Chuck vs Rich

Does anyone really think Chuck stands a solid chance at victory? I am thinking, if he gets lucky he might, but I wouldn't bet money on it.

yes , gonna take the bigger man even though Franklin seems to have more left in the gas tank

Honestly, a couple months ago, I pry woulda been 100% Rich.

Chuck looks like he is in alot better shape than he used to be for his last couple fights...now whether he comes out and fights like he is, will be a different story.

I'm still leaning towards Rich with about a 60/40 confidence.

Where is everyone getting this misconception that Chuck is the "bigger fighter" from? It's been well known that Rich commonly cut 40ish pounds to make weight for Middleweight bouts and it was only because of his olympic-esque training regiment that he was able to be such a stamina freak while doing it.

when one guy fights at 205 and the others career was at 185, i dont think its that hard to figure out

LudoCain wrote:

Where is everyone getting this misconception that Chuck is the "bigger fighter" from? It's been well known that Rich commonly cut 40ish pounds to make weight for Middleweight bouts and it was only because of his olympic-esque training regiment that he was able to be such a stamina freak while doing it.

I never said Chuck was the bigger fighter, so rephrase that "everyone" lol

OMG! No Regret thinks Chuck is the bigger fighter! I can't believe he took such a stand, can you?

I'm taking Chuck. I think we'll see a vintage performance.

Hey, i'm the King of Controversy...fuck eminem he took that title from me! lol

But seriously, Chuck does look like he's in better shape for this fight than he was in his previous fights...now, that was most likely because he wanted to fuck Tito up, but all the same he looked to be in better shape.

Should be a close fight but Chuck's days of winning fights against guys who have good standup are pretty much over IMO

You know what I meant, NR. Between this forum and another that I frequent I keep hearing everyone making Chuck out to be the bigger fighter and it just isn't much of a difference. I've read interviews where Franklin says he walks around between 215-225. If Chuck is the bigger fighter it isn't by much. Just because he spent the majority of his career at 205 and saved himself the suffering of having to cut to 185 doesn't make him the bigger fighter by default. I can understand picking Chuck in this fight because depending on what kind of fight shape Liddell comes in determines how this fight goes. I just think if people want to make a guess on the outcome of this fight they'd want to do it with an educated guess, and not one predicated on a misconception.

I concur.

Chuck has a half inch reach advantage. He is the bigger fighter. TUF sucks.

Chuck is taller and just generally bigger, not sure where the Franklin is bigger stuff came from. He's def in better shape IMO.

I see this as a 55/45 fight to Franklin right now, I think he'll outstrike Chuck with punches and kicks, and win a decision. Chucks chin worries me too, not that he couln't just as easily KO Rich, but I just have a feeling.

$20 Chuck has one football style tacke takedown in this fight

Pullin for Chuck to make another run. MMA just doesn't feel the same for me without Chuck KOing people.

Rich survived 3 round fights with Dan Henderson and Wanderlei Silva(albeit Silva suffered from the weight cut but still) and his only KO losses are to Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva, and Lyoto Machida. I wouldn't worry too much about his chin here unless Chuck comes out looking vintage good or something. Rich should be able to stay outside(especially since Chuck likes that really wide stance and to stalk his opponent down). I'm not saying Chuck can't KO Rich. I'm just saying Rich should be smart enough to stay outside and work his body kicks.

As far as Rich being bigger, that wasn't the point I was trying to make. I was trying to say they are about even in size, the weight can't be more than 5-10lbs in difference, and height is an inch difference.

I don't think it will be a close fight, but I am praying that it is and that Chuck looks good at least. He has had a year off, so ring rust is a worry, but Rich hasn't been cracking into the cage every other month either.

I don't know who to route for in this one, I just want to see a good fight.

I'm hoping one of the fighters has to pull out due to injury. I really don't want this fight to take place.

Chuck hits hard and Rich can be KO'd, we've seen it before. He has a chance.

It's not an absolute mismatch like Randy vs Hammer, Mur vs Kongo, or Fedor vs Werdum. That said, smart money is on Rich.

At first I didn't really like this, but now I am starting to warm to it, in fact I am quite excited

Some current lines. Chuck is a small dog right now.

http://www.bestfightodds.com/

Chuck Liddell +130 +120 +120 +130 +110 +115 +138 +105 +120 +120
Rich Franklin -150 -150 -150 -150 -140 -145 -153 -147 -150 -150

I would bet on Chuck for this because he is going to win. He is way gianter.

I don't want either one to lose. Chuck needs a win so his legacy can be healed a little, while Franklin needs a win to stay relevant. Love both guys, I can't decide who is served better. If Franklin lost, do you think the UFC would keep him?

No, they'd cut him and give King Mo or Dan Henderson or Gegard a legitimate opponent immediately. Of course they'd keep him.

Rich has done plenty of favors for the UFC....fighting Chuck being the latest favor. He moved WC when the UFC wanted him to. He fought catch weight fights when the UFC was looking to help others transition to other WC. All of that for the UFC. He is loyal and even Dana won't hang him out to dry. He has bailed them out a number of times.