Post by The Sandmen on May 16, 2012 15:06:18 GMT -5
Rich Franklin! Rich Franklin! This is what the people are chanting here.
Josh Koscheck is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Rich Franklin is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
Josh Koscheck comes with a 2 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Franklin fires low kicks
that fail to land.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck leans forwards and tries to grapple with Franklin
Koscheck shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Koscheck pummels back into position.
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin can end the fight at any moment from the clinch. You can hear the crowd buzz with anticipation.
Franklin tries to take Josh Koscheck down... Koscheck stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Koscheck's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Josh Koscheck's ribs!
Josh Koscheck's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Those punches are hitting! Franklin covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Josh Koscheck down... Koscheck stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Josh Koscheck dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Franklin misses a step and Josh Koscheck sees an opportunity to counter him!
Koscheck throws a hook
He fails to land it.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Koscheck grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Josh Koscheck
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Koscheck tries to cover his face,
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck tries to escape from the closed guard
Josh Koscheck any adventage in the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck 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
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and shows Josh Koscheck a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Franklin's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck struggles on the ground and tries to break Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck is in Franklin open guard now
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and shows Josh Koscheck a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Franklin uses his forearms to block the impact!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Koscheck moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Koscheck clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Koscheck launches a barrage of elbows over Franklin's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Franklin doesn't fight back!
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin has a small cut in his Left cheek
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Koscheck 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
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Josh Koscheck!
Franklin is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Franklin moves backwards and Josh Koscheck is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Franklin and Koscheck circle around the center of the cage.
Josh Koscheck swings...
hard impact to Franklin's face!
The clock says 4:35 in the 1 round
Koscheck and Franklin circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Koscheck moves forward and holds Franklin
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Josh Koscheck is working his opponent ribs!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
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Round 2
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Rich Franklin tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Josh Koscheck fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Koscheck who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Rich Franklin pushes away Koscheck trying to keep the fight at striking range
Koscheck doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is an expert in the clinch. This is a bad position for Koscheck.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Koscheck pummels back into position.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Koscheck to fight back!
Josh Koscheck attempts a sweep single...
Josh Koscheck catches Rich Franklin's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Koscheck.
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
As the fight continues it seems that Josh Koscheck is taking the best of the fight.
Josh Koscheck 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 Josh Koscheck
Josh Koscheck tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Josh Koscheck tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Rich Franklin rolls Josh Koscheck to his stomach and takes his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Koscheck
Koscheck has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Koscheck manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Franklin
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Josh Koscheck throws a combo
Franklin punches back but nobody connects.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Josh Koscheck!
Franklin ducks under...
The clock says 1:55 in the 2 round
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Koscheck can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rich Franklin launches a body shot
Koscheck evades.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Superb haymaker by Franklin
that lands on Koscheck's face like a cannon ball!
Koscheck's Mouth is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Josh Koscheck's Mouth
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Josh Koscheck jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Koscheck seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Koscheck launches a kick
but Rich Franklin avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Koscheck has a small cut in his Forehead
Rich Franklin throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Koscheck!
Nice move by Franklin who clinches and pushes Koscheck against the cage
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Koscheck tries to take Rich Franklin down... Franklin stumbles backwards and Josh Koscheck launches a few punches...
Rich Franklin dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin wants nothing of that and pushes Koscheck.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin swings...
hard impact to Koscheck's face!
Josh Koscheck throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Mouth
The clock says 3:20 in the 2 round
Josh Koscheck fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Koscheck who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Rich Franklin pushes away Koscheck trying to keep the fight at striking range
Koscheck doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck grab one of Rich Franklin's arm and tries a Hip Throw
with a twist of his hip Josh Koscheck throw Franklin to the mat like a ragdoll
Koscheck is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Koscheck moves backwards and gestures for Rich Franklin to stand up.
Franklin climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Josh Koscheck's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Koscheck's face with those brutal elbows! Koscheck needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Koscheck's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin fires a barrage of punches at Koscheck's head!
The punches go wide.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Josh Koscheck holds Rich Franklin and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin struggles on the ground and tries to break Josh Koscheck's guard...
