Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Rich Franklin Finds Home at 205 Beating Up the Handicapped

Rich Franklin, the UFC middleweight champ until Anderson Silva beat him effortlessly and mercilessly two years ago, has found a new home for himself in the organization's 205-pound division. Defeating some deaf dude by TKO at UFC 88, Franklin seemed to have regained the fire Silva had stomped out of him - and he appears to have carved out a niche for himself as the "go to" light-heavyweight opponent for all handicapped fighters. "He looked great in there," said UFC Vice President of Talent Exploitation Joe Silva. "The fans responded to his win against that guy who can't hear anything. I think I'm going to put Rich in against a blind guy next, and then maybe someone in a wheelchair."

Rest In Peace Evan Tanner

Former UFC middleweight champ Evan Tanner was found dead in the California desert yesterday, the likely victim of exposure and dehydration. Known for his heart in the cage and his adventurous and untamed spirit outside of it, the 37-year-old Tanner was on a solo camping trip and had recently blogged about the perils he was going to face. His last venture into the Octagon was on June 21st, where he lost a split decision to Kendall Grove. Rest in peace, Evan Tanner. You will be missed.