Hughes Roars, Ortiz Bores at UFC 50

Rich Franklin showcased every phase of his expansive game, submitting an always-tough Jorge Rivera via armbar 4:28 of round three. The end came after two solid rounds in which both Franklin and Rivera scored with punches and knees to the head and body.

The first period belonged to Franklin. Following a solid session of ground work, the Cincinnati, Ohio-based middleweight dropped a right hook that shook Rivera. Before the exchange, it was the Bostonian who landed the stiffest punch of the fight, a mouse-inducing jab that continued swelling under Franklin's left eye as the fight wore on.

Franklin won round two as well, despite the appearance of his face. A small cut above his left eye joined the mouse below it, yet Franklin continued to push forward, digging to the body with punches and knees. His head movement was impressive, making Rivera miss multiple times.

Down in the cards and with the real possibility that one more punch could open a nasty cut on the left side of Franklin's face, Rivera chased Franklin as the match moved into round three. Instead of squaring with Rivera on the feet, Franklin ducked under to bring the contest to the floor. A workmanlike effort followed; Franklin methodically passed Rivera's defenses until securing the mount position.

Strikes followed and Rivera exposed himself to submission. Franklin took Rivera's right arm, fully extending it to force the tapout.

Rivera is a strong competitor, but Franklin is simply in a higher class. His solid striking, defensive, grappling and submission skills makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the middleweight division. Potential contests versus Evan Tanner, Ivan Salaverry and David Terrel loom large.