Dana White denied this via his Twitter account on March 13th, 2010, noting that Iceman Liddell vs. Ortiz was nonetheless set to be the primary circumstance.

Then right after the announcement Ortiz has to withdraw from the match as a result of the surgery on his neck. It's confirmed that Franklin will face Iceman Liddell At 115, whilst Franklin would face Randy Couture at an event later in 2010.

In March, rumours began to circulate that Rich Franklin would replace Ortiz as Liddell's opponent, immediately after Ortiz acquired supposedly withdrawn on the fight.

The key celebration was tentatively arranged to be a third bout featuring Ultimate Fighter coaches and former UFCs Light Heayvweight Champions Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz.