Post by The Sandmen on Jan 30, 2012 17:46:18 GMT -5
Rich Franklin looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Houston Alexander 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.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
Round 1
The fight gets underway.
Not a desiderable position that Alexander is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Franklin begins to launch a barrage of punches over Alexander
this is getting worse and worse for Alexander
Alexander has a small cut in his Mouth
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Houston Alexander was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Franklin.
Houston Alexander's reflexes save him!
Alexander tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Houston Alexander has found an opening in the defense of Franklin, launching a big uppercut
Rich Franklin is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Franklin throws a lazy kick
Alexander dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Alexander moves forward looking for some action
Houston Alexander shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Houston Alexander 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 Houston Alexander
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Big mistake from Houston Alexander! Franklin tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Franklin is unable to lock that and Alexander breaks the lock
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Alexander's head
Those punches are hitting! Alexander covers his head!
Houston Alexander tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Franklin is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Houston Alexander slightly pushes Franklin into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Josh Rosenthal sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Franklin throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
Alexander's defense muffles the blows.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Alexander tries to grapple
He puts Franklin in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin pushes away Alexander trying to keep the fight at striking range
Alexander doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Alexander's head
Those punches are hitting! Alexander covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is an expert in the clinch. This is a bad position for Alexander.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Franklin blocks Houston Alexander's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Houston Alexander slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Alexander's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Alexander's side.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Houston Alexander uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Houston Alexander looks to counter!
Houston Alexander 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
Franklin tries to stand up!
Alexander doesn't allow him!
Josh Rosenthal 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.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Houston Alexander takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Nice punches from Houston Alexander.
Franklin staggers backwards. Alexander wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Lightning fast low kick from Alexander!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Franklin hyper-extended his leg
Franklin steps forward
Houston Alexander catches him with an uppercut to the face!
Franklin has a small cut in his Right cheek
The two exchange wildly
Alexander is connecting with a few punches
Franklin's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Houston Alexander's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin throws down elbows...
Alexander is not making himself an easy target.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin tries to pass Houston Alexander's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Houston Alexander sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Franklin tries to open up Houston Alexander's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Alexander in the side of the head
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
This round is clearly for Houston Alexander.
Round 2
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Houston Alexander didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
0:31 Round 2 and Alexander is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Houston Alexander 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 closed guard over Alexander
Alexander looks to be in very good shape.
Alexander breaths deeply while on the ground
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Alexander is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see that!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Alexander's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Houston Alexander attempts to move to full guard
Houston Alexander manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Alexander tries to move to full mount!
Franklin won't allow him to take this position easily.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Not a desirable position that Franklin is in now. Houston Alexander is well known for his strong and relentless GnP.
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Rich Franklin sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
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 The O2 Arena (London, UK) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Houston Alexander didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Houston Alexander 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 open guard over Alexander
Franklin moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Alexander 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 open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 3:10 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Alexander tries to cover his face,
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to show some ground skills
Rich Franklin put Alexander in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Houston Alexander keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Houston Alexander tries to free his leg
Houston Alexander uses some of his skill by jumping out of Franklin's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Houston Alexander slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Houston Alexander uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Franklin misses a step and Houston Alexander sees an opportunity to counter him!
Houston Alexander 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
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Franklin tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Franklin is clinching with Alexander.
Houston Alexander pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin stumbles backwards and Houston Alexander circles to get the center of the cage
Alexander throws a lazy kick
Franklin dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Solid kick to the leg from Rich Franklin
Alexander checks it.
Houston Alexander launches a body shot
Franklin evades.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Houston Alexander tries to take advantage...
Houston Alexander's mind is definitely in the fight, Franklin just got nailed! Houston Alexander saw an opening and delivered a big right hand
Wow! Franklin is going to have a headache after this one.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
Round 3
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Brilliant combination from Houston Alexander
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Inside leg kick from Franklin
that goes awry.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Franklin steps forward
Houston Alexander catches him with an uppercut to the face!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right eye
A furious flurry of punches from Houston Alexander
puts Franklin in a world of hurt!
Franklin's Left eye is bruised after the punishment he's received!
Franklin feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Houston Alexander is measuring Franklin with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Alexander
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin shoots and grab both of Houston Alexander's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Franklin lifted Alexander's off his feet and throws him on the mat
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin tries to better his position on the ground...
Franklin breaks the closed guard of Houston Alexander and moves to half guard
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Houston Alexander
Alexander tries to show some ground skills
Houston Alexander put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Alexander 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 half guard over Alexander
Franklin launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Alexander is covering himself! Franklin tries to force the situation and Alexander clumsily gives his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander
Alexander has given his back to Rich Franklin who is trying to get one hook in!
