10 Legendary MMA Fighters You've Probably Never Heard Of

Franklin/Henderson II Was Announced Without Franklin’s Knowledge

Rich Franklin MMA UFC
(Whaddya say, Rich — once more for old times’ sake?)

The announcement that a rematch between Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin would headline UFC 103 (September 19th, Dallas) came as a bit of a surprise to us. And apparently, Franklin was just as surprised as we were. Here’s how he described the booking to MMA Junkie:

"I left [a contract negotiation session in Las] Vegas thinking the fight with Henderson wouldn’t materialize. I found out by being woken up by a text (message) yesterday…I was taking a nap on the couch and had about 50 messages when I woke up…The UFC had announced it without telling me. My group of people were some of the last to know."

Nice, Dana. Luckily, Franklin is being a good sport and going along with it, even if he still doesn’t know which weight class the fight will be contested at. Said Franklin: "I’m assuming (it’s at) 205…I haven’t spoken to anyone about it, so anything I say is only speculation…Even if [Henderson] lost to me at 205, it shouldn’t affect his standing at 185 pounds. So I’d assume the UFC would do this fight at 205."


Still, as random as Ace/Hendo II might seem to the outside observer, Franklin explains that it’s really the only matchup that makes sense:

"Anybody that had a 205-pound ranking was basically tied up with a fight…Although the UFC had approached me about fighting in September and possibly headlining that event and all that kind of stuff, they were really scrambling for what they were going to do about a possible opponent…
 
I never really approached the UFC about [a rematch], but I think I’ve been outspoken about the fact that I thought I won the fight the first time and all that kind of stuff. I think from their end, they were looking for a good matchup. I know we’re going to go head-to-head with the (Floyd) Mayweather (boxing) fight, and [the UFC] needed a big fight. You put me up against just a no-name 205-pound fighter, it’s not going to draw a lot of public attention, and they needed something, I guess, and they come up with the idea of Henderson."

In other words, setting up Franklin/Henderson II is better than letting Swick/Kampmann headline the thing, or putting Franklin up against Luis Cane (who has specifically asked to fight Franklin) or Jon Jones, both of whom are not tied up with fights. No matter what happens, I don’t think UFC 103 will be putting a major dent into the PPV buys of Mayweather vs. Marquez — so why not give the fans a fight we haven’t seen before?

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rickson by armbar- July 23, 2009 at 7:58 am
Thats what happens when you look Fedor in the eye
0 0 Reply
JPfighter- July 23, 2009 at 6:51 am
@UFC fan

Your response is like I insulted your girlfriend. Is there something we should know about you and Rich?
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ArmFarmer- July 23, 2009 at 4:00 am
Guys quit bitching about Franklin not being informed it's not that big of a deal. A little surprising yes and maybe a little rude, but Franklin has publicly stated many many times that he wants the rematch so it's not like Dana or Silva were just like "yeah he probably won't want to take this fight, we just won't say anything and book it anyway". Everyone knows Franklin wanted this fight so it's not that big of a deal.
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UFC fan- July 22, 2009 at 9:51 pm
"JPfighter Says:
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 15:04

And another thing, slightly unrelated. Am I the only one getting sick of watching Franklin look at himself on the big screen during UFC fights?"

YEP! pretty much.
Franklin is one of the classiest guys in MMA, and for your nobody ass to bang on what he does in OR out of the ring is stupid.....as HAL's hair.
so shut it.
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UFC fan- July 22, 2009 at 9:50 pm
"JPfighter Says:
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 15:04

And another thing, slightly unrelated. Am I the only one getting sick of watching Franklin look at himself on the big screen during UFC fights?"

YEP! pretty much.
Frnaklin is one of the classiest guys in MMA, and for your nobody ass to bang on what he does in OR out of the ring is stupid.....as HAL's hair.
so shut it.
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Horror Fighter- July 22, 2009 at 6:10 pm
So if Wanderlei started whining that he won his fight against Franklin, would Rich be happy to find himself in a rematch?

