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 Just over a year ago, then UFC Middleweight Champion Rich “Ace” Franklin was absolutely dominated in a first round TKO by current champ Anderson Silva . With two solid wins under his belt since then, Franklin will step in the Octagon Saturday evening in an attempt to win back the title. Since their meeting last October, Silva has been dominating his competition. The well rounded fighter stopped Travis Lutter by submission in his first title defense then Nate Marquardt by TKO in July. Although the lean Silva is far from the most menacing looking fighter in the UFC, pound for pound he is as dangerous as anyone. The 6’2” 185 pound Brazilian holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and so he is obviously right at home on the ground. What makes him so dangerous are his devastating striking skills thanks to his Muay Thai training. If you have any doubts about his striking skills, just look for what he did to Franklin’s face in their first fight. Franklin also prides himself as well rounded fighter with knockout power but in order to win back his belt it is imperative for him to stay out of Silva’s clinch, thus avoiding the constant barrage of knees he ate last October.
Eight other fights are on the UFC 77: Hostile Territory card and you can bet on them all at Sportsbook.com. Besides this championship fight, keep your eyes on up and coming heavyweight Brandon Vera as he takes on former champ Tim Sylvia. Anderson Silva -205 vs. Rich Franklin +165 Brandon Vera -105 vs. Tim Sylvia +120 Stephan Bonnar -325 vs. Eric Schafer +250 Alan Belcher -105 vs. Kalib Starnes -125 Yushin Okami -270 vs. Jason McDonald +210 Jason Black -350 vs. Matt Grice +275 Jorge Gurgel -175 vs. Alvin Robinson +155 Ryan Jensen +185 vs. Demian Maia -225
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