Franklin, after contesting his last two fights at a 195-pound catch-weight, will be looking to recharge his career in the deep 205-pound division where Couture recently returned after another run at heavyweight. The popular former teacher turned fighter has been up and down since relinquishing his title to Anderson Silva in 2006, running up a 5-4 record, including a TKO loss to Vitor Belfort in his last fight at UFC 103 in September.
Couture, who has been mentioned as a potential title contender by UFC boss Dana White after his latest win, is a perfect 2-0 since returning to the light heavyweight division, earning a close decision over Brandon Vera to go with his stoppage of Coleman.
The fight would most likely be the co-main event of UFC 115 alongside the third installment of the ongoing Chuck Liddell-Tito Ortiz feud, which is scheduled for June 12 at Vancouver’s GM Place.
This article was updated at 6:04 p.m. ET with information from Couture.