Franklin, 40, became UFC Middleweight Champion in 2005, defeating the late Evan Tanner at UFC 53. Franklin would go on to defend his title twice, once against Nate Quarry at UFC 56, and a second time against David Loiseau at UFC 58. Franklin would lose the title at UFC 64 to future Hall of Famer Anderson Silva. In the mid-00's Franklin was one of the major faces of the UFC along with peers Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Andrei Arlovski. He was promoted as being a former high school math teacher and therefore more cultured and intelligent than the typical media portrayal of the cage fighter. Franklin was frequently tasked with speaking with the media. While fighting Franklin developed the American Fighter brand. In 2012 Franklin and his partners sold the majority of their business to Affliction Clothing. Franklin is also a partner in Ze/Lin Organic Juice, a bottled fruit smoothie company based out of Beverly Hills, CA. In 2012 Franklin accepted the role of Vice President of OneFC, a Singapore-based MMA promotion. Franklin finishes with a career record of 37-7-1, including one knockout of the night (vs. Chuck Liddell, UFC 115) and two fight of the nights (both vs. Wanderlei Silva, UFC 99 & UFC 147). Franklin had hoped to take one more fight following his KO loss to Cung Le in 2012.
Franklin is the kind of guy who could lead the push for a fighters association. Well respected, intelligent, and connected.