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Home > Blogs > Mixed Martial Arts > Archives > 2009 > July > 17 > Entry
Rich Franklin in Las Vegas to discuss new UFC deal, UFC 103 slot still likely
Veteran UFC fighter Rich Franklin in currently in Las Vegas for a one-on-one meeting with UFC president Dana White to discuss a new deal with the organization, the Dayton Daily News has learned.
Franklin, a former UFC middleweight champion and West Chester Twp. resident, made the move to light heavyweight in 2008 and is 2-1 since then. The lone loss came to Dan Henderson via close split decision in January. (Most recently he scored a decision victory over Wanderlei Silva, though the fight took place at a catch-weight of 195 pounds).
Franklin (25-4) has one fight remaining on his current deal, and a new contract needs to be in place befor his next fight. A source close to the organization said that next fight will likely come at UFC 103, which takes place Sept. 19 in Dallas, possibly as a main event.
White recently confirmed a heavyweight bout between Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (25-6-2) and Junior Dos Santos (8-1) is also slated for UFC 103. While the bout is arguably headline-worthy, a proven main-event draw such as Franklin could certainly bolster the card, which is the UFC’s first ever in Dallas.
No potential opponent has been determined for Franklin, but Luis Cane (10-1) is about the only top-level UFC light heavyweight who hasn’t recently fought or already been scheduled for a future bout. Additionally, Cane has done a few recent interviews in which he stated he’d welcome the bout.
Assuming a new deal is reached, it could be the final one of Franklin’s career. The 34-year-old isn’t sure when he’ll retire, but he said he wants to go out sooner rather than later.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Rich Franklin, UFC 103
Comments
By Kenny
July 18, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this
I hope Rich signs for some more fights. He is a great fighter and one of our own Cincinnati boys.By EarkleJones
July 18, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
Rich is a good represenetive of the cincy area however he is done and needs to realize it the way dana whaite and the reast of the ufc seesit. He is in his upper 30’s and that points towards the end of a carrer that was filled with great fights but what has he done lately ? he wont do much his next 3 fights and we will see him teaching again at oak hills in colerain lol