R. Franklin is inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube @ufc
Rich Franklin has plenty of reasons to celebrate. UFC management announced that Franklin is another former fighter to be part of the select group of the Ultimate Hall of Fame. The announcement took place during the UFC 236, last weekend, in Atlanta (USA). 'Ace', 44, will be included in the category of 'pioneers' of the sport.
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“This honor is less for my achievements and more a result of so many hours that each coach, training partner and my manager spent with me”, commented the former fighter. “Usually people talk about the sacrifices an athlete needs to make to be successful, but my friends and family have sacrificed much more for my career. I am grateful to the support of my fans over the years and to those who insist on this honor,” said Franklin.
Rich's debut in MMA came with victory in 1999. From then on, he had an impressive streak of 14 fights without defeat. Franklin debuted in Ultimate in 2013. On that occasion, he beat compatriot Evan Tanner by knockout in the first round.
The public, however, began to recognize the former fighter's talent in 2005, when Rich was included in the group of athletes who competed in the first reality show 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF 1). At the event, Franklin became one of the champions by defeating the legendary Ken Shamrock in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg).
In his next fight, 'Ace', as he is known, won the UFC middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) belt, when, again, he beat Evan Tanner by knockout, at UFC 53, in 2005. Rich defended his belt in two occasions. The fighter, however, saw his reign end when he suffered a historic defeat against the Brazilian Anderson SilvaIn 2006.
Franklin received an opportunity to regain the middleweight title in a new fight against Silva, however, he was once again knocked out by the Brazilian idol. The fight took place in 2007. After this defeat, Rich did not compete for the belt in any category in the company.
The North American, after the defeat to 'Spider', played for the organization nine more times, winning five times and losing four; the last one, for Vietnamese Cung le, in November 2012, representing the former fighter's last fight as a professional.
UFC president, Dana White, commented on Franklin's nomination to the select group of honorees by the company, showing respect and gratitude to the former fighter.
“Rich Franklin is one of the UFC’s original great stars. Rich helped us take MM to another level and put the UFC on the map early on. He's a guy who would fight anyone and do whatever it takes to help make the sport great. He is a true legend and I feel time to call him a friend”, concluded the 'boss'.
Today, at 44 years old, Franklin has a record of 35 fights, 29 wins, one draw and seven losses. The North American is currently vice-president of One Championship.
'Ace' heads to the Hall.@RichFranklin, welcome to the #UFCHoF! pic.twitter.com/SxtFtFWtNt
- UFC (@ufc) April 14th 2019
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