Rich Franklin wants to fulfill his UFC contact

[The Great Cochrane]

Despite suffering a knockout loss last year, former UFC champion Rich Franklin isn't quite ready to retire from MMA. "Ace" seems content on at least completing his current UFC contract - however many fights remain.

"I have at least one more fight, possibly two more fights on my contract," said Franklin, during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour. "I always said I would definitely fulfill my contract so I at least have that much (left)."

The 38-year-old former school teacher has gone 2-2 in his last four and 4-4 since 2008, pushing his overall record to 29-7. The latest loss was a first round knockout defeat at the hands of Cung Le last November.

Franklin added that he might fight more than what is left on his deal, saying "as soon as I get stuff going on my end with this juice business....I am going to be focused more on specific fight training." His target date for a return is late 2013.

As much as Ace is one of my favorite fighters, it's really hard to see where he goes from here. There isn't really anybody who fits the profile to make a good matchup for him and it doesn't make sense for him to fight somebody who's not as well established because I personally don't believe he's capable of making another run at the title.

Maybe if Tito comes out of retirement that'll be his first step before even thinking about facing Jon Jones ound:

 

[Hoss]

I say he competes in the middleweight division for the immediate future. It's a competitive division, but I think there's less of a gap in there than what exists in LHW between contenders and basically squash fodder. I wouldn't mind a Bisping-Franklin rumble myself.

 

[The Great Cochrane]

Considering the folding of Strikeforce, Rich does have some interesting match ups up for grabs at 185. I just personally don't believe he's capable for another run at the title.. and he's a little small to be competing at 205. So far one match that really sits in my mind is Rich Franklin Vs Luke Rockhold, I guess Bisping wouldn't be a bad choice either or maybe even Chael Sonnen at a catchweight bout.. that'd be a good fight.