Franklin Scores Brutal KO On TUF 34

Xavier Franklin stopped Micaias Urena with a brutal first-round knockout on the latest episode of The Ultimate Fighter 34, setting up the semifinal matchups in Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier's season.

Franklin, Bisping's top men's pick and a former Contender Series competitor, was getting outboxed for most of the opening round at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Urena stayed outside, landed leg kicks, and connected with clean boxing whenever Franklin loaded up. But Franklin started digging to the body with roughly 45 seconds left in the frame, landing several heavy shots that changed the fight.

Franklin's Finish Draws Brief Controversy From Cormier

With five seconds remaining, Franklin dropped Urena to one knee with a combination, fired a knee to the chest, and landed the final right hook against the fence as time expired. Cormier initially protested to the referee, believing Franklin had kneed a downed opponent in the head. After watching the replay and a word from Dana White, Cormier acknowledged the knee landed legally to the chest, per MMA Mania.

Franklin, now 6-1-1, previously lost a decision to current top-10 bantamweight David Martinez on Contender Series season eight before rebounding with a knockout of Michael Billups. Urena entered the bout on a two-fight streak, most recently beating former UFC fighter Vinicius Salvador. The two were originally scheduled to meet at LFA 230 before both received TUF invitations.

The semifinals are now set. Franklin faces Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu, while Christian Strong meets Mehemmedeli Osmanli on the men's side. Melissa Amaya battles Gigi Canuto and Delphine Benouaich takes on Tina Black in the women's bracket. Each winner moves to the finals and fights for a UFC contract.

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• MMA Mania — TUF 34 Highlights! Semifinals set as former Contender Series vet starches opponent