Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin is no closer to returning to the octagon after taking the last two months off, he told FanHouse.
The well-respected UFC warhorse, who fought his last two contests at catchweights of 195 pounds, has been enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation after his most recent bout, a September TKO loss at the hands of Vitor Belfort.
"I am not sure about my return in 2010," he told FanHouse. "I know I need a few months off. I will wake up one morning and say, 'It's time to fight.' Until then, I'm getting some much needed time."
The popular Ohio-based athlete, who turned 35 in October, has been one of the UFC's most active and versatile fighters in recent years, competing in eight matches since 2007.
At 26-5 with one no contest, Franklin has spent the last 18 months bouncing around weight classes, fighting matches in the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions, along with a pair of 195-pound catchweight fights.
After defeating Wanderlei Silva by decision in a rough and tumble battle at UFC 99, he was called back into action just three months later by UFC President Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva when the organization needed a headliner for UFC 103. Originally scheduled to face Dan Henderson, the fight soon fell apart, and he agreed to face Belfort.
Franklin's return in 2010 will likely come as a light-heavyweight. In the interim, there had been some discussions about adding to his film resume (he starred in 2008's "Cyborg Soldier" and has also taped smaller roles in a pair of other films), but mostly, he's focused on resting his body and mind.
"There is nothing concrete," he told FanHouse. "We have done a couple of readings for parts, but nothing set in stone. Mostly just [enjoying] a little down time."
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