing the title

At UFC 64 on October 14, 2006, Franklin lost his title on his return fight after being defeated by Anderson Silva. The fight was stopped at 2:49 of the first round after Franklin received a knee to the face. Franklin, who was considered by many[who?] to be the favourite coming into the bout, was caught in a clinch by the Brazilian, with Silva delivering a flurry of knees and kicks that rendered the champion unconscious. On October 19, Franklin underwent surgery due to the nasal fracture he received during the fight.

Franklin made his return at UFC 68 against Jason MacDonald. Franklin showed superior striking during the fight, and mounted MacDonald in the closing seconds of the second round, causing significant injury and swelling around MacDonald's left eye. MacDonald's corner advised ending the fight and Franklin was declared the winner by TKO (corner stoppage) between rounds. After the fight Franklin called Anderson Silva to the Octagon and said that he and Dana White had agreed to a fight for the title in Franklin's hometown of Cincinnati.

Return to contention

In a bout that would determine the top contender in the middleweight division, Franklin fought world ranked Yushin Okami at UFC 72 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Franklin defeated the top middleweight contender by unanimous decision to be officially announced as the number one contender for Silva's middleweight championship. The bout was only Franklin's second overall fight that went the full distance (due to being a non-title fight, it was three rounds). All three judges scored the bout 29–28 to Franklin. Franklin also became the first person to main event a UFC card in Northern Ireland.

Second title shot

Franklin fought Silva for a second time at UFC 77 on October 20, 2007. Prior to the bout, he had recently signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC. Much like their first fight, Silva was able to effectively neutralise Franklin in the clinch, eventually defeating the former champion via TKO (knees) at 1:07 in the second round.

After Rich's second loss to Anderson, he began making regular trips to Seattle, WA to train with Matt Hume of AMC Pankration and Joel Jamieson of 8WeeksOut and trained with both of them to prepare for UFC 83, where Franklin faced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Travis Lutter. During the bout Lutter was able to secure a tight high-level armbar, though Franklin was able to escape the hold and go on to win the bout via TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of Round 2. At UFC 88, Franklin made his return to the light heavyweight division against close friend and training partner Matt Hamill. Franklin won by TKO following a kick to the liver which prompted the referee to call a stop to the fight at 0:39 in round 3.

Franklin met with former PRIDE Fighting Championships welterweight and middleweight champion Dan Henderson at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland. In a closely contested fight, Franklin ultimately lost by controversial split decision. The winner would gain the opportunity to coach Team USA on Season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter. Franklin became the first person to main event a UFC show in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

At UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany, Franklin defeated former PRIDE middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision at a catchweight of 195 lbs. Franklin became the first person in UFC history to fight in four different countries, in four consecutive fights.

In another catchweight contest, Rich lost to former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort at UFC 103. This was Belfort's first bout in the UFC since February, 2005. After a lengthy feeling-out process, Belfort connected with a left hook that dropped Franklin, following up with a flurry of left hands that ended the contest via TKO at 3:02 in the first round.


Move to Light Heavyweight

Rich Franklin vs. Chuck Liddell at UFC 115

Franklin was rumoured to face multiple-time UFC champion Randy Couture at UFC 115. After contrasting reports on who would be his opponent, Franklin eventually was confirmed to face long-time light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Fame inductee Chuck Liddell on June 12, 2010, following the withdrawal of Liddell's original opponent, Tito Ortiz. During the contest, Liddell showed improved striking from that seen in his recent fights, showing more proficient kicks. In the final seconds the opening round, Liddell connected with a head kick and moved forward to attack an arguably stunned Franklin, only to be knocked out by a compact counter right hand at 4:55 of round 1. During the post-fight press conference, Franklin confirmed that his left forearm had been broken by a head kick Liddell threw during the middle of the round. Fortunately, however, the forearm would not need surgery, allowing Franklin to recover faster.

