Rich Franklin Needs a New Contract Before He'll Take His Next UFC Fight

After his impressive win over Wanderlei Silva in the main event at UFC 99, Rich Franklin's future has been a subject of a great deal of speculation among UFC fans, with talk that he could fight a young up-and-comer like Luiz Cane or an Octagon legend like Chuck Liddell or Tito Ortiz. But Franklin said on this week's episode of ESPN.com's MMA Live that it's way too early to determine his next step because first he needs to renegotiate his contract.

Franklin was asked whether he expected to headline UFC 103, which is tentatively scheduled for September 19 in Dallas, and he said he wasn't sure.

"I honestly don't know," Frankllin said. "The fight that I had with Wanderlei was basically the last on my contract before we renegotiate so we'll start doing that at this point in time and see where that takes us."

I think Franklin will work out a deal with the UFC to fight in the fall, but September 19 is probably too quick a turnaround for him. I'd look for Franklin to fight some time in October or November, with the planned UFC 105 card on November 14 in the UK an intriguing option. That would be Franklin's third fight of the year in Europe, where the UFC seems to be giving him a hard push.

One way or another, Franklin has always been a company guy, and the UFC brass has always liked him, so I'm sure they'll come to an agreement that gets Franklin back in the Octagon before the year is out.