Three years ago Rich Franklin defeated Wanderlei Silva in a three round fight of the night. Tonight in Brazil, the former UFC middleweight champion defeated Silva for a second time, this time in a five round fight.

The bout was mostly controlled by Franklin, but he did have to survive a near-finish to the fight at the end of the second round as Silva landed a right straight that rocked Franklin. ‘The Axe Murderer’ pounced in a flurry on a dazed Franklin, who barely survived to the bell.

Perhaps Silva used all the energy he had in that finish attempt, but Franklin survived and took the next three rounds to win the bout.

Rich “Ace” Franklin Vs. Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva

Fight was scheduled for 5 rounds (5x5x5x5x5)

-Rich Franklin defeated Wanderlei Silva by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)