UFC 72: Rich Franklin Edges Yushin Okami in Belfast
UFC 72: Victory took place on June 16, 2007, at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Rich Franklin defeated Yushin Okami in the middleweight main event, while Forrest Griffin returned to winning form against Hector Ramirez. An eight-fight card mixed closely contested decisions with submissions and striking finishes, giving the UFC’s Belfast visit several distinct stories.
Franklin survives Okami’s late threat
Franklin was working toward another championship opportunity after losing the middleweight belt to Anderson Silva. Against Okami, he had to win a three-round contender bout rather than defend a title. The opening stages were measured, with both fighters looking for useful range without giving away easy entries.
The most urgent danger for Franklin came late, when Okami attacked his arm on the ground. Franklin escaped the submission threat and reached the final bell. All three judges scored the fight 29–28 in his favor, keeping him on course for another title shot.
The narrow scorecards and late escape explain the result better than a claim of easy dominance. Franklin had done enough work to build an advantage, but still needed to protect it through the last round. Okami’s rally made the final minutes consequential even in a fight whose early pace had been cautious.
Two Griffins, two different decisions
Forrest Griffin defeated Hector Ramirez by unanimous decision at light heavyweight. The win followed Griffin’s loss to Keith Jardine and gave him a successful return across fifteen minutes. Consistent offense, rather than a quick finishing attack, carried him through the bout.
Tyson Griffin faced Clay Guida in a separate lightweight contest filled with wrestling, reversals and submission threats. Griffin escaped a kneebar during the action and ultimately won by split decision. The divided verdict reflects how competitive the fight was, and contemporary observers did not all agree about the winner.
The two results should not be confused despite the shared surname. Forrest’s contest produced a unanimous verdict at 205 pounds; Tyson’s produced a split verdict at 155. Together they provided contrasting examples of how full-distance fights can remain compelling, either through sustained control or rapidly changing positions.
MacDonald and Herman finish in round two
Jason MacDonald stopped Rory Singer with punches and elbows at 3:18 of the second round in their middleweight bout. Ed Herman also finished a middleweight contest in round two, submitting Scott Smith with a rear-naked choke at 2:25. The pair added decisive endings to a main card otherwise led by decisions.
The preliminary bouts all ended early. Marcus Davis stopped Jason Tan in round one, Eddie Sanchez defeated Colin Robinson in round two at heavyweight, and Dustin Hazelett submitted Stevie Lynch with a D’Arce choke. Those wins rounded out a card with five finishes and three decisions.
Complete UFC 72 results
Rich Franklin defeated Yushin Okami by unanimous decision. Forrest Griffin defeated Hector Ramirez by unanimous decision. Jason MacDonald defeated Rory Singer by TKO (punches and elbows), round 2, 3:18. Tyson Griffin defeated Clay Guida by split decision. Ed Herman defeated Scott Smith by submission (rear-naked choke), round 2, 2:25.
Marcus Davis defeated Jason Tan by stoppage from punches, round 1, 1:15. Eddie Sanchez defeated Colin Robinson by TKO (punches), round 2, 0:32. Dustin Hazelett defeated Stevie Lynch by submission (D’Arce choke), round 1, 2:50.
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UFC 72, Rich Franklin, Yushin Okami, UFC Belfast, UFC Results
