UFC 103 foes Franklin and Belfort measure up against Wanderlei Silva

Two video clips, each trying to sell us on a different fighter – Rich Franklin and Vitor Belfort – based on what? How they handled Wanderlei Silva? That seems to be the approach for promoting this UFC 103 catchweight match-up.

But does it make sense to promote Belfort based on a fight that took place 11 years ago? Yeah, a lot of UFC fans might be unfamiliar with the Brazilian with the blazing hands because he hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2005 and his last octagon win was over Randy Couture for the light heavyweight crown at UFC 46 in 2004. And yes, Belfort’s demolishing of Silva was epic, the kind of glory days story aging athletes retell every time they have the opportunity.

Except Belfort’s only 32 years old and is far from the middle-aged oaf looking back on his years scoring touchdowns and screwing cheerleaders as captain of the high school football team. He may have made his UFC debut at UFC 12 where he won the heavyweight tournament, but he’s still in his prime with a record of 18-8 (7-4 in the UFC). He’s also on a four-fight winning streak, including back-to-back Affliction triumphs over Terry Martin and Matt Lindland.

Meanwhile, Rich Franklin is talking about his decision win over Silva at UFC 99, a decision that many – myself included – feel should have gone the other way.

Using Wanderlei Silva as a benchmark or measuring stick might work on the noobs, but come on. Both these fighters have incredible fighting records, incredible battles. Why not highlight some of them? Because Wanderlei Silva is a known quantity, even if he doesn’t best represent the kinds of fighters Belfort and Silva are.