Pros Pick: Franklin vs. Belfort
Is Belfort Back
Mike Sloan Sep 19, 2009
Some have labeled it a crossroads fight, a must-win for both
combatants. Regardless of how Rich
Franklin’s battle with Vitor
Belfort unfolds at UFC 103 Saturday, the fans who will cram
into the American Airlines Arena in Dallas will get their money’s
worth.
Franklin, a former UFC middleweight champion, will be looking to use his kickboxing ability to fend off what could be an explosion from his Brazilian opponent. Both men are equal in many regards on the ground, and it’s expected that this tussle will remain on the feet for the majority of the contest. However, the question then is will Franklin’s smoother technique trump Belfort’s arguably more powerful hands and aggression?
Both Belfort and Franklin have scored their share of highlight-reel
knockouts, but each possesses inherent weaknesses magnified in
their losses. Will Belfort continue his torrid winning streak and
remain on his path of top conditioning, focus and determination? Or
will Franklin’s coolness and usually reliable game plan pave the
way toward victory?
Only time will tell. That didn’t stop Sherdog.com from gathering predictions from professional fighters and trainers from the world of MMA, though.
Mike Dolce: A great battle of two true southpaws. Both known for their natural striking ability. It's nobody's guess that either will be looking to take it to the floor. Having a size, reach and activity advantage, I see Rich controlling the range and keeping Vitor at the worst end of long, looping fists and Louisville Slugger-esque liver kicks. Belfort always has a chance to close the show and has looked great doing so in his past two fights, which both ended quickly and brutally. Great fight for us to watch! Franklin by decision 29-28.
Jason Lambert: Franklin by decision.
Cub Swanson: Vitor is back! He will get the decision win.
Jeff Monson: Franklin by decision.
Roy Nelson: Belfort should win if he comes out blazing like he has done his last couple fights. Vitor has had his moments that made him look unstoppable, but when challenged he breaks. Rich Franklin is always a solid pick. He always comes to fight and will leave it out there win or lose. Vitor (has a) better skillset but not mindset. If Rich can break him, (Rich) wins.
Robert Drysdale: Belfort (by) TKO.
Erik Paulson: I think that Vitor right now is at the top of his game. Rich just had a great win over Wanderlei, as I predicted. I think this will be another great fight, although Vitor’s hands are definitely going to be his winning strength for this matchup.
Rory Markham: I will go with Rich on this one. I believe he is the more diverse fighter. I love Vitor “old” or “new,” but I believe Rich has felt that kind of power and will make the proper adjustments.
Travis Wiuff: Has anyone fought tougher guys as of late than Rich Franklin? I don’t think so. Vitor has looked great in his past couple fights. Should be a great fight. I’m taking Rich by TKO due to strikes on the ground late in the fight.
Gabe Ruediger: I like this matchup. Hard to pick because both are very skilled and the styles make for any number of finishes. Everyone talks about there being an "old" Vitor, but the only question I’ve ever had about Vitor is mental. There is no doubting his physical skills, and he can knock anyone out quick. Rich, on the other hand, seems to always keep it together. With that being said, I’m still picking Vitor.
James Thompson: Great fight and hard to call. Rich is Mr. Consistent, whereas you never know which Vitor is going to turn up to a fight. I reckon with the last couple of wins for Vitor and with everything else in terms of jiu-jitsu and wrestling being even, Vitor can take the unanimous decision.
James Zikic: It's never a good idea to attack Vitor in a straightforward way unless you want to walk into a bomb from the counterpunching southpaw. I think Rich is intelligent enough not to make any silly mistakes early in the fight and will probably feint and try to set his shots up, then possibly look for a takedown to try and control Vitor on the floor. But I think Vitor has the better jiu-jitsu and only really struggles against better wrestlers that can apply a lot of pressure on him. I don't think Rich has a great chin, so I expect Vitor to catch Rich some time in the second round with a dynamite flurry. Belfort by second-round TKO.
Stephane Vigneault: The old Belfort is back! Belfort is my first idol, and he is the first idol of a lot of people. I see Belfort winning in the second round. Belfort by TKO.
Jake Bostwick: I think Vitor Belfort is going to smash Franklin just like Anderson Silva did. Vitor, I think, is too strong for Rich and (is) an all-around better fighter. Brutal.
