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ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Top contenders to duel tonight
Silva, Franklin headline nine-fight card at Cincinnati's US Bank Arena.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
CINCINNATI — The Ultimate Fighting Championship hits Cincinnati for the first time ever with tonight's UFC 77 event at Cincinnati's US Bank Arena.
The nine-fight card features a championship main event, a heavyweight battle between two of the division's top contenders, and what could potentially be some hidden gems on the night's undercard.
Extras
The pay-per-view event will answer some lingering questions, chief among them:
Can Rich Franklin find an answer for Anderson Silva?
Former middleweight champion Rich Franklin will be the first to tell you that he was never much of an athlete. Mixed martial arts eventually gave the 33-year-old a ticket to stardom, but the success came from brains and tenacity more so than any natural brawn.
However, when it comes to current middleweight champion Anderson Silva, there aren't many obvious weaknesses to exploit. The Brazilian is one of the most well-rounded fighters anywhere in the world – one who's equally adept striking as he is grappling.
Will Sylvia or Vera earn a title shot?
With UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture's recent (and abrupt) resignation from the organization, the title now appears in limbo.
During a press conference on Thursday, UFC President Dana White scoffed at the notion the title's now vacant and said Couture remains the champ. He wouldn't even rule out Couture's return to the organization.
But how long can the organization wait? And why should it wait? After all, top heavyweight contenders Brandon Vera (8-0) and former champ Tim Sylvia (23-3) square off in tonight's co-main event.
Then there's Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira – a top-ranked heavyweight who recently signed on with the UFC. After Vera's or Sylvia's arm is raised is victory, will the UFC bring Nogeuria into the octagon to announce a future heavyweight title fight?
Will MacDonald or Okami win convincingly?
With all due respect to Stephan Bonnar and Eric Schafer, and Kalib Starnes and Alan Belcher, a preliminary bout between Jason MacDonald and Yushin Okami really should be on the televised portion of UFC 77.
Of the three fights, only MacDonald vs. Okami has any real impact on a title picture. The bout may end up earning the winner a title shot simply because the UFC's middleweight division is so thin.
What big announcements are in store?
Aside from a possible heavyweight title fight, what other major announcements might the UFC make tonight?
Recent UFC signee and MMA veteran Wanderlei Silva's in town. Might the UFC announce that he will finally face rival Chuck Liddell? What about future event locations? The Dayton Daily News broke the news that the UFC will return to Columbus in March 2008. With a throng of Midwest fans in attendance, might the UFC announce another Ohio-area location for a future event?
And what happens if Franklin defeats Silva to reclaim his title? Is the UFC ready to announce a rubber match between the two fighters? Could it happen in Columbus?
Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, a content partner site of Yahoo! Sports.
UFC 77 lineup
Middleweight champ Anderson Silva (19-4) vs. Rich Franklin (22-2)
Tim Sylvia (23-3) vs. Brandon Vera (8-0)
Stephan Bonnar (10-4) vs. Eric Schafer (7-2-2)
Alan Belcher (10-3) vs. Kalib Starnes (8-1-1)
Jorge Gurgel (11-2) vs. Alvin Robinson (8-2)
Jason MacDonald (19-8) vs. Yushin Okami (20-4)
Ryan Jensen (11-2) vs. Demian Maia (5-0)
Josh Burkman (8-4) vs. Forrest Petz (13-4)
Jason Black (21-3-1) vs. Matt Grice (8-1)
Schedule of Events
7:15 p.m. – Doors open
8:15 p.m. – First preliminary fight begins
10:05 p.m. – First televised fight airs
11:15 p.m. (approx.) – Silva-Franklin main event begins