Koscheck doesn't want to free his opponent and Franklin continues in closed guard
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
The cutman is working on Koscheck's face.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Josh Koscheck jumps back and jabs
Franklin only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Koscheck tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Koscheck is clinching with Franklin.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Josh Koscheck seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Koscheck struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Nothing from this... Josh Koscheck seems frustrated.
Josh Koscheck gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Josh Koscheck's ribs!
Josh Koscheck's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
Koscheck ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin and Koscheck are at the same level nowadays... This match is very interesting because no one knows who will win.
Josh Koscheck launches a furious knee!
Rich Franklin blocks and struggles while trying to take the initiative.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin and Josh Koscheck are cliched up against the cage. Franklin steps for a throw
Koscheck stays on his feet
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Franklin ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Koscheck gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Rich Franklin! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Rich Franklin doesn't defend himself!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Josh Koscheck. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Franklin has a small cut in his Forehead
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck struggles on the ground and tries to break Rich Franklin's guard...
Franklin doesn't want to free his opponent and Koscheck continues in closed guard
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Koscheck tries to cover his face,
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Koscheck's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 2:10 in the 3 round
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
The clock says 2:20 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Rich Franklin sits high on Josh Koscheck's chest and pulls his leg underneath Koscheck's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Koscheck tries to roll out. He's too quick for Rich Franklin and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Franklin and it cost him top position.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Josh Koscheck launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Koscheck tries to escape from the full mount...
Koscheck struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Koscheck 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!
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Franklin creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin charges at Koscheck throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Koscheck is rocked!
Rich Franklin takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Franklin tries to show some ground skills
Rich Franklin put Koscheck in half guard.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Not a desiderable position that Franklin is in now. Josh Koscheck is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Josh Koscheck wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Koscheck drills Rich Franklin's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 4
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Josh Koscheck tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rich Franklin jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Josh Koscheck gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin launches a knee!
Rich Franklin hits Koscheck's hard just below the ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Franklin catches an ankle and Koscheck is tripped to the mat!
Crushing shot to Koscheck's body! He's holding his side
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin leans back...
Koscheck eyes him warily.
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Koscheck is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Josh Koscheck!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Koscheck 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
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Franklin fires low kicks
punishing Koscheck's legs repeatedly.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his left arm
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Koscheck slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Josh Koscheck in his guard...
Josh Koscheck keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 3:00 in the 4 round
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck leans back...
He clobbers Rich Franklin's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Franklin's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right eye
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Koscheck's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
The clock says 3:35 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Josh Koscheck attempts to move to full guard
Josh Koscheck manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin tries to pass Josh Koscheck's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Josh Koscheck regains full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin tries to pass Josh Koscheck's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Josh Koscheck regains full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
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 Koscheck's moves.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Deep breaths from Rich Franklin who tries a hammer punch to Koscheck's ribs.
Koscheck blocks those punches
Josh Koscheck 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 can't do it because of Koscheck'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 Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:55 in the 4 round
Koscheck moves forward looking for some action
Josh Koscheck shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
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Round 5
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You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Josh Koscheck is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Franklin into his guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Good looking punches from Josh Koscheck on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Franklin's Chin is beginning to swell
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. 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.
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Josh Koscheck goes with a looping right hand while Rich Franklin jumps back and jabs
Franklin seems staggered and Josh Koscheck runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Franklin seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Koscheck looks to be in very good shape.
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Josh Koscheck tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Franklin is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Hard blow to Franklin's mid-section, he seems hurt
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Koscheck moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Josh Koscheck aggressively and repeatedly punches Franklin.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Josh Koscheck 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 Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Koscheck to fight back!
Josh Koscheck tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:20 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Josh Koscheck in his guard.
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Koscheck delivers a few accurate elbows!
Franklin is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
The clock says 2:40 in the 5 round
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin has given his back to Josh Koscheck who is trying to get one hook in!
Josh Koscheck has one hook in!
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with one hook in
Koscheck has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Franklin.
Nicely done! Koscheck now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with two hooks in
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Josh Koscheck storms over Franklin with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Koscheck doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Franklin's face with his elbows!
Franklin's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with two hooks in
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Koscheck slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Josh Koscheck pushes Rich Franklin down and prevents his attempts to escape
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to better his position on the ground...
Koscheck is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck catch Rich Franklin's left arm and tries a kimura
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Rich Franklin tries to roll on the ground...
