UFC 115: Liddell versus Franklin gets going and GM place packed with fights fans
Posted June 12, 2010 3:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Twenty thousand fans have packed GM Place as the main card of UFC 115 Liddell vs. Franklin is ready to go. News1130’s Geoff Rohoman is ring-side and says the atmosphere is that of a rock concert; they have a live DJ keeping the fans pumped up between the fights, lighting shows, the works. Five fights have already taken place on the under card and the show kicks off with welterweights Paulo Thiago taking on Martin Kampmann and ends with Liddell and Franklin.
It’s the first fight for Chuck Liddell in 14 months, and the first fight for Rich Franklin since last September. Both fighters need a win and both are coming off devastating knockouts. Liddell, a former light-heavyweight champ, was almost forced into retirement by UFC president Dana White, while Franklin is moving back to the 205 lb division for the first time in two fights.
News1130 Geoff Rohoman will be ring-side and thinks Franklin will try to out point Liddell and dominate the fight for a decision. Liddell will try to get Franklin to chase him, and throw the big right for the highlight reel knockout. You can also expect to see some of Liddell’s wrestling background coming out. Rohoman is betting on Liddell for a second round TKO
While Chuck Liddell and Rich Franklin get the headline status, the biggest cheer at yesterday’s weigh-ins was for co-main eventer Mirko Cro Crop. Dominant in pride, with a highlight reel of head kick knockouts, the Croatian has gone just 3-3 in the UFC and looked like a shell of his former self. Across from Mirko is an up and coming kick boxer in Pat Barry, who loves to strike as well, which will make for a fun fight for the fans.
Cro Cop has looked timid in his recent octagon appearances, and Barry has looked like a beast. Rohoman predicts Barry will stop Mirko in the third round with a TKO.
