UFC 72: Fight Report

It wasn’t the most glamorous of fight cards, but there was some fine fighting on display at UFC 72: Victory as the Ultimate Fighting Championships touched down in Belfast, Ireland for the very first time.

Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin seized his second victory after losing his belt late last year. Facing off against Yushin Okama, the fighters got off to a slow start, with fans getting restless after much circling and stalling. Franklin tried to up the pace for the second round, rebutting a takedown attempt and pushing his opponent to the fence. After a restart, Okami struck with a kick to the head and a right cross, but Franklin stayed in control as the second round came to a close.

As the third round began, Okami skipped the touch of gloves and attempted a flying knee. Franklin, finger wagging, made a lunge and Okami took him to the mat and began pummelling. Franklin broke away momentarily and restood but he was soon brought back to the mat by a guillotine choke. Eventually he slipped out of it and managed to hold out until the end of the round, when the judges awarded him his victory.

Franklin has now earned himself another go at Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva, when he will attempt to regain the title snatched from him in November of last year. “If that’s what’s next, then that’s what’s next,” said the measured Franklin of the rematch.

Next up, Forrest Griffin made a comeback after last year’s devastating loss to Keith Jardine by winning a three round unanimous victory over Hector Ramirez.

Griffin scored points in the first round with kicks to the legs and head, but Ramirez countered with a wide left hook that had his challenger bleeding from a cut under his right eye. Despite this, Griffin continued to confidently land blows as the round ended.

In the second round Griffin kept up the pressure, bringing a brief halt to proceedings with a low knee, and then really let rip in the third with powerful combinations and diligent footwork. Confidence growing, he spurned a takedown attempt by Ramirez and continued striking powerfully. When the final bell rang, he was awarded scored of 30-27 across the board. “I’m Irish, I’m fighting in Ireland, I deserve a little luck,” he said of the win.

Head to the official UFC 72 site for more info, including biographies, interviews and the fight card.