Zuffa brass have spent the better part of five days racking their brains, figuring out just who could replace Vitor Belfort in the UFC 147 main event against Wanderlei Silva (34-11) was no easy task. With all of the middleweight division’s top names engaged in upcoming bouts, it would seem that a rematch with Rich Franklin (28-6) was the only recourse for Zuffa.
The two first met at UFC 99 in the promotions 2009 debut in Germany. A match where “The Axe Murderer” lost a controversial unanimous decision to the former middleweight king.
Franklin was originally slated to face Cung Le at UFC 148, but with Belfort’s injury leaving the promotions return to Brazil in dire straights, a change needed to be made.
UFC 147 will take place on June 23rd at the Estádio Jornalista Felipe Drumond in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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man this is turning into a sad bill
Belcher should have gotten this
Belcher is injured with a broken hand
When did Belcher break his hand?!
fight w/ Paul Harris
That would have been a step back for Belcher after his last win. Franklin and Silva are legendary names, but neither are in the mix. Belcher should have a top 5 opponent next and then either a title shot or number 1 contender match-up.
I agree he needs a top guy, not sure how the timing would work for a top guy to be ready when he is ready to train/fight again.
honestly, fighting Wanderlei would have been a placeholder. Belcher is likely to be the next challenger for the title no matter who he beats.
Belcher vs Bisping
^agree
Would have rather seen a rematch with Cung Le…or Palhares…or anybody besides Franklin…
Franklin is gonna smash him
Yeah I’m not that interested in this match up at all. Chris you seriously had me going there for a min. Like….who the f is Paul Harris! lol