This would be a good fight but Franklin should be the better overall fighter and as such he should win this fight the majority of the time. Physically stronger and more adept pretty much all areas. I can't really see where Bisping has anything of a significant advantage. But it would still be a good fight to watch.
Agree with the beaver! Bisping beat Sonnen who dominated Anderson who destroyed Franklin, therefore thus and as such, Bisping defeats Franklin :hat
Not sure if Franklin is actually stronger than Bisping at this point. Bisping likes to pick on guys weaknesses, hate aside he is decent to good at everything, elite at nothing. I THINK Bisping is stronger, I doubt he wants to take a risk standing with Franklin so I'd expect him to try and take it to the ground and suck some life out of Franklin, then cruise to a decision. Otherwise, I think Franklin has a fair chance at catching Bisping standing. Lets not forget, Franklin is a refined southpaw by MMA standards. He has good power and an excellent mind for the game. I think if Bisping allows this to be a standup fight he could get starched.
i'm surprized that this fight never actually happened. while he is no chuck liddell, rich can knock a person out with a single punch, i don't think bisping has that asset or any other superpower? what is franklin like on the ground, does he have any wrestling of jujitsu experience? who knows? maybe this fight will happen sometime? i too believe that bisping beat sonnen.[ even sonnen himself thought so.]
It is a good fight but Franklin is too big now. Prime for prime I think Bisping might edge it. Bisping seems to continue to improve so who knows.
Is the Le fight going to be at 185. That is interesting. I thought Franklin had outgrown that division without a serious cut. This content is protected Rich looks taller and heavier set than a career 205'er.
Yeah 185 , I was a bit taken back a bit by the news especially as Rich always mentions he hates the cut to 185. As you say Rich is a big bloke I know he was dwarfed by Griffin in their fight and I think he mention that was a factor in the drop (TBH though who isn't at 205 Griffin is huge at that weight) but I was still surprised.
Griffin is ****ing huge. It is ridiculous how he makes 205. Even when he is walking around he looks really well built but still not fat. His frame carries it naturally. I think part of the issue is Rich wants interesting fights at the end of his career.
One thing id say is Bisping has basically made a career off breaking guys down and using his edge in conditioning whether it was Rivera, Mayhem, Kang etc. Thats one edge he wont have over Rich Franklin not many have better cardio then that guy. Bisping doesnt have the power to hurt Rich and I think if it comes down to just a kickboxing battle, Rich probably gets the edge I think hes alittle more powerful and crisp with both his kicks and punches. Franklin may even get a KO.
a good fight but i think bisping would take it. keep it standing and wear him down, franklin hasnt been very active which i think will count against him and also Bisping has been looking really good of late. i think the Sonnen fight could have gone either way and he continues to improve.
This would be a great fight. Franklin has the edge in size and power, but overall I think Bisping has the edge and would win a close, tough fight. Bisping seems closer to his prime in terms of quality of performances, and he'd outlast and outfight Rich, but it wouldn't be easy, not by any stretch. Prime for prime, I'd take Franklin for sure.
