Post by The Sandmen on Jan 27, 2014 20:02:58 GMT -5
Dan Henderson looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Rich Franklin doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Henderson is not prefered by the MMA media to win tonight. He will have to do his best to score a win.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Henderson and Franklin move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dan Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Franklin's chin
Rich Franklin charges at Henderson throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Henderson is rocked!
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Dan Henderson sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Rich Franklin falls hard on the mat with Dan Henderson on top of him
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Dan Henderson is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Franklin's abdomen
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson fires a barrage of punches at Franklin's head!
This is bad! Henderson is just pounding on Rich Franklin's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Franklin has a small cut in his Right eye
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right cheek
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Henderson tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Good front kick from Franklin!
Henderson stumbles backwards after that one!
Franklin wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Terrible one sided match... Franklin was not ready to fight a fighter of Dan Henderson caliber.
Franklin goes for a scissor takedown. thats unusual
Rich Franklin is on his back after that attempt
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Henderson avoids a dangerous strike from Franklin
and counters with a solid straight!
Franklin's Left eye is beginning to swell
Franklin wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Henderson is throwing a flurry of punches!
Rich Franklin just can't get away!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Dan Henderson is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Dan Henderson is working his opponent ribs!
Crushing shot to Franklin's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dan Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dan Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin pushes off of Dan Henderson and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Henderson stumbles backwards but Rich Franklin chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Dan Henderson pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dan Henderson
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin pushes away Henderson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Henderson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin pushes away Henderson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Henderson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Dan Henderson!
That one almost breaks Franklin's chin! He is knocked down!
Franklin's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 4:20 in the 1 round
Henderson is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Franklin tries to hit Dan Henderson with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Henderson steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Henderson is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Henderson opts to jump inside Franklin's guard.
Franklin didn't see that coming. Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin now.
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson throws a lot of punches
with little effect. Franklin is doing a great job covering himself up.
Henderson clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Dan Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Henderson tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
You have to give that round to Dan Henderson.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dan Henderson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Dan Henderson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson's cornermen are worried about his safety if he continues clinching with Rich Franklin.
Rich Franklin grapple with Dan Henderson and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Henderson manage to maintain his balances and avoid the takedown
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal punches to Henderson's face while in the clinch!
Henderson pushes Rich Franklin with all his might as tries to keep the fight in striking range.
Rich Franklin has found an opening in the defense of Henderson, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Henderson is wobbling!
Dan Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Rich Franklin is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Henderson into his guard.
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Henderson is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dan Henderson!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Henderson struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Henderson can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Henderson breaks the lock showing some skills...
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin storms over Henderson with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Dan Henderson blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Henderson tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin hooks Henderson's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Dan Henderson manages to kick Franklin away and scrambles on top!
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson is looking to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dan Henderson aggressively and repeatedly punches Franklin.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Henderson tries to cover his face,
Henderson's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Henderson's side.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Henderson who is in full mount! Franklin is in trouble now!
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson goes for an armbar!
Rich Franklin breaks the lock and pushes away Dan Henderson, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Steve Mazzagatti halts the fight to stand up Dan Henderson. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dan Henderson and Franklin engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Franklin's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Henderson!
Dan Henderson is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Franklin and pushes him away!
Poorly executed technique. Dan Henderson looks to counter!
Henderson is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Dan Henderson in his guard.
Dan Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dan Henderson. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Good looking punches from Dan Henderson on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Rich Franklin shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Rich Franklin breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Good looking punches from Dan Henderson on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Dan Henderson has to be confident that he won that round.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Rich Franklin.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Pulverizing punch to Henderson's head!
Ouch, that had to hurt!
Henderson throws a lazy kick
Franklin dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
A furious flurry of punches from Rich Franklin
puts Henderson in a world of hurt!
Rich Franklin and Henderson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dan Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Henderson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dan Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Dan Henderson.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Henderson lifts his opponent off the ground and tries to slam him!
Down goes Rich Franklin! Brilliant slam!
Crushing shot to Franklin's body! He's holding his side
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Henderson's side.
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He is not able to do it
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Forehead
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dan Henderson moves to better his position on the ground...
Dan Henderson viciously slams hammer blows to Franklin's face!
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Henderson tries to cover his face,
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson passes momentarily but Rich Franklin regains half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Dan Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dan Henderson tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Henderson's moves.
The clock says 3:10 in the 3 round
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Dan Henderson looks to pass to mount...
Henderson slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Henderson doesn't allow him!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Franklin breaks the lock showing some skills...
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Henderson doesn't allow him!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Dan Henderson is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Henderson's moves.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Franklin jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Henderson sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
Henderson looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's chin with an uppercut while Franklin lands some great crosses.
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Dan Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Rich Franklin is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Henderson into his guard.
