UFC 103
What: Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort headlines 13 fights
When: Today
TV: Spike TV at 9 p.m., then pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ($44.95)
First came the Dan Henderson rematch. Then Luiz Cane’s name was tossed around. Ultimately, though, the Ultimate Fighting Championship settled on recent signee Vitor Belfort as an opponent for Rich Franklin at tonight’s UFC 103 event.
The Franklin vs. Belfort fight, held at a catch-weight of 195 pounds, headlines a 13-fight lineup at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Because the event goes head-to-head with the heavily promoted Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez boxing pay-per-view bout, the UFC has sweetened the deal for MMA fans. Although the night’s main card airs on PPV (10 p.m., $44.95), two preliminary bouts air for free on Spike TV at 9 p.m.
Franklin, a West Chester Twp. resident, is pleased to fight a fellow ex-champ in the night’s main event, but he initially had his heart set on the Henderson rematch.
Henderson topped Franklin via split decision earlier this year, but when the rematch was announced in July, fans complained.
“I would have loved to avenge that loss on my record because I don’t think he beat me,” said Franklin. “But the fans weren’t that excited about it. I just want big fights that fans want to see, so I don’t mind the change.”
Belfort, a former UFC champ who returned to the organization last month, was chosen only after the UFC and Franklin ultimately passed on the rising prospect Cane.
“There was some discussion about him, but we just didn’t think he had the name – not yet, because he’s going to be a contender eventually – for a headline fight,” Franklin said.
Franklin plans to move back up to 205 pounds and Belfort back down to 185 after UFC 103.
In the night’s co-headliner, dangerous striker Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (25-6-2) looks to sustain his recent comeback when he fights top prospect Junior Dos Santos (8-1). Either could earn a heavyweight title shot with a convincing performance.
In other main-card action, Martin Kampmann (15-2) can strengthen his case for a welterweight title shot with a win over UFC newcomer and MMA veteran Paul Daley (21-8-2).
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