Rich Franklin looks to get a shot at the UFC Middleweight title, but must first go through Yushin Okami. Light Heavyweight Fighter, Forrest Griffin also makes a return.
Rich Franklin vs. Yushin Okami- Main Event
Rich Franklin hopes to continue his quest for a shot at the UFC Middleweight title, as he takes on Yushin Okami at UFC 72 on Saturday, June 16.
Franklin is one of the biggest stars in the UFC and held a title reign that lasted over a year. He first won the title at UFC 53, defeating then champion, Evan Tanner.
He then defeated Nate Quarry and David Loiseau in his title defense bouts, before losing to Anderson Silva at UFC 64, last October.
At UFC 68, he defeated Jason MacDonald. Much has been said about Franklin getting another shot at the Middleweight title.
Reports have surfaced that Franklin was promised a title shot for later in the year, in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The only way Franklin is guaranteed a title shot is if he defeats Okami, who stands in his way.
Okami has won all four of his fights in the UFC. He made his UFC debut, last August, defeating Alan Belcher.
He has also defeated Kalib Starnes and Rory Singer. Okami recently defeated Mike Swick at UFC 69, in April.
A win over Franklin would certainly propel Okami to the top of the division, but he was not the first choice for the main event bout with Franklin.
Martin Kampmann was the original fighter in the main event, but had to pull out due to a knee injury.
Forrest Griffin vs. Hector Ramirez
Forrest Griffin makes his first return to the Octagon since losing to Keith Jardine, last December.
Griffin needs a win to get back into a fully-loaded Light Heavyweight division. He was originally slated to fight Lyoto Machida at UFC 70, but was forced out due to a Staph Infection.
Griffin will fight the “Sick Dog” himself, Hector Ramirez, who is fighting in only his second bout in the UFC.
Ramirez made his UFC debut at UFC 65, when he lost to James Irvin of the second round. A win for Ramirez gives the still new fighter more opportunities to prosper in the UFC.
In other action, Rory Singer hopes to get back on the right track as he takes on Jason MacDonald. Both fighters need a win to move up the Middleweight ladder.
In Lightweight action, “The Carpenter,” Clay Guida looks to get back on the winning track as he faces Tyson Griffin, who lost to Frank Edgar at UFC 67.
Marcus Davis will be in action against Jason Tan and Eddie Sanchez faces Colin Robinson.
Robinson, a Northern Ireland native, will be making his debut in his home country.
Ed Herman faces Scott Smith and finally Dustin Hazelett faces Stevie Lynch, another Northern Ireland native making his UFC debut.
UFC 72: Victory, will take place at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on June 16. It will air at 3 pm eastern time on Pay-Per-View.
