UFC 93 Preview/Prediction

Two of the best in the game lace 'em up for a match up that is years in the making as UFC mainstay Rich Franklin takes on former PRIDE stalwart Dan Henderson.

Who is Rich Franklin?

He's a mainstream fan favorite thanks to his clean cut good looks and background as a high school math teacher. Holding the UFC Middleweight Title for the better part of 2005-2006 doesn't hurt either. You may also know him as one of the coaches from Season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter reality show or as the guy who knocked Ken Shamrock out on the now famous Ultimate Fighter 1 finale show. He's taken two savage beatings at the hands (and knees) of #1 pound for pound fighter in the world Anderson Silva, but really, what's the shame in that? Since then, Franklin has bulked up back to his more natural Light Heavyweight status and showed he belongs with a brutal knockout of Matt Hamill by liver kick. 

Who is Dan Henderson?

He's the former PRIDE Welterweight and Middleweight champion. Along with Randy Couture, he started the Team Quest fight camp in Temecula, CA and produces many top fighters along with his signature Clinch Gear line of fight clothing. He's one of the best wrestlers in mma as evidenced by his participation in the '92 and '96 Olympics for team USA. Though he is only 1-2 since joining the UFC, his two losses came in holding his own against the aforementioned Anderson Silva, and in a close decision in a 5 round war with Rampage Jackson. Needless to say, at age 38 Hendo is still a factor in the elite tier of the fight game. 

Who has the better standup game?

Both fighters are well rounded and extremely dangerous on their feet, but they employ different styles. Franklin uses a measured standup style that mixed in effective punches, kicks, and strong knees from the clinch. He is a force from the outside as well as up close. Henderson, on the other hand, has one of the best right hands in the world and isn't afraid to use it. He focuses on throwing that brutal punch as often as he can even at the expense of taking some shots himself. It helps that he possesses arguably the toughest chin in the UFC, having never been knocked out. I give Franklin a slight edge here as I believe that he will be able to take advantage of Henderson's wild swings with a series of counter punches that could take their toll on Hendo. 

Who is better on the ground?

Dan Henderson is possibly the best wrestler in all of MMA. There are probably a handful of elite jiu-jitsu guys who might think they could get the better of Hendo on the ground but even they would have their hands full. Rich Franklin is also an excellent grappler with strong, but not quite elite jiu-jitsu ability. His real strengths on the mat are superior ground and pound and a knack for avoiding submissions (he's never been submitted though he's appeared to locked into submission on a number of occasions). In total, I give a slight edge to Hendo as his wrestling is just too good. 

Who will win?

So Henderson is amazing on the ground and just really good on his feet and Franklin is great on the feet and just really good on the ground. Either one of these guys would dispatch of 90% of anyone else with relative ease. It takes an elite guy to challenge these two. Both are among the smartest and most determined fighters out there. It's too close to call but since I promised a prediction it'll be Henderson by unanimous decision based solely on his superior chin and mat wrestling acumen. I figure he'll be able to absorb whatever Rich throws at him whilst standing up and will be able to impose his will when the fight goes to the mat. Enjoy the big fight this Saturday on Pay Per View!