Chuck Liddell To Make Octagon Return...But Not Against Ortiz

Let me start this post with the evidence leading up to the cancellation of the third fight between Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.

1. Many credible MMA sources point to a different opponent for Liddell
1. Fighters Only magazine says Liddell is scheduled for the main event of the UFC's counter event to Strikeforce:Nashville on April 17th
2. MMAJunkie.com reports Liddell will still be fighting at UFC 115, just not against Tito Ortiz
2. A recent Twitter Post by Ortiz points to some new setbacks for Ortiz...it just isn't specific at all

If these rumors are true, Liddell's replacement opponent for  his comeback will be former Middleweight champion and high school teacher Rich Franklin. Rich has been attempting to move up to the Light Heavyweight division many times since 2005, but has only fought in the 205 weight division once, and had 2 catchweight bouts at 195 against Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva. This fight could be pivital in both Liddell and Franklin's careers since both have not had great records in their last fights. Franklin is 3-3 in his last 6 fights, losing 2 of 3 of his fights last year. And many know Liddell's fight record is struggling as well, losing 4/5 of his last fights. Liddell has resisted Dana White's advice to retire and still has some fight at the age of 41. A fight against Tito would probably have been a better opponent for Liddell to return with since he won both of those fights against Ortiz. And if Liddell wanted a win before he officially retired, that fight most likely would have won him that final W on his record.