Fighter Profile: Rich Franklin
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs
Age: 34
Organization: UFC
Current Record: 27-5-0-1
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin was born in 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a former high school math teacher. His nickname Ace comes from his supposed resemblence to Jim Carey's character Ace Venture. Franklin is the former IFC Light Heavyweight Champion and was a coach on season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Franklin won the UFC Middleweight Divison Championship at UFC 53 in June of 2005 by defeating Evan Tanner. He successfully defended his belt against Nate Quarry and David Loiseau before losing the title to Anderson Silva at UFC 64 in October 2006. Rich got his rematch at UFC 77 with Silva for the Middleweight title in October 2007 but was again defeated by "The Spider" via TKO. He has since moved up to the UFC's Light Heavyweight Division.
Franklin works with the American Fighter apparel company and together with American Fighter President Jeff Adler created The Keep It In The Ring Foundation "to advocate non-violence and build character in youth." Franklin holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
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Rich Franklin Professional Career - Recent MMA News:
- Defeated Travis Lutter via TKO (Strikes) at UFC 83 on April 19, 2008
- Defeated Matt Hamill via TKO (Kick to Body) at UFC 88 on September 6, 2008
- Lost a Split Decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 on January 17, 2009
- Defeated Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva by Unanimous Decision at UFC 99 on June 13, 2009 at a catch weight of 195 pounds
- Lost to Vitor Belfort in the main event at UFC 103 on September 19, 2009, in Round 1 @ 2:00
- Sat down with Scott Dryden, ProFighting-fans.com's Editor-in-Chief, on September 14, just days before his UFC 103 fight with Belfort - Rich Franklin UFC 103 Interview
By Michael Shull
Updated August 2009
Rich Franklin studio picture used with premission from UFC