Rich Franklin has one hook in!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Alexander is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Franklin tries to use some of his tricky moves but Franklin's is smart enough to counter him.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin leans back...
He clobbers Houston Alexander's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin viciously slams hammer blows to Alexander's face!
Alexander's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Alexander tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Houston Alexander. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this are cheering for the fighters.
An overhand right from Houston Alexander that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Franklin's stops that one with his face! How is Franklin standing?!
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
The clock says 3:15 in the 3 round
Alexander decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
Alexander decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Alexander looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Alexander is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Houston Alexander jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Alexander seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Alexander is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Alexander launches a furious low kick!
Franklin receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Franklin hyper-extended his leg
Rich Franklin launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Alexander blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Houston Alexander's cheek! Alexander stumbles and the falls to the mat!
There is a small laceration on Houston Alexander's Left cheek
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Franklin is standing while Alexander is on the ground on his back
Rich Franklin creates space and allows Houston Alexander to stand up.
Houston Alexander is on his feet again.
Alexander cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Franklin can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Alexander pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Inside leg kick from Franklin
that lands on Houston Alexander's leg.
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Alexander looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Alexander is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
A furious flurry of punches from Rich Franklin
puts Alexander in a world of hurt!
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
Judge: Rich Franklin 9 9 10: 28
Judge: Houston Alexander 10 10 9: 29
Judge: Rich Franklin 10 10 9: 29
Judge: Houston Alexander 9 9 10: 28
Judge: Rich Franklin 10 9 10: 29
Judge: Houston Alexander 9 10 9: 28
Winner is Rich Franklin by Split decision at 5:00 Round 3 (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Statistics:
Rich Franklin
Punches 28/45 (62%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 4/5 (80%)
GnP strikes 12/24 (50%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 421 s
Houston Alexander
Punches 23/40 (58%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 6/10 (60%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 429 s
Houston Alexander 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.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
Round 1
The fight gets underway.
Not a desiderable position that Alexander is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Franklin begins to launch a barrage of punches over Alexander
this is getting worse and worse for Alexander
Alexander has a small cut in his Mouth
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Houston Alexander was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Franklin.
Houston Alexander's reflexes save him!
Alexander tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Houston Alexander has found an opening in the defense of Franklin, launching a big uppercut
Rich Franklin is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Franklin throws a lazy kick
Alexander dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Alexander moves forward looking for some action
Houston Alexander shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Houston Alexander 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 Houston Alexander
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Big mistake from Houston Alexander! Franklin tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Franklin is unable to lock that and Alexander breaks the lock
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Alexander's head
Those punches are hitting! Alexander covers his head!
Houston Alexander tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Franklin is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Houston Alexander slightly pushes Franklin into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Josh Rosenthal sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Franklin throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
Alexander's defense muffles the blows.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Alexander tries to grapple
He puts Franklin in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin pushes away Alexander trying to keep the fight at striking range
Alexander doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Rich Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Alexander's head
Those punches are hitting! Alexander covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin is an expert in the clinch. This is a bad position for Alexander.
Franklin gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Franklin blocks Houston Alexander's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Houston Alexander slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Alexander's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Alexander's side.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Houston Alexander uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Houston Alexander looks to counter!
Houston Alexander 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
Franklin tries to stand up!
Alexander doesn't allow him!
Josh Rosenthal 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.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Houston Alexander takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Nice punches from Houston Alexander.
Franklin staggers backwards. Alexander wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Lightning fast low kick from Alexander!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Franklin hyper-extended his leg
Franklin steps forward
Houston Alexander catches him with an uppercut to the face!
Franklin has a small cut in his Right cheek
The two exchange wildly
Alexander is connecting with a few punches
Franklin's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Houston Alexander's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin throws down elbows...
Alexander is not making himself an easy target.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin tries to pass Houston Alexander's guard...
Rich Franklin passes momentarily but Houston Alexander sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Franklin tries to open up Houston Alexander's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Alexander in the side of the head
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
This round is clearly for Houston Alexander.
Round 2
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Houston Alexander didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
0:31 Round 2 and Alexander is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Houston Alexander 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 closed guard over Alexander
Alexander looks to be in very good shape.
Alexander breaths deeply while on the ground
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Alexander is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see that!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Franklin is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Alexander's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Houston Alexander attempts to move to full guard
Houston Alexander manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Alexander tries to move to full mount!