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Henderson is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dan Henderson!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Henderson is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Franklin's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Steve Mazzagatti tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
You have to give that round to Dan Henderson.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
High kick from Rich Franklin!
Henderson seems to be done!
Henderson's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Brutal combination from Rich Franklin!
Henderson is in a bad way, his legs look wobbily!
Franklin launches a kick
Henderson checks it and keeps distance.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin launches a furious hook!
That hits Henderson's chin like a wrecking ball! Henderson loses balance and goes to the mat.
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Franklin is standing while Henderson is on the ground on his back
Franklin moves backwards and gestures for Dan Henderson to stand up.
Henderson climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Dan Henderson attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Franklin throws a hook
that hits its mark.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 1:25 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin and Henderson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dan Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Brutal-looking high kick from Rich Franklin!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Dan Henderson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Franklin is holding Dan Henderson's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dan Henderson loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Dan Henderson manages to switch to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Henderson is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Rich Franklin can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to move to full guard
Dan Henderson manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Dan Henderson can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin tries to pass Dan Henderson's guard...
Rich Franklin manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Dan Henderson manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:30 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Henderson
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Rich Franklin tries to finish with a leg lock!
Henderson is able to break the lock.
Poorly executed technique. Dan Henderson looks to counter!
Dan Henderson slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Rich Franklin cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Henderson moves to shoot
but Rich Franklin delivers a knee that wrecks him!
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Henderson steps backwards away from Rich Franklin. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Franklin seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Henderson!
Nice move by Franklin who clinches and pushes Henderson against the cage
The clock says 4:05 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin is launching some bone breaking punches to Henderson's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dan Henderson's eyes.
Crushing shot to Henderson's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Henderson with uppercuts!
Henderson is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Henderson is unable to escape!
Henderson has a small cut in his Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin slightly pushes Henderson into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Dan Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Franklin blocks that. He made it look easy!
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Here comes Rich Franklin with a vicious middle kick!
That lands hard on Henderson's ribs!
The clock says 4:40 in the 4 round
Dan Henderson fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Pulverizing punch to Henderson's head!
Ouch, that had to hurt!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Dan Henderson leans forwards and tries to grapple with Franklin
Franklin wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Henderson moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin doesn't want to engage and backpedals
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin grapple with Dan Henderson and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin looks to mount Dan Henderson...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Deep breaths from Dan Henderson who tries a hammer punch to Franklin's ribs.
Franklin blocks those punches
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson tries to roll on the ground...
Franklin knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:45 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Henderson is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Rich Franklin pushes Dan Henderson down and prevents his attempts to escape
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Rich Franklin pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 2:20 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin pushes Dan Henderson against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Henderson's chin! His legs are wobbling!
Henderson's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
a flying knee from Rich Franklin towards Henderson
Dan Henderson was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
The ref pulls off Rich Franklin! Henderson seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Rich Franklin by TKO (Knee to adbomen) at 2:39 Round 5
Statistics: Dan Henderson
Punches 15/23 (65%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 10/14 (71%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 40/62 (65%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 657 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 29/39 (74%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/21 (62%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 8/29 (28%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 673 s
Okay, wow. A definite contender for fight of the year right here. These guys threw it all out there and both guys were fighting with basically no health left by the end of the fight. Round 1 was taken by Henderson, with STRONG clinch striking. Those were hurting Rich. Round 2 was taken by Dan with takedown, and some ground and pound. Rich is tough though, so he was taking these. Losing the rounds for sure, taking on a lot of damage for sure, but he was not QUITE out of the fight. Round 3, they decided to stand and bang with each other for a bit, and that was a beauty of even exchanges, with both guys doing damage. Then, somewhere in there they ended up on the ground and Henderson probably got the edge in there with some GnP/control work. Round 4, it started to change. I am guessing Rich's corner said, "Dude, you know you are not winning, right?" and Rich was probably all like, "Wait, what? Damnit, I need to break my arm on this kid" and went out and brought it. He took round 4 with some kicks, stand-up and Rich Franklin-ness. He fought his way back into the fight from the brink of unconciousness. He started to wear Dan down with some stamina damage and health damage. By the end of the 4th, he was definitely back in the fight, but still a little down in damage output, health. He was, however, up on momentum. Big time. In the 5th, he went all-in. He threw everything he had, stand up, sit down, clinch, takedowns, everything. He was hurting Dan all over, doing massive stamina and health damage. Finally, Rich used the high-level clinch game to take over, and finish off the tough-as-Dan-Henderson Dan Henderson. The human body can only take so much and Dan took it all. Plus some. Then he fell to the ground, and Rich showed why he is a truly elite ManMMA fighter. Classic fight.
Rich Franklin doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Henderson is not prefered by the MMA media to win tonight. He will have to do his best to score a win.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Henderson and Franklin move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dan Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Franklin's chin
Rich Franklin charges at Henderson throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Henderson is rocked!
