Uppercut Magazine.com - UFC 147 Brazil Again

UFC 147 : Brazil Again!; Silva vs. Franklin

By Don Avila

It’s winter in Brazil but that doesn’t mean Ultimate Fighting Championship 147 can’t bring the heat with Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva in the Octagon.

Ohio’s Midwestern fighter Franklin (28-6) tangled with Silva (34-11-1) three years ago and pulled out a unanimous decision but not without engaging in a spectacular brawl. That first encounter took place in Germany, this one in Brazil. It will be televised on pay-per-view.

If Silva had not pulled out a victory against Cung Le this fight would not be the main event. Actually, Silva would probably not be fighting in UFC any more. But the Brazilian warrior used his experience and skill to return to the forefront.

Franklin is a technician and hard worker who will be fighting Silva at a catch weight of 190 for this fight. He hasn’t been able to muster back-to-back wins since 2008 but if an opponent is not at his best, well, Franklin has the consistency of a grandfather clock. He keeps ticking.

“My first fight with Wanderlei was very exciting, and I don't see this as being anything short of that,” Franklin stated. “This is going to be a very fun fight.”

Brazil’s Silva has the home court advantage.

“Getting this energy from the public gives me the drive for a great fight. I am very happy to be here,” Silva said.

Their first meeting was dubbed Fight of the Night. Expect the same here.

Brazilian fighters stack the card including heavyweight grappling master Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) looking to deal with American upstart Mike Russow (15-1) who’s four for four in UFC competition and has not lost a fight in five years. Of course Werdum has some impressive scalps on his belt including wins over Roy Nelson, Fedor Emelianenko and Gabriel Gonzaga. This could also prove to be a very difficult struggle.

Other main bouts

Yuri Alcantara (26-3) fighting Hacran Dias (20-1-1) in a featherweight contest; Felipe Arantes (14-4) competes with Milton Vieira (13-7-1) in another featherweight clash; Cezar Ferreira (4-2) meets Sergio Moraes (6-1) in a middleweight fight; Godofredo Pepey (8-0) gut checks fellow Brazilian featherweight Rony Mariano 10-3).

FX televised card

Four fights are planned including Delson Heleno(23-6) taking on Francisco Drinaldo (10-1) in a middleweight scrap.

Facebook card

 Felipe Arantes (14-4) tangles with Milton Vieira (13-7-1) in a lightweight match along with one other match planned.