UFC 126: Is Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin an Elimination Bout?

Come Saturday, it could be an elimination bout at UFC 126.

Come Saturday, it will also be 14 months since anyone has seen former Ultimate Fighter winner, Forrest Griffin, fight. Same could be said for Rich "Ace" Franklin, who hasn't had a fight since June 12th of last year against Chuck Liddell. 

Both fighters put the breaks on their last opponents. After fighting Franklin, Liddell retired from the Octagon and after losing to Griffin, Tito Ortiz has continued his sink into MMA irrelevancy. 

Now come UFC 126; is it an elimination bout for these two fighters?

Rich Franklin, in his last four fights is 2-2 with his losses coming against the likes of Vitor Belfort (At a catchweight of 195 lbs) and Dan Henderson.

Not the worst of losses you could have.

But Forrest Griffin's loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 101 was an embarrassment and a blemish on Griffin's record. Not only was he barely hit (on a bad jaw) he proceeded to run away after the fight was over.

That run from the Octagon prompted Tito Ortiz to want a "Run Forrest Run" t-shirt for their next fight.

Griffin even held the light heavyweight belt following victories against Hector Ramirez, Mauricio Rua and Quinton Jackson. He just couldn't defend it against Rashad Evans, who is no pushover.

Franklin also held the middleweight belt until he lost to Anderson Silva. Since that fight Silva has successfully defended his belt each time, including once against Franklin.

Neither fighter will be cut following this fight. Forrest and Rich are both liked by the fans. Especially Griffin, who at times, says the funniest things about himself. Both have even joked about the loser getting a tattoo on themselves to raise the stakes a little higher. (As long as it's not a Johnny Cash tattoo, I'm looking at you Belcher)

The winner of this fight will likely move one step closer to contender status or move into contender status for the Light Heavyweight belt.

Both fighters have great heart and have generally always been the underdog. 

Both fighters will put on a great show and a great slugfest. It's got every potential to become fight of the night come Saturday.

Neither Forrest or Rich will be cut following their UFC 126 bout.