TAGUIG CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – American mixed martial artist Rich Franklin arrived in Manila on Wednesday, September 3. Along with Filipino MMA fighter Brandon “The Truth” Vera, Rich attended the press conference for Vera’s upcoming fight on December 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

It’s been some time since I’ve been in the cage and I’m at a crossroad where I really have to make a decision … – Rich Franklin

It has been a while since we have seen Rich in the octagon, losing his last fight on November 2012 against Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Cung Le via first round knockout.

The former UFC Middleweight Champion still has one fight left in his contract, so we asked Mr. Franklin about his plans. Now that Rich Franklin is focused on the business side running ONE FC, will we ever see him fight again?

My next fight will be my retirement fight – Rich Franklin

“I have one more fight remaining with the UFC, and that will be my retirement fight. It will be the last time you see me inside the cage.” responded Rich.

As of writing no plans have been made for Rich Franklin’s last fight.

Rich Franklin talks about his future career and retirement from MMA

Play the video below to see the actual response from Rich Franklin.



Here is the full text transcript of the interview.

Reporter: Rich, everybody has been asking and we know that you’re busy with the business side of things for ONE FC but everybody has been asking, when will we see you come back in the cage again?

Brandon Vera: Where were you?

Rich Franklin: We were just talking about that and I commented on the fact that … I’ll be on this side of the globe away from home away from my training facilities for about a month’s worth of time, and … this is gonna … it’s not the only time this is gonna happen like this is gonna repeatedly happen so I have to really sit down here with ONE FC go get my responsibilities with this organization and decide whether or not I can actually manage the time between the two.

It’s been some time since I’ve been in the cage and I’m at a crossroad where I really have to make a decision as to whether or not I’m going to take my last fight but like I said before if I do take that fight it will be my retirement fight it will be the last time you see me inside the cage.

Brandon Vera and Rich Franklin ONE FC press conference photos