Defeated: Why Dana White Will Be Declared The Loser at UFC 115

This weekend’s main event at UFC 115 will feature two former UFC champions both desperately looking to stay relevant in the light-heavyweight division. Both men are capable of win this Saturday night but the future for either of them looks questionable.

Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell has lost four of his past five fights, including three by knockout. The former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion has surely declined over the last two years. His once strong chin has now diminished, his movement is slower and rather flat-footed and although he still holds the ability to knockout his opponents, he’s failed to evolve as a mixed martial artist.

Rich “Ace” Franklin has faced similar adversity too, but unlike Liddell, he’s slightly improved along the way. Franklin, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, was regarded at one time as the best middleweight in UFC. His unorthodox striking combined with his strategy and timing made him a favorite with the fans. However once Anderson “The Spider” Silva entered the title picture in 2006, Franklin became a thing of the past. Silva knocked out Franklin and has since dominated the UFC middleweight division. Meanwhile Franklin has since been scoring victories over sub-par competitors like Matt Hamill and Wanderlei Silva. In his most recent battle against a returning Vitor Belfort at UFC 103, Franklin tasted defeat again as he was knocked out just three minutes in the opening round.

While one man will walk away with a win, and some dignity too, ultimately it will be UFC President Dana White suffering defeat.

No matter how you look at the situation the outspoken boss of UFC will be forced to make a difficult decision deciding what to do with both fighters after the event. Regardless of who wins or who loses, neither man is in contention for the Light-Heavyweight title and they are both a shadow of their former selves.

Chuck Liddell

“The Iceman” has no plans to retire anytime soon but it is difficult on where to place Liddell if he should win at UFC 115. A highlight reel knockout would most certainly put him near the bottom of the top 10 in the Light-Heavyweight division and it would also tell us he could still be a competitive force. A matchup against original opponent and longtime rival Tito Ortiz would be a possibility and a long awaited fight between Liddell and Forrest Griffin could follow. Although this isn’t necessarily top competition for Liddell, there is no doubt it would sell tickets. If there is one thing Chuck Liddell hasn't lost it’s his marketing ability, he is one of the top draws in the company.

However another loss on his record, especially ending in a knockout, would ruin any hopes of these intriguing fights from happening and would seal the fate of Liddell’s illustrious career.

Rich Franklin

Franklin, who is 35 years old, has seen better days in his career. While holding victories over the late Evan Tanner and UFC hall-of-famer Ken Shamrock, adding Liddell’s name to his impressive resume wouldn’t hurt. Then again it wouldn’t hold the same value as it did three years ago. Like Liddell, Franklin can still be competitive in the Light-Heavyweight division. A potential bout with former UFC Light-Heavyweight champion Randy Couture would be interesting; also it wouldn’t hurt to give Franklin an opponent like Brandon Vera or Keith Jardine to boost his confidence. While these fights wouldn’t catapult him into a title shot he’d at least be wracking up some notable wins over some quality opponents.

If Franklin should lose on Saturday, one must wonder if he should continue his fighting career much longer. He’s a good technical striker but not good enough for the Light-Heavyweight division. 

Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, Dana White will be the one feeling the pain after the fight. No injuries, just losing one of the UFC’s top commodities.