Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin (Pictures) will return to action for the first time since losing his belt to Anderson Silva when he faces quickly-rising middleweight contender Jason MacDonald (Pictures), March 3 in Columbus, Ohio, Sherdog.com confirmed on Friday.
MacDonald's manager, Mark Pavelich of Pro Camp Sports Management, informed Sherdog.com that MacDonald was offered to fight Franklin on the UFC 68 card several days after the Canadian's sophomore appearance in the Octagon, where he defeated Chris Leben (Pictures) by modified guillotine choke.
UFC matchmaker Joe Silva was so impressed with MacDonald's performance, said Pavelich, that on top of the Franklin offer, he agreed to a signing bonus and a new four-fight contract.
I think MacDonald is great fighter but don't think hes at the level he needs to be to beat Franklin. i'll definatly be ordering that PPV just for that fight.