Former champions Rich Franklin (25-4) and Dan Henderson (25-7) will collide for the second time this year in the UFC 103 main event from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 19.
The promotion made the surprise announcement earlier today; however, the weight limit for the rematch is unclear at this time. The pair first battled to a somewhat controversial split decision at UFC 93: “Franklin vs. Henderson” with “Dangerous” earning the nod from the judges after three rounds of action.
Perhaps the UFC felt as if there was some unfinished business. Or, it just needed a compelling main event to anchor its upcoming trip back to the “Lonestar State.” Regardless, it’s certainly odd timing with Henderson in the hunt for another middleweight title shot and “Ace” out to establish himself among the best in the 205-pound class.
Henderson most recently put his stamp on Michael Bisping at UFC 100, knocking out the British posterboy with a crushing right hand that had “The Count” down and out. It was a highlight reel finish that will more than likely go down as one of the best ever inside the Octagon.
The former Olympic wrestler earned a showdown with Bisping after defeating Franklin to earn a spot as coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 mixed martial arts reality series. It marked his third consecutive win after returning to the promotion with back-to-back losses.
And the highlight reel fashion on which he did it had most under the impression that he was on the short list to rematch 185-pound deity Anderson Silva … certainly not Franklin.
For his part, Franklin scored a big win over the always dangerous Wanderlei Silva at UFC 99: “The Comeback” via unanimous decision back in June at a catchweight of 195 pounds. It was the third win in the last four attempts for the Cincinnati, Ohio, native, solidifying his position as a serious, and capable, light heavyweight contender.
Once again, this is a curious booking with both fighters seemingly headed in the same direction albeit in different weight classes. Someone will get derailed on fight night … dare to venture who?
Also confirmed for UFC 103 today is the heavyweight tilt between former Pride FC superstar Mirko Cro Cop and surging heavyweight prospect Junior Dos Santos. In addition, Martin Kampmann and Mike Swick will collide to determine the number one contender for Georges St. Pierre’s 170-pound title.
For the latest UFC 103 fight card clickhere.
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