Rich ?Ace? Franklin is a former high school math teacher turned professional fighter, he has a Masters Degree in education and a Bachelors Degree in mathematics. He made his professional MMA debut in March of 2000 and has a record of 20 wins and only 2 losses. Rich became the UFC Middleweight (185 lb.) Champion by defeating Evan Tanner at UFC 53 and had 2 successful title defenses before losing his belt in October 2006 to Anderson ?The Spider? Silva. Rich is widely considered one of the top 3-5 Middleweights in the world and one of the most well rounded fighters in MMA.

Now the interview:

MMAToday: You have a fight coming up at UFC 68 in Columbus, how has your training been going?

RF: Training is going well. I am healthy, my nose and hand both feel great, and my conditioning is on schedule.

MMAToday: How is it for you to be fighting in front of the home crowd?

RF: I don't think it will be much different for me. I fight on pay-per-view, so I am always fighting in front of my home crowd. The weigh-ins are going to be interesting though!

MMAToday: Does it motivate you more or make you work even harder coming off your first loss in almost 3 years?

RF: No, I think part of my problem is that I worked too hard for my last fight. It motivated me to work smarter.

MMAToday: What do you see yourself doing differently the next time around with Anderson Silva?

RF: I'm not sure, and in the meantime I have at least 1 opponent to think about before him. I haven't even looked at my Silva tape yet, and won't until I am ready to fight him again.

MMAToday: What do you think of your opponent Jason McDonald, who is coming off of two impressive wins?

RF: He is slick on the ground and I know he will plan on taking the fight there. I will have to be careful with that.

MMAToday: Have you done any extra training in any areas like: takedown defense, jiu jitsu or striking in anticipation of this fight?

RF: I do that kind of training for every fight, but we have focused on some situational training for Jason.

MMAToday: Do you see yourself getting a title shot immediately after this bout if you are victorious?

RF: I don't know and every time I try to make a prediction in this sport I am wrong'we will just have to see how things unfold for me.

MMAToday: What do you see in the future for 2007, possible opponents?

RF: I take this fight game one fight at a time. The only thing I see in 2007 so far is the March 3rd fight against Jason.

MMAToday: Who in the UFC would you like to fight that you have not fought yet?

RF: I have never concerned myself with other fighters'I just want to get back on a winning track at this point.

MMAToday: Is there a possibility of you moving up to 205? As you are considered a massive 185lb fighter.

RF: You never know what the future holds. However, I need to focus on getting my 185 lb. Title back first.

MMAToday: What fight or fights in your career really stick out in your mind and why?

RF: The Ken Shamrock always comes to mind. Of coarse he is a legend, and that fight propelled my career.

MMAToday: What do you do in your spare time, when not training or promoting the UFC?

RF: I like to do anything that requires adrenaline. We played a game a paintball on quad runners the other day at my house. I like to read my Bible, and I just started playing the drums.

MMAToday: How much do you think you have changed as a fighter over the last three years? Do you see yourself as still evolving and getting better?

RF: I know I am getting better every day. The more advanced you become in any skill, the more enjoyment you have to find in the tiniest improvements of your game.

MMAToday: Is there a possibility of you ever leaving the UFC and going to another organization like Pride?

RF: Not likely?

MMAToday: Is there anyone in Pride you would like to fight? (I had asked a few questions before this about possibilities of fighting other fighters)

RF: I don't care who I fight. I don't care about avenging losses. When I am finished fighting I want people to remember me as a great competitor. To accomplish this goal, I will fight anyone necessary.

MMAToday: Where do you see yourself in the overall rankings in your weight class?

RF: That is not for me to decide.

MMAToday: Is there any one fighter that you admire and why?

RF: Many! Randy Couture for defying age with his ability. Matt Hughes for his dominance. Jeremy Horn for his experience'I could go on.

MMAToday: What inspires you to fight and what keeps you motivated?

RF: You can't explain a thirst for competition to those who do not have it. I am a competitor.

MMAToday: What type of fight do you prefer to be in? Whether it be a ground fight or a standup battle, and why?

RF: I like the stand-up'it excites the crowd!!!