Thursday, December 11, 2008

Henderson/Franklin Winner Will Coach “TUF 9”


After much debate, UFC president Dana White stated at yesterday’s UFC Fight Night 16 weigh-ins that the winner of the light heavyweight matchup between Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin will coach opposite Michael Bisping on next season’s “The Ultimate Fighter.” Both fighters have gone on record stating that they were not too interested in being a coach on the show.

Franklin, who just made a successful return to the light heavyweight division, felt that since he already coached on the show’s second season, he wasn’t keen on the prospect of doing it again.

He also stated that it was the UFC that convinced him to move back up to light heavyweight, as there were more opportunities there for him to extend his career. Neither he nor the UFC wanted him to serve as a gatekeeper to Anderson Silva’s title.

Henderson will be making his second appearance in the 205-pound division for the UFC. He lost to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 75 in a light heavyweight title unification bout.

Henderson and Franklin will square off at UFC 93 at the O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland on January 17th.

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