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6. Vitor Belfort vs. Rich Franklin
UFC 103 “Franklin vs. Belfort”
Sept. 19, 2009 | Dallas
Between April 23, 2005 and Jan. 24, 2009, Belfort plied his trade in Pride Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, Strikeforce and Affliction. He returned to the Octagon at the American Airlines Center, where he met Franklin at a 195-pound catchweight. Franklin moved in and out of range as Belfort remained planted and the crowd of 17,428 grew increasingly restless with the inaction. Then it happened. Belfort zapped “Ace” with a blinding left hand to the temple, the former middleweight champion hitting the deck in a kneeling position. Another left hook connected, and “The Phenom” mopped up what was left with punches with both hands. Referee Yves Lavigne stepped in 3:02 into Round 1, giving Belfort his first Ultimate Fighting Championship victory in five years, seven months and 19 days.

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