Despite Two Previous Losses, Rich Franklin Feels Like He Can Defeat Anderson Silva

[No More Sorrow]

Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin has competed against current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva twice inside the Octagon. Both times, "Ace" has left with defeats on his record.

However, as he continues to battle back from shoulder surgery, Franklin told MMA Canada that he believes a third meeting with "The Spider" would go his way. Franklin is currently set to meet Cung Le later this year at UFC 148.

"If I was able to put another title run together and the UFC wanted to do another fight with Anderson, I would be willing to do another fight with Anderson," Franklin said. "And I believe - and this is just because of the champion mentality in my head - but I believe that given another shot, I could win that fight."

Franklin, 37 years old, lost to Silva at UFC 64 in 2006 via first round knockout. Silva earned the second bout at UFC 77 the following year via second round TKO. Coming off a loss, and having just returned to the division, an opportunity at the belt is still a few wins off for Franklin.
Silva

Not so sure about this really. I like Franklin, but i don't think he'll get a fight with Silva or even come into title contention. Anderson Silva has gotten so much better since they last fought, just don't think Rich could hang with him.

 

[Slim]

As good as Ace is... he doesn't have what it takes to beat Silva. I mean he could bring the fight to him definitely. I mean there was a world of difference between his performance in the first fight and second fight. But he was still blown away in the second fight and Silva has only gotten better since then.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Here's the video where he speaks on Silva. Also includes a few other topics.
[video=youtube;ExzbTbAXXaY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ExzbTbAXXaY[/video]

 

[Troy]

I don't see why he would be able to defeat Silva now when he has already lost twice. I don't think that he has improved dramatically since the second fight and it isn't like Silva is on the decline.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Also Franklin has a pretty big test in front of him at UFC 148 with Cung Le. If he loses that fight it's not going to help his case for a title shot by any means.

 

[The Cork]

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There's a reason Chael calls him "the math teacher Anderson beat", because he really isn't that good at all.

He got beat by Forrest Griffin ffs, does that not tell you everything you need to know.