MMA All the Way: Can Rich Franklin Hang at 205?

Hello MMA fans and fighters! I am James "Balistik" Hizona and this is "MMA ALL THE WAY!!" Today's topic of discussion is former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich "Ace" Franklin.

It has been almost three years since Franklin has competed in the light heavyweight division. He did manage to leave the division undefeated, taking out such fighters as Edwin Dewees, Evan Tanner, Jorge Rivera, and UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock.

Now, on Sept. 6 in Atlanta, GA, Franklin will make his return to the light heavyweight division as he takes on wrestling beast, and TUF 3 alum, Matt "The Hammer" Hamill at UFC 88: Breakthrough.

This is going to be a true test to see if Franklin can hold his own against a 205 class that has totally changed since he left the division in '05. Now, the division is really stacked! But it also opens up matchups that the fans want to see.

Moving down to middleweight did work out great for Franklin, as he won the Middleweight title until he ran into a "Spider".

The 205 class not only has a "Spider", but an "Iceman" and an "Axe Murderer". Those are just a few of the great fighters that roam the division. And you cannot forget the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Forrest Griffin, who is willing to take on anybody right now!

As far as overall ability and work ethic, Franklin is one of the best! Matt Hamill is no slouch, either. The cow-tipping, wrestling standout from Utica, NY is looking forward to putting a win over Franklin on his resume, and that would be a major accomplishment for "The Hammer".

This fight is going to be a great one!

It will definitely show how Franklin fights against opponents who are just as strong, or, dare I say, stronger than him. I do believe that Franklin is seeking another challenge in his career. Maybe he sees an opportunity at Light Heavyweight that we do not see. The match against Hamill is perfect for testing the waters of 205, and hopefully he does not sink.

Now comes the time for you, the fans and fighters, to give me your thoughts. Is the 205 class already filled with too much talent? Or should Franklin stay at 185 and continue to pursue the middleweight crown again? If Franklin should stay at 205, what kind of matches would you like to see? Until then, this is Balistik signing out.

Peace Out.

"MMA ALL THE WAY!!"