UFC
UFC QUOTABLES: Forrest Griffin says he's more nervous than usual heading into UFC 126 bout with Rich Franklin
Jan 27, 2011 - 6:20:27 PM UFC QUOTABLES: Forrest Griffin says he's more nervous than usual heading into UFC 126 bout with Rich Franklin

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"For me, being off for a year, that's huge. It's a weird feeling, I'm a little more nervous than usual. During this year I've had spurts of really good training when I thought I was going to fight. The big thing is going to be that first minute, and making that adjustment, getting back in there. This is the longest break I've had in fighting since 2000, so it's weird.

It sucks. It's nice to get to do other things and not really worry about fighting. It's mentally refreshing. But physically, a good break every now and then is great for your body. But it was too long. Too long without competing. I don't know. This is the most ring rust I've ever had. I'm not excited about it. I'm definitely going to fight more."

-Forrest Griffin talks about getting back into action against Rich Franklin next week at UFC 126 during a pre-fight teleconference (transcribed by MMAFighting.com).

Penick's Analysis: The ring rust issue has got to be the biggest concern for him heading in, but if he can shake off some of that in the first round without falling far behind, he should be in pretty good shape. He's not alone on the layoff or injury department, as Franklin is coming off the broken arm suffered in the fight against Chuck Liddell, but Griffin has an extra seven months on the sidelines. Hopefully he's able to fight a few times in the next year win or lose in this one, as he's still one of the UFC's stars and his fights are typically entertaining.

[Forrest Griffin art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]