The MMA Legend breaks down the main event between Tra’Von Butler and Terrance Jean-Jacques
ONE Championship Vice President Rich “Ace” Franklin has been paying very close attention to RUF Nation’s Road To ONE: Heavyweight Tournament since its inception.
Now, more than a year into the 16-man tournament, he will sit cageside and watch the culmination of the series at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
At RUF 47’s Road To ONE: Heavyweight Tournament Finals on Saturday, May 14th, Tra’von “Wildman” Butler (4-1) will fight Terrance “T-Bone” Jean-Jacques (7-3) for the right to become the tournament champion.
The winner will also earn a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization.
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Franklin has become very familiar with both of these men.
Butler – an energetic grappler known for his aggressive, forward-pressing style – earned a coveted spot in the Road To ONE: Heavyweight Tournament Finals by defeating Corey Mullis via first-round TKO in the quarterfinals and then beating Cameron Chism-Brungard via first-round submission in the semifinals.
During “Wildman’s” run through the tournament, and his recent past, one thing has stuck out to Franklin.
“Tra’von lives up to his name, and he comes to put on a show,” the ONE Championship VP offered.
The same could be said about his opponent, who is as exciting in the grappling department.
Jean-Jacques – a former wrestling standout at the University of Iowa – earned the other spot in the Road To ONE: Heavyweight Tournament Finals by defeating Michael “The Brown Tiger” Quintero in the quarterfinals via unanimous decision and then beating the previously undefeated Irvins Ayala in the semifinals via second-round TKO.
Though he is known as “T-Bone,” Franklin thinks he is deserving of a different moniker.
“If I nicknamed Terrance, it would be ‘Terminator’ because he doesn’t stop until the mission is complete,” the MMA legend said.
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Both men will be extra motivated, given that the winner will earn a six-figure contract to compete in ONE Championship.
Franklin doesn’t know who will emerge victorious, but he certainly expects fireworks to cap off what will be an unforgettable night in Phoenix.
“It is rare that you see action-packed three-round heavyweight fights, and I’ll say I don’t predict this one to end early,” the MMA legend offered.
To watch RUF 47 live at the Celebrity Theatre, purchase a ticket at Etix.com. The show can also be streamed live on pay-per-view at RUFnation.com.
