UFC: Rich Franklin Considers Moving Up To 205

Rich Franklin is in an awkward position. He's clearly the 2nd best fighter at middleweight but has two devastating losses to the champ, Anderson Silva.

He's beaten the likely next contender to the title, Yushin Okami, and his recent win over Lutter keeps him firmly planted as the clear number two guy in the division. He is a perfect 10-0 in the octagon to dudes not nicknamed "the Spider," and can earn a lot of money keeping guys from earning their chance to fight the champ.

In a recent interview with mmaweeklyradio, Franklin's manager Monte Cox provided what may just be the answer for "Ace". Seems that a move up in weight just may be in order for the former grade school teacher.

Rich has fought at this weight before, and the only loss he incurred during this tenure was to current 205 phenom, Machida. Pending they match him correctly, this could be an intriguing move if Dana White and Joe Silva agree with the move.

This move would be good for both divisions, as it would add depth at 205 and would open up the gates for guys to earn their chance to get mauled by Anderson Silva without getting mauled by Franklin first.

Here is a look at several first fight match-ups for Rich Franklin at 205:

1) Winner of Jardine-Silva

2) Winner of Evans-Irvin

3) Rematch with Machida should he defeat Ortiz.

Any of these match-ups would be extremely entertaining and I could see Franklin as even money against any of these guys except Machida.

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