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Dan Henderson sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Rich Franklin falls hard on the mat with Dan Henderson on top of him
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Dan Henderson is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Franklin's abdomen
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson fires a barrage of punches at Franklin's head!
This is bad! Henderson is just pounding on Rich Franklin's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Franklin has a small cut in his Right eye
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right cheek
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Henderson tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Good front kick from Franklin!
Henderson stumbles backwards after that one!
Franklin wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Terrible one sided match... Franklin was not ready to fight a fighter of Dan Henderson caliber.
Franklin goes for a scissor takedown. thats unusual
Rich Franklin is on his back after that attempt
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Henderson avoids a dangerous strike from Franklin
and counters with a solid straight!
Franklin's Left eye is beginning to swell
Franklin wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Henderson is throwing a flurry of punches!
Rich Franklin just can't get away!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Dan Henderson is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Dan Henderson is working his opponent ribs!
Crushing shot to Franklin's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dan Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dan Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin pushes off of Dan Henderson and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Henderson stumbles backwards but Rich Franklin chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Dan Henderson pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dan Henderson
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin pushes away Henderson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Henderson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin pushes away Henderson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Henderson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Dan Henderson!
That one almost breaks Franklin's chin! He is knocked down!
Franklin's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 4:20 in the 1 round
Henderson is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Franklin tries to hit Dan Henderson with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Henderson steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Henderson is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Henderson opts to jump inside Franklin's guard.
Franklin didn't see that coming. Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin now.
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson throws a lot of punches
with little effect. Franklin is doing a great job covering himself up.
Henderson clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Dan Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Henderson tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
You have to give that round to Dan Henderson.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dan Henderson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Dan Henderson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Henderson's cornermen are worried about his safety if he continues clinching with Rich Franklin.
Rich Franklin grapple with Dan Henderson and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Henderson manage to maintain his balances and avoid the takedown
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal punches to Henderson's face while in the clinch!
Henderson pushes Rich Franklin with all his might as tries to keep the fight in striking range.
Rich Franklin has found an opening in the defense of Henderson, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Henderson is wobbling!
Dan Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Rich Franklin is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Henderson into his guard.
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Henderson is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dan Henderson!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Henderson struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Henderson can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Henderson breaks the lock showing some skills...
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin storms over Henderson with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Dan Henderson blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Henderson tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin hooks Henderson's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Dan Henderson manages to kick Franklin away and scrambles on top!
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson is looking to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Franklin misses a step and Dan Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dan Henderson aggressively and repeatedly punches Franklin.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Henderson tries to cover his face,
Henderson's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Henderson's side.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson pushes Franklin's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Henderson who is in full mount! Franklin is in trouble now!
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson goes for an armbar!
Rich Franklin breaks the lock and pushes away Dan Henderson, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Steve Mazzagatti halts the fight to stand up Dan Henderson. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dan Henderson and Franklin engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Franklin's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Henderson!
Dan Henderson is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Franklin and pushes him away!
Poorly executed technique. Dan Henderson looks to counter!
Henderson is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Dan Henderson in his guard.
Dan Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Henderson tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dan Henderson. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Good looking punches from Dan Henderson on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Rich Franklin shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Rich Franklin breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Henderson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Good looking punches from Dan Henderson on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Dan Henderson has to be confident that he won that round.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Rich Franklin.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Pulverizing punch to Henderson's head!
Ouch, that had to hurt!
Henderson throws a lazy kick
Franklin dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
A furious flurry of punches from Rich Franklin
puts Henderson in a world of hurt!
Rich Franklin and Henderson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dan Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Henderson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dan Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Dan Henderson.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Henderson lifts his opponent off the ground and tries to slam him!
Down goes Rich Franklin! Brilliant slam!
Crushing shot to Franklin's body! He's holding his side
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Henderson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Henderson's side.
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Henderson
He is not able to do it
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Forehead
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dan Henderson moves to better his position on the ground...
Dan Henderson viciously slams hammer blows to Franklin's face!
Dan Henderson is in open guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Henderson tries to cover his face,
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Dan Henderson tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson passes momentarily but Rich Franklin regains half guard.
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Henderson tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
Dan Henderson is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Henderson's cheek from the guard.
Dan Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dan Henderson tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Dan Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Henderson's moves.
The clock says 3:10 in the 3 round
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Dan Henderson looks to pass to mount...
Henderson slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Henderson doesn't allow him!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Dan Henderson throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Franklin breaks the lock showing some skills...
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Henderson doesn't allow him!
Dan Henderson is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Dan Henderson is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Dan Henderson is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Henderson's moves.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Franklin jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Henderson sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
Henderson looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's chin with an uppercut while Franklin lands some great crosses.
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Dan Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Rich Franklin is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Henderson into his guard.
