The annual Independence Day weekend card in Las Vegas is scheduled for fireworks with an exciting middleweight matchup set for the event, as Rich Franklin is expected to take on Cung Le. Franklin will once again be fighting at middleweight after fighting between 195-205 pounds for the last 4 years. UFC 148 takes place on July 7th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Franklin (28-6-1NC) has not fought since losing to Forrest Griffin at UFC 126 in February 2011. He was expected to face off against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 133 in August, but Nogueira withdrew to injury. Franklin was pulled from the event due to being unable to find a replacement opponent. He then underwent sugery for a torn labrum, forcing him out of action until later this year. As stated, Franklin has not fought at middleweight since defeating Travis Lutter at UFC 83 in April 2008. He then fought four times at 205 pounds, and twice at a 195 pound catchweight, going 3-3 during that span.
Le (7-2) made his UFC debut at UFC 139 in November, after having fought in Strikeforce for the previous four years. Le lost to Wanderlei Silva via 2nd round TKO, after having dominated the first round. Le will likely have to be given instructions to Las Vegas, as he has not fought away from his hometown of San Jose since 2004. The Taekwondo expert continues to have an interest in acting, with four films scheduled to be released in 2012.
UFC 148 takes place on July 7th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and is headlined by the rubber match between bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber.
