Vitor Belfort vs. Rich Franklin set as new main event for UFC 103
by Zak Woods on Jul 31, 2009 3:17 PM EDT
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Dana White announced that the UFC has signed Vitor Belfort (18-8) and he will fight Rich Franklin (25-4) as the main event for UFC 103.
White had previously mentioned his desire to sign Belfort who at the time was under contract with Affliction. Belfort was suppose to fight Gegard Mousasi at Affliction "Trilogy" this Saturday but since Affliction folded there has been speculation that the UFC was actively courting Vitor.
Now Belfort will fight former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin at UFC 103.
Previously the UFC announced that Dan Henderson would fight Rich Franklin for the second time at UFC 103. This announcement was met with resistance from fans as the two had just fought to a split-decision in January. The UFC quickly changed course and Affliction's collapse opened a new opportunity.
No word on whether the Belfort-Franklin fight will be at 185lbs. --Belfort was slated to fight at middleweight at "Trilogy"-- light heavyweight or possibly at a catch-weight. Franklin has made his desire known that he wants to permanently transition to 205lbs. division. Belfort was preparing to step up and fight Fedor at heavyweight due to Josh Barnett's positive steroid test.
Dan Henderson also has a new opponent. Henderson is next in line to fight UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Silva will fight light heavyweight, Forrest Griffin, at UFC 101.
[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 07/31/09 3:29 PM EDT ]
Franklin vs Belfort will be at 205lbs.
[Update #2: Note by Zak Woods, 08/01/09 12:32 AM EDT ]
Rich Franklin tweeted that the bout will be at a catch-weight of 195lbs. per Vitor Belfort's request.
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It should be a prerequisite to be a writer on this website that you have to be at least a little gay for Rich Franklin.
Ugh..
I got Franklin winning a dull decision.
Vitor hasn’t looked good at 205 in forever and this fight won’t be any different. Unless he comes through with a vicious KO this match-up doesn’t help his Middleweight title aspirations.
Still better than Hendo-Franklin II though
i like vitor by ko
franklin hasn’t looked any good either. i thought he lost to wandy as well.
i dont think hes going to be able to handles vitors hand speed and power.
i agree with ya that i dont like vitor going back up to 205 though. doesn’t make much sense.
by sonofapsycho on Jul 31, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
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