The UFC announced yesterday that Rich Franklin will replace Vitor Belfort at UFC 147. He will now headline the Brazilian card against Wanderlei Silva.
The fight will take place at a catchweight of 190 pounds. It will be Franklin’s first fight in over a year.
Payout Perspective:
Franklin will bring some interest to a non-descript UFC PPV. As one may recall, this PPV was to be held in a stadium and feature Anderson Silva versus Chael Sonnen with Belfort-Silva as the co-main event. With the fact that most of North America will not see the complete season of UFC Brazil by June 23rd, UFC 147 may have one of the lowest PPV buy rates to date. The fact that UFC on FX is being held the night before may impact the viewership for 147 as well. Still, it’s good to see Franklin back as he has tried hard to get back in the octagon.
I think Belfort KO’s Franklin this time. I am a big franklin fan but his chin wasnt getting any better and it seemed to be declining as has his speed and he never had much power. their first fight was a battle and with the time and lay off i think Silva will catch him this time. Still a good fight but the event has really taken a hit.
This should not be a PPV. Could be the worst buyrate since 2006.
This is probably more competitive than Belfort-Silva. Much as it pains me to say it I think Belfort would have walked through Silva the way Silva has been performing lately.
Sadly it’s not worth $60 either way.
Yeah Belfort would have smoked Silva.