Rich Franklin
Franklin undergoes surgery, looks toward summer return
Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin underwent successful shoulder surgery yesterday in Cincinnati.
The procedure fixed a torn labrum Franklin suffered during a grappling practice in September. Franklin’s manager JT Stewart today said that Franklin is expected to make a full and complete recovery.
“I spoke with Rich, he’s feeling great and as soon as the doctor gives him the go-ahead, he’s ready to start training again,” said Stewart. “If everything goes as expected, UFC fans could see Rich Franklin back in the Octagon in late summer.”
Franklin will require several months of rehabilitation before returning to a full training schedule. The popular former champ was scheduled to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the co-main event of UFC 133 earlier this summer, but an injury to Nogueira forced the bout to be canceled. Franklin has not competed since a light heavyweight bout against Forrest Griffin at UFC 126 in February.