Liddell vs. Franklin
The main event of UFC 115 on Saturday is a battle between two former UFC champions as Rich Franklin faces off with Chuck Liddell in a Light Heavyweight contest.
Rich Franklin (25-5)
Strengths:
Weaknesses: While
Last Five Fights:
First round TKO loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 103 on Sept. 19, 2009
Unanimous decision win over Wanderlei Silva at UFC 99 on June 13, 2009
Split decision loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 on Jan. 17, 2009
Third round TKO win over Matt Hamill at UFC 88 on Sept. 6, 2008
Second round TKO win over Travis Lutter at UFC 83 on April 19, 2008
Chuck Liddell (21-7):
Strengths: Liddell is one of the most famous UFC fighters of all time and part of that reason is because he likes to get in the octagon and throw bombs. Liddell has made his career on knocking out his opponents due to his hand speed, his punching power, and his ability to stay off the ground. While his hand speed and power may have decreased over the years, his takedown defense has still been top notch and his ability to stay off his back always gives him a fighting chance in any bout.
Weaknesses: Liddell has struggled to accept that fact that this isn’t 2005 anymore and his once-successful way of doing things not longer works in today’s MMA. Despite having a wrestling background, Liddell hasn’t shown any desire to use it, even when facing a superior striker. Liddell still lives and dies on the idea that he will eventually knock his opponent out during a fight, and that mindset has produced more losses (4) than wins (1) in the last three years.
Last Five Fights:
First round TKO loss to Mauricio Rua at UFC 97 on April 18, 2009
Second round KO loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 88 on Sept. 6, 2008
Unanimous decision win over Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79 on Dec. 29, 2007
Split decision loss to Keith Jardine at UFC 76 on Sept. 22, 2007
First round TKO loss to Quinton Jackson at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007
Who will win: If both men continue their same fighting trends, you have to like
Additional Line: Over/Under 9.5 minutes for fight length. Over (+105) and Under (-145).
Posted: 6/11/10 3:19PM ET