Rich Franklin vs. Forrest Griffin

Size and strength won out over speed and athleticism in UFC 126's Co-Main Event, as Forrest Griffin controlled three rounds of action en route to a Unanimous Decision victory over fellow cage veteran Rich Franklin. Oddsmaker lines and Tapology member predictions were among the closest for any bout on the 126 card, as the two men brought similar well-rounded arsenals, led by strong kicking games, to the cage.

The first round proved pivotal to Griffin's victory, not only in his ability to control almost the entire round on the ground and tire his smaller adversary, but also in granting him the psychological edge of an early lead. After securing the takedown early in the round Griffin made only token efforts to pass while raining down peppering leather at a high pace on the defensive Franklin. Franklin, for his part, proved unable to stand for the entirety of the round, and Referee Steve Mazzagatti elected not to intervene through the first five minute stanza, despite little change in the action once Griffin secured the takedown.

The remaining two rounds were more closely contested, and largely standup affairs, with both men mixing leg kicks with punching combinations. The difference proved Griffin's size, strength and slight reach advantage, which kept Franklin barely outside of his effective distance to land power strikes. Franklin's corner, oddly enough, told him between rounds that he was winning the fight, an instruction harshly criticized by UFC President Dana White following the event. Franklin was clearly surprised by the result as the Unanimous Decision scorecards were read in favor of Griffin, but there was little dissent among fans and observers afterwards over Griffin's victory.

Griffin was jubilant and plainly relieved in talking with reporters after the show. It was his first win in the Octagon in roughly a year, and quickly made him relevant again in the Light Heavyweight division. For Franklin, the loss once again raised questions about what the best weight was for the talented but slowly waning fighter to ride out the remainder of his career.