Franklin — Bonafide Fan Favorite

Franklin is looking good fights.

For the second straight fight, Rich Franklin is fighting in a weight class that doesn’t really exists, and probably isn’t going to put him into title contention at either 185 or 205 pounds.

However, that doesn’t seem to bother Franklin, who is looking to give fans what they want.

“Honestly, [getting title shots] doesn’t matter. At this point in time, I’m interested in putting on fights for the fans,” Franklin said. “If I continue what I’m doing and make my way back to a title run. It would be a great Cinderella run for me. If I put good fights for my fans, then I’ll be happy with that.”

He’ll be taking on Vitor Belfort in tonight’s main event at a catchweight of 195 pounds. Franklin fought at UFC 99 against Wanderlei Silva at that weight.

Franklin’s original opponent was supposed to be Dan Henderson, but after the announcement, there was a public outcry of fans, who weren’t interested in seeing Hendo and Rich battle it out again.

So when the UFC acquired Belfort’s contract from Affliction, UFC president Dana White gave the fans an interesting bout with Belfort.

“I was a bit surprised [about the public backlash,]” Franklin (26-4 1 NC) said. “If the people don’t want to see it, then I’m not going to put for it. We’ll give them what they want.”

For Franklin being a fan favorite isn’t a hard task, as he has adjusted to the lifestyle of a celebrity.

When he first got into the sport, he was famously asked by White if he was ready to be a rock star, and so far Franklin has lived up to the challenge.

He does have days where he wants to be left alone, so he avoids going out in public when he’s feeling that way. But for the most part, he is willing to give an autograph and take a photo with almost everyone who asks.

“The fans are basically what pay my salary,” Franklin said. “I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the coin. For the most part, I welcome autographs, but there are days when it can wear on you.”

It is also the second time this year that Franklin has been used to penetrate a market. At UFC 99, Franklin had to explain to the German media that the fights were to the death and was a positive voice for the company in a country that didn’t understand the sport of MMA.

Back in the United States, Franklin shouldn’t come across those issues about explaining the sport, and doesn’t have a problem with being one of the ambassadors to the sport.

“If the UFC wants to use me that way, that’s fine,” Franklin said. “If the UFC is doing such a great job with expanding, then it’s nearly impossible to not fight in that position [in front of a new market]. I’m not the only fighter in that position. I don’t mind it at all.”

Franklin said he is committing to fighting at 205 pounds, and hasn’t thought about a possible return to middleweight, even if Anderson Silva relinquishes his grasp on the 185-pound title.

“In my mind by doing so, I dodged a bullet,” Franklin said. “I don’t want to be viewed that way. Those are the kinds of roads I’ll entertain when I cross it.”

As for fighting Belfort, a man known for his explosive punching power and hand speed, Franklin said it comes down to one thing.

“I have to execute my game plan,” Franklin said. “He’s become a more well-rounded MMA fighter. That’s going to pose a challenging fight.”