Former UFC Champ Rich Franklin Injures Shoulder, Will Undergo Surgery

Rich Franklin at UFC 115

Former UFC middleweight champion Rich “Ace” Franklin on Friday announced that he incurred a torn labrum (shoulder injury) in training 10 days ago, and after consulting with specialists, will undergo minor surgery next Tuesday, Sept.13.

Franklin was training in a routine grappling practice at his gym when the injury occurred. Following the surgery, the physician stated that Franklin can expect a full recovery in approximately two to three months, and after a period of physical therapy, can return to training again.

“The timing of this shoulder injury is unfortunate considering my fight was pulled from the UFC 133 card, but I know everything will go as planned and that I will recover quickly,” said Franklin. “The UFC is being supportive, and I hope my fans also will be understanding. I promise to get back in the Octagon and fight again as soon as possible.”

Franklin was scheduled to fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira as the co-main event of UFC 133, but the fight was pulled from the card when it was announced that Nogueira was injured and unable to compete. Franklin last fought at UFC 126 on Feb. 5, 2011, in a light heavyweight bout against former 205-pound champion Forrest Griffin.