Silva won't relinquish middleweight title
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comAnderson Silva won't relinquish his UFC middleweight title to fight exclusively as a light heavyweight, writes Franklin McNeil.
Story | Conversation | August 11, 2009Penn writes the next chapter of career
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comA motivated B.J. Penn has the tools and technical know-how to stay lightweight champ for years to come, writes Franklin McNeil.
Story | Conversation | August 09, 2009Octagon door still open for Fedor
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comMMA fans might wind up seeing Fedor Emelianenko in the Octagon after all. According to Dana White, the heavyweight phenom is still a wanted man by the UFC -- as long as he keeps winning.
Story | Conversation | August 08, 2009In terms of action, UFC 100 delivered
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comBrock Lesnar might be the UFC's best heavyweight, but his postfight antics didn't win him over any fans.
Story | Conversation | July 12, 2009Machida has the goods to rule at 205
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comLyoto Machida's elusive style and pinpoint striking should afford him a long and prosperous stay atop the 205-pound ranks.
Story | Conversation | May 24, 2009Blame for UFC 97 isn't all Silva's to bear
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comAnderson Silva could have done more to amp up the entertainment value of his UFC 97 main event, but whatever happened to the old fight adage that a challenger must take the title from a champion?
Story | Conversation | April 21, 2009Next up for Jackson? Hopefully rest
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comEven on an off night, Quinton Jackson was too much for Keith Jardine. But how would a less-than-perfect Jackson fare against Rashad Evans? Not well, writes Franklin McNeil.
Story | Conversation | March 08, 2009Machida's new killer instinct
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comWe knew it was there all along: Under the stoic demeanor was a vicious knockout artist. To the delight of fight fans everywhere, Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida revealed that side Saturday.
Story | Conversation | February 03, 2009St. Pierre broke Penn's will to win
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comAnyone looking for pointers on how to beat Georges St. Pierre was left wanting after his dominating win over B.J. Penn at UFC 94.
Story | Conversation | February 01, 2009Staying ahead of the pack won't be easy for Evans
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comHistory has shown winning the UFC light heavyweight title is the easy part; it's staying champion that's proven so difficult. Rashad Evans feels he has the cage skills and mental toughness to remain champion for years to come, writes Franklin McNeil.
Story | Conversation | December 28, 2008Florian primed for fight with lightweight champion Penn
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comKenny Florian's impressive performances inside the Octagon scream for a crack at a lightweight title. Too bad champion B.J. Penn isn't listening.
Story | Conversation | November 20, 2008Despite impressive win, Lesnar still a work in progress
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comBrock Lesnar might be the man to beat in the heavyweight ranks, but he's still far from a finished product, writes Franklin McNeil.
Story | Conversation | November 16, 2008Strikes out: Time for Liddell to return to wrestling roots
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comDefiant in the face of his third loss in four fights, Chuck Liddell wants to make another run at the light heavyweight title. He isn't quite sure how to go about achieving that goal, however. Franklin McNeil suggests going back to basics.
Story | Conversation | September 09, 2008By upending Liddell, unheralded Evans earned shot at 205-pound title
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comRashad Evans entered the Octagon with a positive outlook and a solid strategy. He left it with a shot at light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin -- and the respect of MMA fans.
Story | Conversation | September 07, 2008Florian remains optimistic of chance at landing fight with Penn
Franklin McNeil, Special to ESPN.comSince losing to Sean Sherk in 2006, Kenny Florian has been a beast inside the cage. So why is B.J. Penn talking about challenging welterweight Georges St. Pierre, when he should be talking about defending his lightweight title against KenFlo?
Story | Conversation | August 12, 2008TOP SEARCHES IN NOVEMBER
Bowl Projections tops ESPN.com searches in November. Did "dana white" make the list?