UFC 64: Silva Takes Franklin’s Crown as Sherk Grinds Out Gold
On October 14, 2006, UFC 64: Unstoppable crowned two champions at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Anderson Silva stopped Rich Franklin at 2:59 of the first round to take the middleweight title. Sean Sherk defeated Kenny Florian by unanimous decision to win the vacant lightweight championship.
Two routes to championship gold
Silva’s victory ended the main event before three minutes had elapsed. Sherk’s assignment lasted the full twenty-five minutes, requiring five rounds against Florian before the judges confirmed his championship win. The contrast gave the card its shape: one title changed hands through a rapid finish, while the other required sustained work to the final bell.
Both results mattered beyond the immediate winners. Franklin lost his championship, Florian’s chance at the vacant belt ended in defeat, and two divisions left Las Vegas with new titleholders. The event paired a short, decisive striking finish with a lengthy championship decision.
The supporting card delivers
Jon Fitch defeated Kuniyoshi Hironaka by unanimous decision, and Carmelo Marrero beat Cheick Kongo by split decision. Spencer Fisher stopped Dan Lauzon with punches at 4:38 of round one, while Yushin Okami stopped Kalib Starnes in round three at 1:40.
Two rear-naked chokes completed the results: Clay Guida submitted Justin James at 4:42 of round two, and Kurt Pellegrino submitted Junior Assuncao at 2:04 of the first. Across eight bouts, the card offered championship finishes, decisions and submissions rather than a single repeated story.
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Article Tags
UFC 64, Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian, UFC history