Franklin faced former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126.[9] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Franklin was scheduled to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 133 on August 6, 2011 in Philadelphia.[10] Nogueira was forced out of the bout due to a shoulder injury.[11] Unable to find a suitable replacement on short notice, the UFC pulled Franklin from the card as well.[12]

Franklin was expected to return in cage against Cung Le at UFC 148.[13] But due to an injury to Vitor Belfort, Franklin stepped in to rematch Wanderlei Silva in the main event at a 190 lb catchweight on June 23, 2012 at UFC 147.[14] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life

Rich has a wife named Beth who is a former English teacher at Reading High School.[15][16]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
36 matches 29 wins 6 losses
By knockout 15 4
By submission 10 0
By decision 4 2
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 29-6 (1) Wanderlei Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC 147 June 23, 2012 5 5:00 Belo Horizonte, Brazil Catchweight of 190 lbs. Fight of the Night
Loss 28–6 (1) Forrest Griffin Decision (unanimous) UFC 126 February 5, 2011 3 5:00 Nevada, United States
Win 28–5 (1) Chuck Liddell KO (punch) UFC 115 June 12, 2010 1 4:55 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Knockout of the Night.
Loss 27–5 (1) Vitor Belfort KO (punches) UFC 103 September 19, 2009 1 3:02 Texas, United States Catchweight of 195 lbs.
Win 27–4 (1) Wanderlei Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC 99 June 13, 2009 3 5:00 Cologne, Germany Catchweight of 195 lbs. Fight of the Night.
Loss 26–4 (1) Dan Henderson Decision (split) UFC 93 January 17, 2009 3 5:00 Dublin, Ireland
Win 26–3 (1) Matt Hamill TKO (kick to the body) UFC 88 September 6, 2008 3 0:39 Georgia, United States Return to Light Heavyweight.
Win 25–3 (1) Travis Lutter TKO (punches) UFC 83 April 19, 2008 2 3:01 Quebec, Canada
Loss 24–3 (1) Anderson Silva TKO (knees) UFC 77 October 20, 2007 2 1:07 Ohio, United States For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 24–2 (1) Yushin Okami Decision (unanimous) UFC 72 June 16, 2007 3 5:00 Belfast, Northern Ireland UFC Middleweight title eliminator.
Win 23–2 (1) Jason MacDonald TKO (corner stoppage) UFC 68 March 3, 2007 2 5:00 Ohio, United States
Loss 22–2 (1) Anderson Silva TKO (knees) UFC 64 October 14, 2006 1 2:59 Nevada, United States Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 22–1 (1) David Loiseau Decision (unanimous) UFC 58 March 4, 2006 5 5:00 Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 21–1 (1) Nathan Quarry KO (punch) UFC 56 November 19, 2005 1 2:34 Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 20–1 (1) Evan Tanner TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 53 June 4, 2005 4 3:25 New Jersey, United States Won the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 19–1 (1) Ken Shamrock TKO (punches) TUF 1 Finale April 9, 2005 1 2:42 Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight bout.
Win 18–1 (1) Curtis Stout Submission (punches) IFC 38 December 12, 2004 2 1:28 Hawaii, United States
Win 17–1 (1) Jorge Rivera Submission (armbar) UFC 50 October 22, 2004 3 4:28 New Jersey, United States Middleweight Debut.
Win 16–1 (1) Ralph Dilon Submission (kimura) AFC 16 July 14, 2004 1 0:56 Alaska, United States
Win 15–1 (1) Leo Sylvest Submission (punches) IFC 35 April 16, 2004 1 1:13 Hawaii, United States
Loss 14–1 (1) Lyoto Machida TKO (head kick and punches) Inoki December 31, 2003 2 1:00 Yokohama, Japan Catchweight of 214 lbs.
Win 14–0 (1) Edwin Dewees TKO (punches and knees) UFC 44 September 26, 2003 1 3:32 Nevada, United States
Win 13–0 (1) Roberto Ramirez KO (punch) UCC 13 July 19, 2003 1 0:10 Illinois, United States
Win 12–0 (1) Evan Tanner TKO (punches) UFC 42 April 25, 2003 1 2:40 Florida, United States UFC Debut.
Win 11–0 (1) Antony Rea TKO (punches) UCC 11 September 17, 2002 1 2:46 Hawaii, United States
Win 10–0 (1) Yan Pellerin Submission (armbar) UCC 10 June 15, 2002 1 3:23 Quebec, Canada
Win 9–0 (1) Marvin Eastman Submission (armbar) WFA 12 November 3, 2001 1 1:02 Nevada, United States
Win 8–0 (1) Dennis Reed Submission (punches) EC 43 August 5, 2001 1 1:38 Ohio, United States
Win 7–0 (1) Chris Seifert Submission (punches) EC 41 July 13, 2001 2 1:45 Iowa, United States
Win 6–0 (1) Travis Fulton TKO (broken hand) IFC 14 March 17, 2001 1 5:00 Iowa, United States
NC 5–0 (1) Aaron Brink NC (foot injury) IFC 11 January 13, 2001 1 2:42 California, United States For the IFC Light Heavyweight U.S. Championship.
Win 5–0 Dennis Reed Submission (armbar) EC 35 June 29, 2000 1 1:56 Iowa, United States
Win 4–0 Gary Myers KO (head kick) WEF 9 May 13, 2000 3 0:59 Indiana, United States
Win 3–0 Rob Smith TKO (punches) EC 31 March 24, 2000 1 2:30 Wisconsin, United States
Win 2–0 Eugene Pinault Submission (punches) EC 30 October 4, 1999 1 1:27 Iowa, United States
Win 1–0 Michael Martin KO (head kick) WEF 6 June 19, 1999 1 0:21 West Virginia, United States