Dan Henderson is in closed guard over Franklin
Henderson is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dan Henderson!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Henderson is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Franklin's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Steve Mazzagatti tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
You have to give that round to Dan Henderson.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
High kick from Rich Franklin!
Henderson seems to be done!
Henderson's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Brutal combination from Rich Franklin!
Henderson is in a bad way, his legs look wobbily!
Franklin launches a kick
Henderson checks it and keeps distance.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin launches a furious hook!
That hits Henderson's chin like a wrecking ball! Henderson loses balance and goes to the mat.
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Franklin is standing while Henderson is on the ground on his back
Franklin moves backwards and gestures for Dan Henderson to stand up.
Henderson climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Dan Henderson attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Franklin throws a hook
that hits its mark.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 1:25 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin and Henderson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dan Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Brutal-looking high kick from Rich Franklin!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Dan Henderson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Franklin is holding Dan Henderson's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dan Henderson loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Dan Henderson manages to switch to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Henderson is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Rich Franklin can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to move to full guard
Dan Henderson manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Dan Henderson can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Henderson
Rich Franklin tries to pass Dan Henderson's guard...
Rich Franklin manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Dan Henderson manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:30 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Henderson
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Rich Franklin tries to finish with a leg lock!
Henderson is able to break the lock.
Poorly executed technique. Dan Henderson looks to counter!
Dan Henderson slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Rich Franklin cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Henderson moves to shoot
but Rich Franklin delivers a knee that wrecks him!
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Henderson steps backwards away from Rich Franklin. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Franklin seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Henderson!
Nice move by Franklin who clinches and pushes Henderson against the cage
The clock says 4:05 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin is launching some bone breaking punches to Henderson's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dan Henderson's eyes.
Crushing shot to Henderson's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Henderson with uppercuts!
Henderson is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Henderson is unable to escape!
Henderson has a small cut in his Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin slightly pushes Henderson into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Dan Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Franklin blocks that. He made it look easy!
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Here comes Rich Franklin with a vicious middle kick!
That lands hard on Henderson's ribs!
The clock says 4:40 in the 4 round
Dan Henderson fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Pulverizing punch to Henderson's head!
Ouch, that had to hurt!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Dan Henderson leans forwards and tries to grapple with Franklin
Franklin wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Henderson moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin doesn't want to engage and backpedals
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Rich Franklin shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin grapple with Dan Henderson and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Henderson misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin looks to mount Dan Henderson...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Deep breaths from Dan Henderson who tries a hammer punch to Franklin's ribs.
Franklin blocks those punches
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson tries to roll on the ground...
Franklin knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Rich Franklin controls the situation despite Dan Henderson efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:45 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Henderson measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Dan Henderson
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Henderson is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Rich Franklin pushes Dan Henderson down and prevents his attempts to escape
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Rich Franklin pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 2:20 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin pushes Dan Henderson against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Henderson's chin! His legs are wobbling!
Henderson's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
a flying knee from Rich Franklin towards Henderson
Dan Henderson was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
The ref pulls off Rich Franklin! Henderson seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Rich Franklin by TKO (Knee to adbomen) at 2:39 Round 5
Statistics: Dan Henderson
Punches 15/23 (65%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 10/14 (71%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 40/62 (65%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 657 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 29/39 (74%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/21 (62%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 8/29 (28%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 673 s
Okay, wow. A definite contender for fight of the year right here. These guys threw it all out there and both guys were fighting with basically no health left by the end of the fight. Round 1 was taken by Henderson, with STRONG clinch striking. Those were hurting Rich. Round 2 was taken by Dan with takedown, and some ground and pound. Rich is tough though, so he was taking these. Losing the rounds for sure, taking on a lot of damage for sure, but he was not QUITE out of the fight. Round 3, they decided to stand and bang with each other for a bit, and that was a beauty of even exchanges, with both guys doing damage. Then, somewhere in there they ended up on the ground and Henderson probably got the edge in there with some GnP/control work. Round 4, it started to change. I am guessing Rich's corner said, "Dude, you know you are not winning, right?" and Rich was probably all like, "Wait, what? Damnit, I need to break my arm on this kid" and went out and brought it. He took round 4 with some kicks, stand-up and Rich Franklin-ness. He fought his way back into the fight from the brink of unconciousness. He started to wear Dan down with some stamina damage and health damage. By the end of the 4th, he was definitely back in the fight, but still a little down in damage output, health. He was, however, up on momentum. Big time. In the 5th, he went all-in. He threw everything he had, stand up, sit down, clinch, takedowns, everything. He was hurting Dan all over, doing massive stamina and health damage. Finally, Rich used the high-level clinch game to take over, and finish off the tough-as-Dan-Henderson Dan Henderson. The human body can only take so much and Dan took it all. Plus some. Then he fell to the ground, and Rich showed why he is a truly elite ManMMA fighter. Classic fight.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!