how will rich franklin be remembered by fans? what is next for him? he's 36, do you expect he'll still be fighting when he's 40? is he one of those fighters who just hasn't done quite enough to get into the hall of fame?
A good guy. Hes done enough to get in IMO. I find it hard to think of him now without thinking of the horrific beating by Anderson, but the guy was a good champion, something like 20 wins and just the one loss to an elite in Machida before the Silva fight. Also to his immense credit, he went back in with Anderson
He might not have been the best p4p but he was the best at MW at his time before Anderson came. A decent fighter
Good fighter, a worthy addition to the UFC HoF. He will probably be remembered for his fights with Anderson more than his actual reign though, imo. I'd say Henderson was the best MW during that period.
He's a dead cert to get in. Former Champ, decent record (Against non Brazilians), likeable guy, rarely in a dull fight Ohh and he's American
he's one of my favourite fighters. actually part of the reason he is, is because he's a decent person. same as cro cop, another favourite.
Id like to add that his ''Teacher turns fighter'' story was probably invaluable to the marketing department in trying to thorw off the ''Human ****-fighting'' stigma of those days too. Goldberg certainly mentioned it atleast 5 times a round back in the day Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
:yep We had the Rich Franklin articles and I don't think there was a photo without him in suit and tie looking the respectable community figure. Was pushed in Australia a bit around the shows.
He's a great ambassador for the sport, and dont get me wrong, he deserves respect for that. But the UFC over egged that particular pudding imo.
He's by far my favorite. Got me interested in MMA again after the UFC almost disappeared by beating the hell out of Ken Shamrock. He's fought through injuries, always fights tough opponents and is probably one of the most respectable and well liked guys in the sport. Most definitely HOF bound. Wish his fight against little Nog was still happening....
I dont believe he will be fighting into his 40s. I know in 09 he signed a 6 fight contract and hes said he probably wont fight past it. Since hes fought Belfort, Liddell and Griffin so he might have just 3 fights left. I think he will get into the HOF he was a dominant Champion, an extremly popular fighter at an important time for the UFC, plus hes fought everyone and beat alot of tough guys Hamill, Okami, Tanner 2x, K Shamrock, Liddell, Wandy etc.