Rich Franklin, the former UFC middleweight titleholder, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the brand image of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In contrast to many of his peers, Franklin, a former high school teacher, did not display flashy tattoos or a flamboyant hairstyle, making him a unique figure that fans could both relate to and admire. In 2019, the UFC inducted Franklin into the Pioneer Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame class, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport during his 13-year career, which included a record of 29-7 with one no contest and victories over notable fighters such as Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Evan Tanner, and Wanderlei Silva.
Before embarking on his professional prizefighting career, Franklin served as a math teacher in Ohio, holding a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati. Despite the security of a teaching career, Franklin chose to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, driven by his fighter’s heart and determination.
Franklin was motivated by the need to dispel the stigma surrounding fighting, highlighting that competing inside the cage requires intelligence, dedication, and sharp-mindedness, just like any other occupation. He emphasized that successful fighters need to be highly intelligent and understand marketability and fan engagement.
In 2002, Franklin founded an athletic clothing brand and later launched Ze/Lin Organic Juice & Fusion Cafe in Beverly Hills, California. Although the cafe ceased operations, the company has since focused on wholesale and distribution of bottled juices, while the clothing brand has thrived, with Affliction Clothing acquiring a majority of their company.
In addition to his fighting career and business ventures, Franklin ventured into acting, making appearances in films such as “Cyborg Soldier,” “The Hammer,” and “Mantervention.”
Having a vision to empower the next generation of MMA talent, Franklin assumed the role of vice president of ONE Championship in May 2014, representing the brand and traveling throughout the United States and Asia. He also hosts ONE Warrior Series, a talent scouting platform to recruit rising stars in the sport.
In conclusion, Rich Franklin’s impact extends far beyond the octagon. From his role as a math teacher to a successful fighter, entrepreneur, actor, and advocate for the next generation of MMA talent, Franklin has continued to make a lasting impression in various fields even after retiring from professional fighting.