ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP

FRANKLIN DOMINATES LOISEAU; 'RUSH' BEATS PENN AT UFC 58
By Thomas Gerasi

“LAS VEGAS, March 4 – Tonight was supposed to be Rich Franklin's toughest test yet, but after a five round battering of courageous challenger David Loiseau atUFC 58 – USA vs. Canada before 10,362 t the Mandalay Bay Events Center, the only question has to be, who has a legitimate shot to challenge the UFC middleweightchampion?

The unanimous five round decision read 50-42 twice and 50-43 for Franklin, who defended hos crown for the second time and did it with a broken left hand – and possible a broken foot and right hand – from the second round on.

'It's the first fight where I've gone to a decision, so I'm very displeased with myself,' said Franklin, ho could no be dubbed ' The Punisher' after his dominating performance.

Kicking was the weapon of choice early on. Loiseau missed his first high kick, but landed his second, producing nary a pause from Franklin, who responded with akick of his own that was in turn answered by 'The Crow'. Both decided to test their hands moments later, and though Loiseau's hand speed was superior, it was Franklinwho jarred the challenger and sent him sprawling into the fence briefly. Loiseau answered with a flush shot of his own, but Franklin took it well. With under 1:30 to go, Franklin picked up his pace a bit, though many of his shots were deflected or avoided. The respect both fighters had for each other was obvious though, and it appeared that the combatants were settling in for a long battle, something that almost didn't happen when Franklin put Loiseau on the deck at the bell with a right to the jaw.”

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