former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin has decided to use his downtime to correct a slight tear in his abdomen. Franklin last fought at UFC 103, where he was knocked out in the first round by Vitor Belfort. Franklin told the website that the injury first arose while preparing for his UFC 93 bout with Dan Henderson last January and has lingered until now. “It’s not real painful yet, but I’m having it taken care of prior to it becoming a major problem,” said Franklin. The former 185-pound king is hoping to make a return sometime in the spring, preferably the May 1st card if he can get cleared in time to put together a solid training camp. UFC 113 is being rumored to take place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 1st. The rumor mill has the rematch between light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua slated as the main event of the card. A grudge match between Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is also expected to take place at the event.

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin Has Surgery