Filling in for the injured Tito Ortiz, who spent most of the recent “Ultimate Fighter” season rekindling his rivalry with Chuck Liddell, Rich Franklin was hoping to erase some of his recent struggle with a big win over a Hall of Famer.
Liddell, meanwhile, who UFC President Dana White viewed as retired following his devastating 2009 loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (his fourth loss in five fights), wanted to prove that he still belonged in the UFC. To do that, he would have to stop the talented and tough Rich Franklin.
Did Rich Franklin prove his superiority? Or, did Liddell instantly get back in the mix? The result follows:
Chuck Liddell definitely wanted to make a statement. He was aggressive and unpredictable in round one, offering some diversity in his strike attempts, some solid kicks (one of which broke Rich Franklin’s left arm) and even a takedown. Unfortunately, the same flaws in his stand-up game–and his increasingly vulnerable chin and weakened reflexes–existed, and Liddell went down to a knockout in round one.
Liddell managed to connect with some decent-looking flurries, but Franklin was composed enough to withstand the shots and look for opportunities. Eventually, while Liddell was delivering some blows against the cage, Franklin crushed Liddell’s wholly exposed face with a targeted right hand, and Liddell hit the mat. One follow-up punch was all it took to get the KO win.
“The Iceman” left the ringside area without commenting, but the announcers were presuming the fight would be Liddell’s last.
Rich Franklin b. Chuck Liddell via knockout (punches) at 4:55 of Round One
UFC 115: LIDDELL VS. FRANKLIN QUICK RESULTS
Mike Pyle b. Jesse Lennox via technical submission (triangle choke) at 4:44 of Round Three
Claude Patrick b. Ricardo Funch via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round Two
James Wilks b. Peter Sobotta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-28, 30-27)
Mario Miranda b. David Loiseau via TKO (strikes) at 4:07 of Round Two
Matt Wiman b. Mac Danzig via technical submission (guillotine choke) at 1:45 of Round One
Evan Dunham b. Tyson Griffin via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Carlos Condit b. Rory MacDonald via TKO (strikes) at 4:53 of Round Three
Ben Rothwell b. Gilbert Yvel via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Martin Kampmann b. Paulo Thiago via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mirko Cro Cop b. Pat Barry via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:30 of Round Three
Rich Franklin b. Chuck Liddell via knockout (punches) at 4:55 of Round One