Koscheck knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck throws a few hammer fists to the face of Rich Franklin
Solid shots!
Franklin's Nose is beginning to swell
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Koscheck is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Rich Franklin, who is barely covering up!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Left cheek
That punishment by Josh Koscheck has left Franklin staggered! Josh Koscheck should try push forward now and finish this!
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Josh Koscheck positions himself and tries to finish this!
Josh Koscheck storms Rich Franklin's head with a few unblocked hammer fists! Dan Miragliotta is asking Rich Franklin to defend himself!
Franklin's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Forehead
Rich Franklin seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Josh Koscheck!
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Koscheck catch Rich Franklin's left arm and tries a kimura
Koscheck is locking that kimura...
Punishing hold!
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
Crippling lock!
That kimura from Josh Koscheck appears to be unbreakable
Punishing hold!
That kimura from Josh Koscheck appears to be unbreakable
Franklin struggles to free himself
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
Winner is Josh Koscheck by Majority decision
Statistics: Josh Koscheck
Punches 15/23 (65%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/15 (40%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 56/70 (80%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/4 (75%)
Time on the ground 914 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 8/24 (33%)
Kicks 3/6 (50%)
Clinch strikes 9/16 (56%)
Takedowns 3/5 (60%)
GnP strikes 9/33 (27%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 925 s
Both fighters are a bloody mess. Both fighters have amazing recovery. Both fighters put on a great show of strength, endurance and survival.
One judge scored this fight a draw, whereas the other 2 gave it to Koscheck by a (blonde, curly) hair. Truth be told, 30 more seconds and Kos may very well have ended this one. Rich was HURT. Now, question for the gallery - Anderson lost to Rich, rich got destroyed by Koscheck, should Josh and Anderson face off next?
Josh Koscheck is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Rich Franklin is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
Josh Koscheck comes with a 2 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Franklin fires low kicks
that fail to land.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck leans forwards and tries to grapple with Franklin
Koscheck shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Koscheck pummels back into position.
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin can end the fight at any moment from the clinch. You can hear the crowd buzz with anticipation.
Franklin tries to take Josh Koscheck down... Koscheck stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Koscheck's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Josh Koscheck's ribs!
Josh Koscheck's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Those punches are hitting! Franklin covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Josh Koscheck down... Koscheck stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Josh Koscheck dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Franklin misses a step and Josh Koscheck sees an opportunity to counter him!
Koscheck throws a hook
He fails to land it.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Koscheck grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Josh Koscheck
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Koscheck tries to cover his face,
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck tries to escape from the closed guard
Josh Koscheck any adventage in the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck 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
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and shows Josh Koscheck a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Franklin's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck struggles on the ground and tries to break Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck is in Franklin open guard now
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and shows Josh Koscheck a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Franklin uses his forearms to block the impact!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Koscheck moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Koscheck clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Koscheck launches a barrage of elbows over Franklin's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Franklin doesn't fight back!
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin has a small cut in his Left cheek
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Koscheck 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
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Josh Koscheck!
Franklin is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Franklin moves backwards and Josh Koscheck is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Franklin and Koscheck circle around the center of the cage.
Josh Koscheck swings...
hard impact to Franklin's face!
The clock says 4:35 in the 1 round
Koscheck and Franklin circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Koscheck moves forward and holds Franklin
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Josh Koscheck is working his opponent ribs!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Rich Franklin tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Josh Koscheck fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Koscheck who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Rich Franklin pushes away Koscheck trying to keep the fight at striking range
Koscheck doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is an expert in the clinch. This is a bad position for Koscheck.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Koscheck pummels back into position.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Koscheck to fight back!
Josh Koscheck attempts a sweep single...
Josh Koscheck catches Rich Franklin's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Koscheck.
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
As the fight continues it seems that Josh Koscheck is taking the best of the fight.
Josh Koscheck 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 Josh Koscheck
Josh Koscheck tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Josh Koscheck tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Rich Franklin rolls Josh Koscheck to his stomach and takes his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Koscheck
Koscheck has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Koscheck manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Franklin
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Josh Koscheck throws a combo
Franklin punches back but nobody connects.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Josh Koscheck!
Franklin ducks under...
The clock says 1:55 in the 2 round
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Koscheck can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rich Franklin launches a body shot
Koscheck evades.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Superb haymaker by Franklin
that lands on Koscheck's face like a cannon ball!
