Rich Franklin vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC 133
Posted on April 22, 2011, 07:04 PM by Joey Santosus
UFC 133 continues to come together today with the addition of a Light Heavyweight bout between former Middleweight champ Rich Franklin and PRIDE veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
UFC officials confirmed the match-up on Friday afternoon.
Franklin (28-6) comes into the bout having alternated wins and losses in his last six outings. After dropping two of his final three at Middleweight, he moved up to the 205-pound division, where he initially found success with a first-round knockout victory over Chuck Liddell last June. In his latest effort, however, Franklin was unable to overcome a marked size disadvantage and was controlled by Forrest Griffin en-route to losing a unanimous decision at UFC 126.
Nogueira (19-5), meanwhile, looks to get back in the win column after suffering consecutive defeats for the first time in his career. Prior to the losses, which both came via decision against high level wrestlers Phil Davis and Ryan Bader, the Brazilian was unbeaten in his last seven, including victories over Jason Brilz and Luiz Cane in his first two octagon appearances.
UFC 133 is set to take place August 6th and is expected to be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While no headliner has been announced at this time, other confimed bouts include Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara, Dennis Hallman vs. Brian Ebersole and more.
Photo: Rich Franklin before his fight against Jason MacDonald during Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 68 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH on March 3, 2007. Photo credit: Francis Specker
Comments
133 looks pretty solid rite now and I'm happy Nog isnt fighting another wrestler, I got Nog in this one better striking and grappling
Nog should take this one , he will overpower Franklin .
I kinda feel bad for Franklin not a good match up for him
and looking at his record , man! has anyone fought bigger competition
than Franklin lately?
Lil Nog , Forrest , Chuck , Belfort , Wanderlei and Henderson!!!
Because he's Ace! The best in MMA baby!!! Go Rich!
I was expecting Nog to have his next fight at UFC Rio
Yea, I question that decision as well... They have to at least have Rodrigo on the card then. I would have thought both.
I'm disappointed Dana didn't make the Wanderli v Belfort match he spoke about. I'm actually shocked there aren't more top Brazilians names on the card.
i think frustration may play a part init. he needs a good showing and quick his stock has dropped lately.
im rooting for franklin still but i think its gona need some master clinch and counter punching with head movement but i think nog is a big better and bigger all round so tough fight im excited for
yea I agree, Lill Nog definatly sounds like the next logical choice, but it would have been cool to have both of them fighting in Rio
I think Franklin has a good chance of beating Nog, his striking is underrated imo. Other than the loss to Vitor I can't remember him getting out boxed by anyone, his defensive grappling is underrated too. If he can avoid the clinch and be the aggressor he can win the fight by decision.
I feel the same way. I think rich will do very well against Lil nog.
will be a great fight not sure who will take this one but i am rooting for ace
So much respect for franklin.
Not many men can say they've got in a cage with anderson TWICE.
& who in recent memory after realizing they can't beat the champ in their weight division move up to a heavier weight class?
Sure to be a good fight.
Both legends.
Ace always comes to fight.... Nog got great hands.. but Ace has better legs.. i can see him chop Nog down and punch him out... they match up pretty even if u ask me. I give the advantage to Nog in the clinch but if Ace keeps his distance he can take this. No matter what, this will be a war!
Nog has looked like he's been slacking lately. He leaves himself open all the time.
what an epic battle this is gonna be
Rich is an outstanding fighter, I can't discredit little nog but c'mon. its rich franklin!
i personally believe this is a great match up.