Franklin won't allow him to take this position easily.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Not a desirable position that Franklin is in now. Houston Alexander is well known for his strong and relentless GnP.
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Rich Franklin sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
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 The O2 Arena (London, UK) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Houston Alexander didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Houston Alexander 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 open guard over Alexander
Franklin moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Alexander 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 open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Franklin is in closed guard... Alexander tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
The clock says 3:10 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Alexander tries to cover his face,
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to escape from the full mount...
Houston Alexander is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to show some ground skills
Rich Franklin put Alexander in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Houston Alexander keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Houston Alexander is in half guard over Franklin
Houston Alexander tries to free his leg
Houston Alexander uses some of his skill by jumping out of Franklin's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Houston Alexander is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Houston Alexander looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Houston Alexander slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Houston Alexander is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Alexander's cheek from the guard.
Houston Alexander uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Franklin misses a step and Houston Alexander sees an opportunity to counter him!
Houston Alexander 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
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Franklin tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Franklin is clinching with Alexander.
Houston Alexander pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin stumbles backwards and Houston Alexander circles to get the center of the cage
Alexander throws a lazy kick
Franklin dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Solid kick to the leg from Rich Franklin
Alexander checks it.
Houston Alexander launches a body shot
Franklin evades.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Houston Alexander tries to take advantage...
Houston Alexander's mind is definitely in the fight, Franklin just got nailed! Houston Alexander saw an opening and delivered a big right hand
Wow! Franklin is going to have a headache after this one.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
Round 3
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Brilliant combination from Houston Alexander
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Inside leg kick from Franklin
that goes awry.
Alexander is trying to counter now!
Franklin steps forward
Houston Alexander catches him with an uppercut to the face!
There is a small laceration on Rich Franklin's Right eye
A furious flurry of punches from Houston Alexander
puts Franklin in a world of hurt!
Franklin's Left eye is bruised after the punishment he's received!
Franklin feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Houston Alexander is measuring Franklin with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Alexander
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin shoots and grab both of Houston Alexander's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Franklin lifted Alexander's off his feet and throws him on the mat
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Alexander
Alexander tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Alexander
Rich Franklin tries to better his position on the ground...
Franklin breaks the closed guard of Houston Alexander and moves to half guard
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Houston Alexander
Alexander tries to show some ground skills
Houston Alexander put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Alexander
Alexander 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 half guard over Alexander
Franklin launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Alexander is covering himself! Franklin tries to force the situation and Alexander clumsily gives his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander
Alexander has given his back to Rich Franklin who is trying to get one hook in!
Rich Franklin has one hook in!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Alexander is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Franklin tries to use some of his tricky moves but Franklin's is smart enough to counter him.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin leans back...
He clobbers Houston Alexander's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin viciously slams hammer blows to Alexander's face!
Alexander's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin is in rear mount over Alexander with one hook in
Alexander tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Houston Alexander. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this are cheering for the fighters.
An overhand right from Houston Alexander that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Franklin's stops that one with his face! How is Franklin standing?!
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
The clock says 3:15 in the 3 round
Alexander decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
Alexander decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Alexander's Nose is bruised after the punishment he's received!
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Alexander looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Alexander is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
Rich Franklin goes with a looping right hand while Houston Alexander jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Alexander seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Alexander is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Alexander launches a furious low kick!
Franklin receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Franklin hyper-extended his leg
Rich Franklin launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Alexander blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Houston Alexander's cheek! Alexander stumbles and the falls to the mat!
There is a small laceration on Houston Alexander's Left cheek
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Franklin is standing while Alexander is on the ground on his back
Rich Franklin creates space and allows Houston Alexander to stand up.
Houston Alexander is on his feet again.
Alexander cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Franklin can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Alexander pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Inside leg kick from Franklin
that lands on Houston Alexander's leg.
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Alexander looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rich Franklin's punches
Alexander is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
A furious flurry of punches from Rich Franklin
puts Alexander in a world of hurt!
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
Judge: Rich Franklin 9 9 10: 28
Judge: Houston Alexander 10 10 9: 29
Judge: Rich Franklin 10 10 9: 29
Judge: Houston Alexander 9 9 10: 28
Judge: Rich Franklin 10 9 10: 29
Judge: Houston Alexander 9 10 9: 28
Winner is Rich Franklin by Split decision at 5:00 Round 3 (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Statistics:
Rich Franklin
Punches 28/45 (62%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 4/5 (80%)
GnP strikes 12/24 (50%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 421 s
Houston Alexander
Punches 23/40 (58%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 6/10 (60%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 429 s
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!