Rich Franklin's record is 22-2, who beat him first?

Rich "Ace" Franklin suffered a devastating loss to Anderson "The Spider" Silva and also lost his UFC Middleweight title at UFC 64. That was Rich's second loss in his MMA career. Do you know who gave Rich his first loss?

Ryoto "Lyoto" Machida (May 30, 1978-) is a Japanese Brazilian professional mixed martial arts fighter. Son of Japanese Brazilian Shotokan karate master Yoshizo Machida, Ryoto is considered a rising star in MMA, having secured victories over former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin, former UFC Welterweight Champion B.J. Penn, and Light Heavyweight runner-up of the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter Season 1, Stephan Bonnar.

It should be noted, however, that Machida had a significant weight advantage in his fight with BJ Penn.

Under the management and tutelage of wrestling legend Antonio Inoki since Inoki discovered him after the Bonnar fight, he has until recently fought primarily in Japan, although he is no longer under Inoki after the closing of his promotions/management firm Inoki Office.

In his American debut, Machida defeated Vernon White via unanimous decision at the at WFA: King of the Streets event in Inglewood, California on July 22, 2006.

Machida is noted for his semi-orthodox fighting style. Since he is a karate student, it is normal for him to be using an unorthodox (or southpaw) stance.

Ryoto "Lyoto" Machida is currently 8-0 in his Mixed Martial Arts career and is set to fight next at UFC 67 against Sam Hoger.

Rich Franklin recently gave an exclusive interview to Maxfighting.com and had some comments to share about Machida's return:

MaxFighting: UFC buys the WFA and a name that comes with the purchase is a familiar one, Ryoto Machida. What was your feeling if any when you saw that?

RF: I could care less, really. If I fight Machida in the future, great. If I don't, I don't care one way or the other.

MaxFighting: Do you think it would be a different fight this time.
RF: I am almost positive it would be.

Franklin is also returning to the octagon for UFC 67 against my fellow Canadian, Jason "The Athlete" MacDonald. I'll have my UFC 67 fight predictions up soon and you'll want to stay connected because it will be very controversial.

This is going to be a very exciting year for the Middleweight division of the UFC.