The first UFC Event of 2009 kicks off, Saturday Jan 17, with a light heavyweight battle between former two-division world champion Dan Henderson and former UFC middleweight king Rich Franklin. The UFC 93 main event is set for three rounds in Dublin, Ireland, Franklins hometown. UFC oddsmakers at BetUS.com have Dan Henderson as -140 moneyline favorite over Rich Franklin who is listed at EVEN. Get your UFC 93 Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin Prediction in now at BetUS.com
Dan “Hendo” Henderson is a former Olympic wrestler and current UFC fighter who was the last welterweight (183 lb) and middleweight (205 lb) champion of the PRIDE FC. He is the only mixed martial artist to concurrently hold two titles in two different weight classes in a major MMA promotion. Unfortunately he is on the down slide in his career. He has only one win in his last three fights. His recent win was over Rousimar Palhares in UFC 88 which he won by Unanimous Decision. It was his first win in the UFC in over ten years. Henderson laughed and said "hopefully I don't have to wait that long before I get my next win."Before that he lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 82 in which he was choked out in the second round. Can you blame him though? At UFC 75 he lost to Quinton Jackson in a five round battle that saw Henderson lose by Unanimous Decision. MMA Record: 23 wins, 11 by KO, 1 by Submission and 7 losses.
Thoughts on his opponent Rich Franklin- This is the fight my fans have wanted for a long time now, and they want to see me fight Rich Franklin. I think this will be a great fight for Ireland, it definitely will be exciting because we both like to stand and bang, and we both have knockout power. I’m excited to go to Ireland and to take on Rich; I think he’s a tough opponent and a huge challenge, but I don’t see myself losing to him.
Rich “Ace” Franklin is a well rounded fighter with superb striking skills and is well conditioned to go the distance. He had a record of 17 wins and 1 loss before his fight for the title, which he won. He defeated Evan Tanner for a second time at UFC 53 to win the UFC middleweight championship. Unfortunately Franklin lost his title after being defeated by Brazilian Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 64. He would try his luck to get it back, from Silva, at UFC 77 which he lost by TKO stoppage after his nose was rearranged to the other side of his face. Since then he’s got back to back wins over Travis Lutter and Matt Hamill, both by TKO. Franklin is 12-2 in his last 14 fights.
Thoughts on his opponent Dan Henderson- Dan Henderson has great credentials, and he is going to be one of the toughest fights of my career. That being said, I’m planning on winning the fight, and I’m looking forward to fighting in the main event and fighting in Ireland. I love the fans, and the way they react by singing and chanting makes it a unique experience for me.
UFC 93 Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin Prediction
When: Sat, Jan 17, 2009 10:00 PM ET or live 3:00 PM ET
Line: BetUS.com
Pick: Franklin EVEN
Point-Spreads.com UFC 93 Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin Prediction
The Bottom Line: Franklin will be pumped fighting in his hometown with fans chanting and cheering. Get your UFC 93 Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin Prediction in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