Koscheck's Mouth is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Josh Koscheck's Mouth
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Josh Koscheck jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Koscheck seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Koscheck launches a kick
but Rich Franklin avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Koscheck has a small cut in his Forehead
Rich Franklin throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch and launches himself over Koscheck!
Nice move by Franklin who clinches and pushes Koscheck against the cage
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Koscheck tries to take Rich Franklin down... Franklin stumbles backwards and Josh Koscheck launches a few punches...
Rich Franklin dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin wants nothing of that and pushes Koscheck.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin swings...
hard impact to Koscheck's face!
Josh Koscheck throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Mouth
The clock says 3:20 in the 2 round
Josh Koscheck fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Koscheck who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Rich Franklin pushes away Koscheck trying to keep the fight at striking range
Koscheck doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
The fighters are clinching.
Koscheck grab one of Rich Franklin's arm and tries a Hip Throw
with a twist of his hip Josh Koscheck throw Franklin to the mat like a ragdoll
Koscheck is standing while Franklin is on the ground on his back
Koscheck moves backwards and gestures for Rich Franklin to stand up.
Franklin climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Josh Koscheck's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Koscheck's face with those brutal elbows! Koscheck needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Koscheck's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin fires a barrage of punches at Koscheck's head!
The punches go wide.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Josh Koscheck holds Rich Franklin and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin struggles on the ground and tries to break Josh Koscheck's guard...
Koscheck doesn't want to free his opponent and Franklin continues in closed guard
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
The cutman is working on Koscheck's face.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Josh Koscheck jumps back and jabs
Franklin only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Koscheck tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Koscheck is clinching with Franklin.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Josh Koscheck seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Koscheck struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Nothing from this... Josh Koscheck seems frustrated.
Josh Koscheck gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Josh Koscheck's ribs!
Josh Koscheck's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
Koscheck ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin and Koscheck are at the same level nowadays... This match is very interesting because no one knows who will win.
Josh Koscheck launches a furious knee!
Rich Franklin blocks and struggles while trying to take the initiative.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin and Josh Koscheck are cliched up against the cage. Franklin steps for a throw
Koscheck stays on his feet
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Franklin ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Koscheck gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Rich Franklin! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Rich Franklin doesn't defend himself!
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Josh Koscheck. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Franklin has a small cut in his Forehead
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck struggles on the ground and tries to break Rich Franklin's guard...
Franklin doesn't want to free his opponent and Koscheck continues in closed guard
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Koscheck tries to cover his face,
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Koscheck's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 2:10 in the 3 round
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
The clock says 2:20 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Rich Franklin sits high on Josh Koscheck's chest and pulls his leg underneath Koscheck's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Koscheck tries to roll out. He's too quick for Rich Franklin and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Franklin and it cost him top position.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Josh Koscheck launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Koscheck tries to escape from the full mount...
Koscheck struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Josh Koscheck
Koscheck 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!
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Franklin creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin charges at Koscheck throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Koscheck is rocked!
Rich Franklin takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Franklin tries to show some ground skills
Rich Franklin put Koscheck in half guard.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He succeeds!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Not a desiderable position that Franklin is in now. Josh Koscheck is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Josh Koscheck wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Koscheck drills Rich Franklin's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Josh Koscheck is in closed guard over Franklin
Koscheck is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Josh Koscheck!
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Josh Koscheck tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rich Franklin jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Josh Koscheck gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin launches a knee!
Rich Franklin hits Koscheck's hard just below the ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Franklin catches an ankle and Koscheck is tripped to the mat!
Crushing shot to Koscheck's body! He's holding his side
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin leans back...
Koscheck eyes him warily.
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Koscheck is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Josh Koscheck!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Koscheck 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
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Franklin fires low kicks
punishing Koscheck's legs repeatedly.
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his left arm
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Koscheck slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Josh Koscheck in his guard...
Josh Koscheck keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 3:00 in the 4 round
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck leans back...
He clobbers Rich Franklin's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Franklin's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right eye
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Koscheck's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
The clock says 3:35 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Koscheck measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Koscheck
Josh Koscheck attempts to move to full guard
Josh Koscheck manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin tries to pass Josh Koscheck's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Josh Koscheck regains full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin tries to pass Josh Koscheck's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Josh Koscheck regains full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
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 Koscheck's moves.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Deep breaths from Rich Franklin who tries a hammer punch to Koscheck's ribs.
