Rich Franklin Turned Down Lil Nog Fight Because He’s Been Too Busy Juicing

Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin isn’t focused on fighting these days. Instead, the Ohio native has been juicing. Typically fighters juicing is frowned upon, but not the way Franklin juices.

The 39-year-old recently turned down a fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira set to take place in his hometown of Cincinnati. UFC president Dana White told UFC Tonight that he doesn’t think Franklin wants to fight right now because he’s focused on his juice bar company.

Late last year, Franklin opened ZeLin Juice and Fusion Café in Beverly Hills. Nutrition has always been important to the former champion, and he’s applying that to life and business outside of fighting.

Zelin Juice and Fusion Café offers organic, raw and unrefined cold pressed juices, fresh made juices, smoothies, superfood smoothies, tonic lattes, teas, acai bowls, shots and assorted gluten-free and vegan pastries.

Franklin expressed interest in fighting again in 2013, but building his juice bar brand has put those plans on hold. He last competed on Nov. 12, 2012, losing to Cung Le by first-round knockout. It’s unclear if Franklin will fight again, but he hasn’t officially stated that he’s retired.