Ray Elbe: Vitor Belfort is going to beat Rich Franklin's face into an uglier version of Jim Carrey in the movie “The Mask.” He's motivated, back in shape and ready to prove to everyone why they called him “The Phenom” so many years ago.
Franklin, a former UFC middleweight champion, will be looking to use his kickboxing ability to fend off what could be an explosion from his Brazilian opponent. Both men are equal in many regards on the ground, and it’s expected that this tussle will remain on the feet for the majority of the contest. However, the question then is will Franklin’s smoother technique trump Belfort’s arguably more powerful hands and aggression?
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Only time will tell. That didn’t stop Sherdog.com from gathering predictions from professional fighters and trainers from the world of MMA, though.
Brodie
Farber: Short night for Franklin if Belfort’s on point.
Belfort by KO/TKO.
Mike Dolce: A great battle of two true southpaws. Both known for their natural striking ability. It's nobody's guess that either will be looking to take it to the floor. Having a size, reach and activity advantage, I see Rich controlling the range and keeping Vitor at the worst end of long, looping fists and Louisville Slugger-esque liver kicks. Belfort always has a chance to close the show and has looked great doing so in his past two fights, which both ended quickly and brutally. Great fight for us to watch! Franklin by decision 29-28.
Jason Lambert: Franklin by decision.
Cub Swanson: Vitor is back! He will get the decision win.
Jeff Monson: Franklin by decision.
Roy Nelson: Belfort should win if he comes out blazing like he has done his last couple fights. Vitor has had his moments that made him look unstoppable, but when challenged he breaks. Rich Franklin is always a solid pick. He always comes to fight and will leave it out there win or lose. Vitor (has a) better skillset but not mindset. If Rich can break him, (Rich) wins.
Robert Drysdale: Belfort (by) TKO.
Erik Paulson: I think that Vitor right now is at the top of his game. Rich just had a great win over Wanderlei, as I predicted. I think this will be another great fight, although Vitor’s hands are definitely going to be his winning strength for this matchup.
Rory Markham: I will go with Rich on this one. I believe he is the more diverse fighter. I love Vitor “old” or “new,” but I believe Rich has felt that kind of power and will make the proper adjustments.
Travis Wiuff: Has anyone fought tougher guys as of late than Rich Franklin? I don’t think so. Vitor has looked great in his past couple fights. Should be a great fight. I’m taking Rich by TKO due to strikes on the ground late in the fight.
Gabe Ruediger: I like this matchup. Hard to pick because both are very skilled and the styles make for any number of finishes. Everyone talks about there being an "old" Vitor, but the only question I’ve ever had about Vitor is mental. There is no doubting his physical skills, and he can knock anyone out quick. Rich, on the other hand, seems to always keep it together. With that being said, I’m still picking Vitor.
James Thompson: Great fight and hard to call. Rich is Mr. Consistent, whereas you never know which Vitor is going to turn up to a fight. I reckon with the last couple of wins for Vitor and with everything else in terms of jiu-jitsu and wrestling being even, Vitor can take the unanimous decision.
James Zikic: It's never a good idea to attack Vitor in a straightforward way unless you want to walk into a bomb from the counterpunching southpaw. I think Rich is intelligent enough not to make any silly mistakes early in the fight and will probably feint and try to set his shots up, then possibly look for a takedown to try and control Vitor on the floor. But I think Vitor has the better jiu-jitsu and only really struggles against better wrestlers that can apply a lot of pressure on him. I don't think Rich has a great chin, so I expect Vitor to catch Rich some time in the second round with a dynamite flurry. Belfort by second-round TKO.
Stephane Vigneault: The old Belfort is back! Belfort is my first idol, and he is the first idol of a lot of people. I see Belfort winning in the second round. Belfort by TKO.
Jake Bostwick: I think Vitor Belfort is going to smash Franklin just like Anderson Silva did. Vitor, I think, is too strong for Rich and (is) an all-around better fighter. Brutal.
Ray Elbe: Vitor Belfort is going to beat Rich Franklin's face into an uglier version of Jim Carrey in the movie “The Mask.” He's motivated, back in shape and ready to prove to everyone why they called him “The Phenom” so many years ago.
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