Franklin is a -170 moneyline favorite in UFC Odds.

Both of these fighters are out to prove that they are still relevant in the sport. Each of them has lost 2 fights recently and many people are questioning whether or not they are still truly contenders for the title.

While they have both lost 2 fights recently, each managed to turn things around with wins in their most recent fights. Franklin’s fight was definitely more impressive than Griffin’s, however. Griffin won by split decision over Tito Ortiz. Ortiz is getting older and Griffin still was unable to put him away.

Franklin also fought against an aging fighter, but he was able to knock out his opponent. Chuck Liddell was considering retirement already and Franklin pushed him closer to retirement with a knockout victory.

When looking at the stats from these two fighters it is clear that Franklin has the advantage in most categories. He has the better career record at 28-5 and his skills appear to be more developed. He is rated as a better striker and gets more takedowns than Griffin. The biggest advantage that Griffin will have is age. You never know when a fighter will get pushed over the edge and will not perform at a high level anymore. Griffin is 5 years younger than Franklin.

The winner of this fight will likely jump back into prominence, while the loser to likely to fall from the limelight.

Knowing the mixed martial arts world is waiting for his 40-year-old body to fail him one last time, Liddell headlines the UFC 115 event. 14 months ago against Mauricio Shogun Rua, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion was extremely sluggish and out of shape. After Shogun went on to beat Lyoto Machida for the title, the Liddell’s defeat looks rather less embarrassing.

White campaigned for Liddell’s retirement and announced it on live TV, but a talk with the man himself has softened that stance. White is convinced by Liddell that defeat was merely down to preparation, a mistake he insists would not be made against Franklin.

Liddell is seriously ripped for one of the first times in his career; the trademark belly seemingly outdated, showing up in Vancouver ahead of the weekend. This is the best shape Liddell can be in, White admits, and hence retirement will be the only option if he is defeated.

“I think he will say the same thing, but let me tell you what the difference is – the difference before, when I wanted him retired, were that he wasn’t doing the right thing. He was out partying every night and doing the wrong thing – not the right thing. He was not living the life of a professional athlete. He and I sat down and talked and I will tell you what, he has kept his word. He has been in phenomenal shape since the beginning of The Ultimate Fighter and it will be interesting to see how he does. Rick Franklin is tough, he is no joke. He had that war with Dan Henderson that many people believe he won, he had the war with Wanderlei Silva – he has fought all the best in the world “, said White, to a popular sports magazine.

Against Rich Franklin at UFC 115, Chuck Liddell’s return to MMA competition, have been a foregone conclusion. Liddell had made no secret of his desire to continue fighting and is one of the UFC’s biggest drawing cards.

Franklin feels his blend of speed and stamina will enable him to keep the Iceman at bay although, Franklin is conceding a slight size advantage to Liddell.

“It is a good time for me, I am in the right spot physically and I am ahead of schedule and am feeling good about the game plan we have “, said Franklin.

Liddell is expected to come out swinging from the hip by Franklin. Franklin said, I would imagine he will come into the fight more explosive than he ever has been,” It would not surprise me if Chuck tries to take me down. Chuck has a good wrestling background. He has not used it a whole lot in his fights and I think that is one aspect of his game that is overlooked. I can see him trying to mix things up, throwing some punches and going for a takedown and make me bite on defending the takedown.

With Chuck I don’t think it is the speed that makes him as dangerous as his timing. He sucks you in, lets you get a little over extended and he picks the proper time to drop that right hand on you. We have to make sure I am razor sharp in what I am doing.

“As the time progresses I tend to accelerate as a fighter and Chuck tends to slow down and things are going to start playing in my favor”.