3. Rich Franklin
Former schoolteacher Franklin definitely came to MMA late. After earning his BA in mathematics and his master’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati, he became a high school math teacher. During this time he trained at home in a shed with one of his friends. After four months, he made his professional debut.
The UFC snapped him up after he won the IFC light heavyweight championship. He would change the perception of what an MMA fighter looked like. Franklin would go on to become the UFC middleweight champion in a distinguished career. Now, he’s a Vice President of ONE Championship.