I hope Henderson hits Franklin so hard, he realizes that creationism really doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
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kangerpang- July 22, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Might as well put Cane vs. Jones @ ufc 103
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JPfighter- July 22, 2009 at 3:04 pm
And another thing, slightly unrelated. Am I the only one getting sick of watching Franklin look at himself on the big screen during UFC fights? Perhaps they could create another belt just for him, the UFC Narcissistic Champion. I really hope Hendo knocks his ass out.
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AkilleeZ- July 22, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Why doesn't Dana give Hendo a shot and Machida? That would be a good twist.
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JPfighter- July 22, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Is it just me, or has Franklin turned into a whiney bitch? Even if what Franklin is saying is true, the first place he goes is to the media? The stupid ass should have dealt with this behind the scenes and talked to Dana. I mean, think about it. Somehow Franklin hasn't signed on the dotted line for the fight, and Dana officially announces the fight? If Franklin has half a fucking brain, he knows that he has some leverage there. How? He goes to talk to Dana and reminds him that he hasn't signed. Now Dana is under pressure to make the deal happen, and Franklin likely could get some special consideration for that. But instead, he goes and bitches to the media. Franklin used to be a math teacher, you would think that he would have more business sense. This of course does not overshadow the equally dick-headed move by Dana to announce the fight without signed consent from Franklin. But still, Franklin, don't be a whiney bitch and go to the media. Take care of business. The last guy that pulled this shit is cleaning out gas station bathrooms and goes by the name of Roger Huerta.
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TheSlothman- July 22, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Part of the problem is we as fans have been conditioned by DW, and the UFC, to think of it as a league, while in reality it's just a promotional company.problem is, they have the most quality fighters, so we just accept , and move on. however, the people have finally started to have enough of this monopoly shyt.Unqualified fighters getting title cracks, ALL fighters (cept maybe the top 4 or 5 guys) getting screwed on purses,endorsment opps., shitty cards due to overexposure,JUNIE BROWNING, etc. etc., ad infinitum. These fighters either need a union, or barring that we NEED a strong second org. to balance the power Dark Lord Dana wields!!!!
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Savage- July 22, 2009 at 1:29 pm
damn what an asshole move to put Franklin in a fight he didnt even know about. even if hes ok with fighting hendo like he seems to be. i think its just disrespectful to announce fights without telling the fighters first. i think Hendo def deserves a shot at the belt but who knows with the UFC these days. they dont give titel shots to people that hav earned it, they give to what ever fighters will sell the most....sigh....
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Hexed79- July 22, 2009 at 1:25 pm
"If the Hendo that fought Bisping, shows up to fight this time, could be trouble for Ace. Pullin for ya Rich, but you'd better come ready!!! I think he won the first one though."

Incorrect. If Ace shows up looking like Bisping (i.e. walking into and begging for a gigantic right to the jaw the entire fight) it will be trouble for Ace.

Hendo/Franklin I was a good fight and I think a sequel is nice for old-school fans. You know, those of us who don't necessarily need the next big thing to get stoked about a card, but just two thoroughly competent guys doing their thing.
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Kaibo- July 22, 2009 at 1:15 pm
DANA WHITE IS THE ONLY PERSON RUNNING THE UFC IN EVERY FACET 24/7, WE SHOULD ALWAYS BLAME HIM FIRST
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House Party- July 22, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Comparing rich franklin to pissping is an insult to ace.
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CJvsCP- July 22, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Um yeah I ain't paying for this shit! Not even at a bar... suck it Dana "I got crabs" White!
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Goog- July 22, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I like both of these guys, but just seem to naturally pull for Hendo no matter who he fights.

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Jay Smith- July 22, 2009 at 12:49 pm
If the Hendo that fought Bisping, shows up to fight this time, could be trouble for Ace. Pullin for ya Rich, but you'd better come ready!!! I think he won the first one though.
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Goog- July 22, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I will fight either of them if I'm able to cut 110lbs by then.
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Times Infinity- July 22, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I agree with you mr.Cock lesnar
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cock lesnar- July 22, 2009 at 12:34 pm
even I, brock the cock, got a title fight D-Dubya.... hendo should be fighting another 185 fight, i.e. anderson silva
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Biffmiester- July 22, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Fuckin' DW... talk about lack of respect. At least talk to Ace about it before booking it. What a bandwagon-cockriding douche!
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GetUpAndKill- July 22, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Yikes...I don't know of any freak that can do that with their focus. Whats with the dilation as well? Wow

Anyhoo, Frank and Hendo are getting poled...I think something is brewing with Joe Silva...wait for a huge anouncement in 205 or 185 division.
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ksgbobo- July 22, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I wonder how that happens. I wonder if Franklin is a push over, he doesnt seem that way, but how else would that happen. Oh well, should be a good fight. I hope that big headed Mayweather loses though. Have him eat some humble pie, but that probably wont happen.
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Times Infinity- July 22, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Hendo deserves a title shot. Dana, what a fuckin a-hole move bro. You can't even pick up the phone and tell him? Way to treat your fighters.
0 0 Reply

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