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9. Rich Franklin vs. Aaron Brink
International Fighting Championship “Warriors Challenge 11”
Jan. 13, 2001 | Fresno, Calif.

Before he reached the UFC and became one of the most popular champions of his era, a heavier Franklin was fighting in lower-level MMA shows like the International Fighting Championship. At the promotion’s “Warriors Challenge 11” event in 2001, he took on UFC veteran Brink in an exciting battle the resulted in an oddball ending.

Brink and “Ace” gassed because they ripped into each other from the start. Brink charged in for a takedown, only to see Franklin stuff it. When the future UFC middleweight champion turned him toward the cage to separate, Brink’s right foot slipped through the bottom of the cage. On his hands and knees with Franklin draped over his back, Brink had to yell at the referee for assistance and to have his foot freed. However, when Brink rose to his feet, he discovered his ankle was sprained so badly he could barely stand on it, and the fight was called.

Number 8 » Squash Match