Koscheck blocks those punches
Josh Koscheck 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 can't do it because of Koscheck'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 Air Canada Centre (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:55 in the 4 round
Koscheck moves forward looking for some action
Josh Koscheck shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Josh Koscheck is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Franklin into his guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Koscheck
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin is in closed guard... Koscheck tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Good looking punches from Josh Koscheck on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Franklin's Chin is beginning to swell
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. 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.
Rich Franklin continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Josh Koscheck goes with a looping right hand while Rich Franklin jumps back and jabs
Franklin seems staggered and Josh Koscheck runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Franklin seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Koscheck looks to be in very good shape.
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Josh Koscheck tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Franklin is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Hard blow to Franklin's mid-section, he seems hurt
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Koscheck
He is not able to do it
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Koscheck moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Koscheck's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Koscheck blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Koscheck is trying to counter now!
Josh Koscheck aggressively and repeatedly punches Franklin.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Josh Koscheck is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Josh Koscheck 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 Koscheck's cheek from the guard.
Josh Koscheck uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Koscheck to fight back!
Josh Koscheck tries to pass Rich Franklin's guard...
Josh Koscheck manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:20 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Josh Koscheck in his guard.
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Koscheck delivers a few accurate elbows!
Franklin is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
The clock says 2:40 in the 5 round
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin
Rich Franklin is a bloody mess!
Franklin has given his back to Josh Koscheck who is trying to get one hook in!
Josh Koscheck has one hook in!
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with one hook in
Koscheck has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Franklin.
Nicely done! Koscheck now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with two hooks in
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Josh Koscheck storms over Franklin with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Koscheck doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Franklin's face with his elbows!
Franklin's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Koscheck is in rear mount over Franklin with two hooks in
You can see Franklin's blood making stains in the mat.
Franklin tries to stand up!
Koscheck doesn't allow him!
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Koscheck is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck looks to pass to mount...
Koscheck slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Josh Koscheck pushes Rich Franklin down and prevents his attempts to escape
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Josh Koscheck tries to better his position on the ground...
Koscheck is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Koscheck catch Rich Franklin's left arm and tries a kimura
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Rich Franklin tries to roll on the ground...
Koscheck knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Koscheck tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Koscheck throws a few hammer fists to the face of Rich Franklin
Solid shots!
Franklin's Nose is beginning to swell
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Josh Koscheck is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin doesn't stop bleeding.
Koscheck is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Rich Franklin, who is barely covering up!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Left cheek
That punishment by Josh Koscheck has left Franklin staggered! Josh Koscheck should try push forward now and finish this!
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Josh Koscheck positions himself and tries to finish this!
Josh Koscheck storms Rich Franklin's head with a few unblocked hammer fists! Dan Miragliotta is asking Rich Franklin to defend himself!
Franklin's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Forehead
Rich Franklin seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Josh Koscheck!
Josh Koscheck is in full 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.
Koscheck catch Rich Franklin's left arm and tries a kimura
Koscheck is locking that kimura...
Punishing hold!
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Franklin's eyes...
Crippling lock!
That kimura from Josh Koscheck appears to be unbreakable
Punishing hold!
That kimura from Josh Koscheck appears to be unbreakable
Franklin struggles to free himself
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Koscheck.
Winner is Josh Koscheck by Majority decision
Statistics: Josh Koscheck
Punches 15/23 (65%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/15 (40%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 56/70 (80%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/4 (75%)
Time on the ground 914 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 8/24 (33%)
Kicks 3/6 (50%)
Clinch strikes 9/16 (56%)
Takedowns 3/5 (60%)
GnP strikes 9/33 (27%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 925 s
Both fighters are a bloody mess. Both fighters have amazing recovery. Both fighters put on a great show of strength, endurance and survival.
One judge scored this fight a draw, whereas the other 2 gave it to Koscheck by a (blonde, curly) hair. Truth be told, 30 more seconds and Kos may very well have ended this one. Rich was HURT. Now, question for the gallery - Anderson lost to Rich, rich got destroyed by Koscheck, should Josh and Anderson face off next?