Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva

The implications of this fight have already been examined in an article I wrote previously. However we can still look at how these two match-up stylistically.

One thing’s for sure; they’re both punch and kick enthusiasts. We’ll hope for them to stay that way, as neither man has displayed great wrestling technique.

However it’s worth noting that Rich Franklin is a much more technical striker. He’s good at throwing strikes and then moving away from counter-attacks. Silva likes to fight at a shorter range. He wings his punches from the side of his body, Chuck Liddell-style. That also leaves him vulnerable when he’s attacking.

Franklin will have a significant advantage if he utilizes his height and reach properly. His technical style makes him ideal to throw strikes just beyond Silva’s striking range. Then of course there’s the far more serious problem of Silva’s cracked chin.

There’s also been a side-plot regarding Anderson Silva training with Rich. Wanderlei is quite upset that his former teammate is helping train his current opponent. This feud will only serve to make Wanderlei more aggressive than usual, if that’s possible. Franklin will have the advantage of training with the one man who’s always had his number.

No matter how you look at it, this is Franklin’s match to win. It’s true that Wanderlei is always dangerous. However Rich is primed to punch one of the last holes on Wanderlei’s proverbial ticket.

Given all the factors involved, it will be quite surprising if this fight goes beyond the first round. Beyond that, the casual fans are sure to get impatient.

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