See also

References

  1. ^ "Fighter Profile at Fightline.com".
  2. ^ "No More Mr. Nice Guy". Cincinnatimagazine.com. 2007/07. Retrieved 2011-01-05. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Greg Franklin, the brother of UFC superstar Rich Franklin, made his UFC debut of sorts last night in Memphis as a referee for several fights on the prelim card". Bloodyelbow.xom. 2009-12-13. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  4. ^ Dhoot, Jatinder. "Rich Franklin Talks About the Unseen Side of MMA". Kickboxing.com. Retrieved 2009-08-22. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  5. ^ "My Most Dangerous Opponent". Retrieved 2009-08-22. [dead link]
  6. ^ http://www.yuddy.com/celebrity/rich-franklin/bio
  7. ^ http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-rich_franklin.htm
  8. ^ http://www.ufc.com/news/Defining_Moments__Rich_Franklin
  9. ^ "Rich Franklin vs. Forrest Griffin Fight Planned for Feb. 5 UFC Card". mmafighting.com. October 5, 2010.
  10. ^ "Rogerio Nogueira vs. Rich Franklin Latest Addition to UFC 133 in Philly". MMAWeekly.com. April 22, 2011.
  11. ^ "Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Off UFC 133 with Injury, UFC Looking for Replacement". MMAFrenzy.com. July 16, 2011.
  12. ^ "With Nogueira out, Franklin also scratched from August's UFC 133 event". MMAjunkie.com. July 17, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  13. ^ "Rich Franklin Vs. Cung Le On Tap For UFC 148 On July 7th". bloodyelbow.com. March 18, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
  14. ^ "Rich Franklin steps into UFC 147 headliner against Wanderlei Silva". mmajunkie.com. May 30, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
  15. ^ Lancaster, Marc (September 25, 2003). "Ultimate Fighter". The Cincinnati Post. E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on September 25, 2003. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; February 24, 2007 suggested (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  16. ^ "Married to the Sport The beautiful Beth Franklin reveals what it's like to be the wife of an Aco Stakuraca fighter". MensFiteness.com. 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
Preceded by 4th UFC Middleweight Champion
June 4, 2005 - October 14, 2006 		Succeeded by

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