Rich Franklin

Rich “Ace” Franklin is the former UFC Lightweight Champion. Before becoming a full-time MMA fighter Franklin was a high school math teacher in Cincinnati, and he holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Cincinnati.

Franklin is regarded as a well-rounded fighter who can win by delivering a knockout punch with his fists or with a well-implemented submission while grappling.

Franklin made his MMA debut in 2000 at Extreme Challenge 31 where he defeated Rob Smith by TKO. After piling up nine straight wins in other organizations, Franklin signed on with UFC in 2003. He made his debut at UFC 42 where he defeated Evan Tanner by TKO. Franklin went undefeated in his next three UFC bouts, including a TKO win over Ken Shamrock. His win over Shamrock earned him a UFC Middleweight title fight that just happened to be against Evan Tanner, whom he had already previously beaten. In his rematch with Tanner, Franklin came out on top again after a doctor stoppage.

Franklin defended his UFC Middleweight title in his next two fights versus Nathan Quarry and David Loiseau. Against Anderson Silva, though, it was a different story. Silva took Franklin’s title after defeating Franklin with a quick TKO in the opening round. Since losing his title, Franklin has gone on to defeat Jason MacDonald by TKO and Yushin Okami by unanimous decision. Silva has gone on to defend his title against Nathan Marquardt, and a rematch between Silva and Franklin is expected to be held sometime in the near future.