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UFC Weight Class: MiddleweightsNew fighters looking to take spot from SilvaRich Franklin lost the UFC Middleweight title last October. Now he has to deal with new competitors in the division.
The Middleweight division of the UFC, much like the Welterweights, was dominated most of last year and the previous year by Rich “Ace” Franklin. Franklin had a stronghold on the UFC Middleweight title to go along with the division. He won the belt in the Summer of 2005, only to lose it last October at UFC 64 against newcomer Anderson Silva. With the Franklin loss, new fighters are starting to emerge in the division. Here’s a look at a few now.
Anderson Silva- The ‘Spider’ Champion Silva is 3-0 during his time in the UFC. He has been virtually unbeatable. Most of his victories have been in the first round. Only his previous bout with TUF 4 Middleweight winner, Travis Lutter went into the second round. Silva is a great striker and he proved so against Chris Leben and Franklin, both excellent strikers as well. Silva is expected to fight again in July as he takes on Nate Marquardt.
Nate Marquardt- ‘The Great’ “The Great” has truly been great during his time in the UFC, winning all four of his bouts. He’s defeated such fighters as Ivan Salaverry, Crafton Wallace and Joe Doerksen. Marquardt defeated Dean Lister at an Ultimate Fight Night event in January. His reward is a Middleweight title match against Silva in July. No doubt, Silva is the favorite, but don’t count Marquardt out just yet.
Martin Kampmann- “The Hitman” A new competitor has risen in the Middleweight division and he has the ability to become one of the more feared competitors in the UFC. “The Hitman” has wowed many fans with his MMA skills. He’s defeated three fighters during his time in the UFC. He first defeated Wallace and Thales Leites. Kampmann’s MMA record stands at 12-1. Recently, Kampmann defeated Drew McFedries via submission in the first round at UFC 68 in March. Kampmann has continued to move his way up the Middleweight ladder. He’ll face his biggest challenge yet, former Middleweight champ Franklin at UFC 72 in June. A victory over Franklin gives Kampmann an opportunity to fight for the Middleweight title.
Yushin Okami- The International sensation Get use to the name Yushin Okami because he’s sticking around for awhile. After his victory over Mike Swick at UFC 69 earlier this month. Okami has victories over Rory Singer, Kalib Starnes and Alan Belcher. The victory over Swick has helped solidify Okami as a contender in the division. These are the top fighters in the UFC. Make sure to look out for part four in the five part series, the Light Heavyweights.
The copyright of the article UFC Weight Class: Middleweights in Martial Arts is owned by Andrew Nostvick. Permission to republish UFC Weight Class: Middleweights in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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