UFC 147 may not have have the most enticing fight card ever, but the main event between Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin could make for a sleeper pick in the 2012 Fight of the Year race.
Franklin and Silva will meet for the second time after their first fight saw Franklin win an extremely entertaining 15-minute slug fest at UFC 99.
After being bumped up on the card to the main event, Franklin now looks forward to the rematch in what he expects to be another exciting fight.
“The best way to describe Wanderlei’s fighting style…it would be like fighting a tornado,” Franklin told UFC.com. “As long as you stay away from the tornado, you’re safe. But if you get too close to the tornado, it does damage.”
It does damage, indeed. In his 34 career MMA victories, Silva has finished 24 by way of knockout. Another two came by way of submission due to strikes.
“When you come in, he pulls the trigger, and when he pulls the trigger, things fly,” Franklin continued. “He’s throwing multiple punches with his hands, following up with knees and he’s dangerous.”
Despite Silva’s devastating knockout power, which he displayed in his most recent victory over Cung Le at UFC 139, Franklin believes that he can not only beat the Brazilian in his home own country, but finish the fight this time.
“The best way for me to finish the fight is to not get lazy in the fight and get caught up in his game,” he said. “It’s been 16 months since I’ve been in the Octagon, so I’m excited to fight again. I’m hungry.”
Franklin last competed at UFC 126 against Forrest Griffin.
A string of injuries to himself and his opponents has kept him out of the cage since then, but barring any freak accidents between now an June 23rd, fans will see the return of “Ace” at UFC 147.
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