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Vitor Belfort confirms Anderson Silva fight on FEB. 5th - UFC 127

8K views 54 replies 27 participants last post by  kantowrestler 
#1 ·
Word on the Tweet is that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has finally decided on a date for the long overdue middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort.

"The Phenom" indicated a date of Feb. 5 via his Twitter account, which puts their 185-pound dance at UFC 127 during Superbowl weekend.

And to think, it almost wasn't meant to be (again).

The Brazilian submitted to chronic shoulder pain earlier this year, opting for surgery instead of a UFC 112 title fight. After "The Spider" danced the night away against Demian Maia in Abu Dhabi, Chael Sonnen stepped in for the recuperating Belfort and nearly crushed Silva before tapping out in the fifth and final frame.

In fact, the performance was so dominant, UFC President Dana White promised an immediate rematch, and slotted a now-healthy Belfort against Yushin Okami at UFC 122.

Then the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) came along and levied charges of drug use against Sonnen, effectively benching him for one year (or until his appeal is heard) following his UFC 117 career performance.

Star-divide

Enter Nate Marquardt.

After a "Great" performance against Rousimar Palhares on Sept. 15, Marquardt relieved Belfort of his duties in Germany and will now face "Thunder" for the chance to challenge the winner of the UFC 127 title fight.

It seems the division may finally be working itself out.

The Phenom hasn't competed since a first round destruction of former division champ Rich Franklin back in Sept. 2009. The stoppage — coupled with his two devastating knockout wins under the Affliction banner — were enough to convince White that "The Old Vitor" is back and ready to face his fellow countryman.

It's a tall order, considering Silva hasn't really lost in more than five years (sans a disqualification loss to Okami at Rumble on the Rock 8), and he's essentially obliterated the middleweight division since entering the Zuffa fold in mid 2006.

In fact, he's been so good (pre-Sonnen) that White and Co. started matching him up against 205-pound fighters to give him more of a challenge. He passed with flying colors, sending former champion Forrest Griffin running for the hills and pasting James Irvin with a highlight-reel, fighting-ending combination.

However, Silva has not had a solid (perhaps trademark is a better term) performance in the middleweight division since he submitted Dan Henderson at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" back in March 2008. He's had two forgettable -- albeit winning -- fights against Patrick Cote and Thales Leites since that time followed by the travesty against Maia and of course, the clinic by Sonnen.

It's safe to say that the promotion is looking to Belfort to bring the excitement back to the middleweight division ... win, lose or draw.

Source: MMA Mania
http://www.mmamania.com/2010/9/30/1723784/ufc-127-vitor-belfort-confirms-feb-5-title-fight-against-anderson


Just NO INJURIES 'till then !!
PLSSSS!!
 
#5 ·
Ok. This "ex-potential" fight has become a sure thing right now!
It has been talked about so manny times...it's ridiculous.
All i want is no injuries for both fighters...so that the fight can happen...and no excuses afterwards: cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder, broken finger...eye injuries, or whateva.

The only thing i am a bit concerned is, by the time this fight will take place, Belfort will enter the ring with a 15 month absence from the ring to his credit.
I don't know how this will affect him. Even though i am convinced he trains and does sparring every day, maybe even simulates title fights, or goes beyond a 5 rounder, it's not the same as the real thing.
I think he will try and take advantage of this chance he has been given. It's not something that happens every year. Him coming back to the UFC, winning a fight, getting a shot at the belt, getting injured, more than one year absence and gets another shot: that's you birthday/Christmas/Easter-present all in one.
He won't lack motivation, that's for sure. Confidence is another thing...But, gotta take full advantage of it.
 
#6 ·
Awesome, another inferior striker gets to face Silva and get demolished. This fight is really stupid. Vitor has nothing to offer but some "quick hands". Silva is going to counter his wild hooks easily and end Vitor's night.

This is either going to be a dancing match or it's ending quickly. Neither of them are aggressive strikers. I'd be shocked if 1 punch is thrown before the 3 minute mark.
 
#10 ·
Clearly you're just a blind Silva hater, and from the sound of it has never seen Vitor fight. Vitor is know for coming out fast and than fading. So don't give me this crap about not a single punch thrown in the 1st three minutes.

Why would you want to see the best striker to ever fight in the Octagon to fight off his back. I love wrestling and BJJ, but when you have a singular talent such as Anderson, you should want to see those talents displayed. Sure it would be great to see him go against a striker that is equally effective in MMA, but I just don't see that happening. However, Belfort is most likely the best striker he has fought to date.
 
#8 ·
I'm sorry to disagree but its awesome to watch silva no matter whos hes fighting and under what circumstances I mean ya the sonnen fight wasnt what people call "good"
but Silva beat a guy by sub in the 5th round who was using ped's, and to me thats pretty damn amazing that he pulled that off. To me Silvas a true champion/beast.
 
#14 ·
Been wanting this fight like a fatass wants cake! This one is on myfantasy fight list. Now its happening (barring any Ouch, oh ow, oh man my shoulder hurts again, I can't fight Silva like this!) and I'm pretty damn pumped!

I suspect Belfort will stand with Silva since (IMO) he lacks the takedown ability to put Silva on the ground, or the control to keep him there. And since it'll stay standing, I anticipate a Chris Leban esque ending (Ima kill you, Ima kill you, rahhh! BAM BAM BAM, ouch.)
 
#15 ·
damn.. i fear Anderson Silva may lose this fight..

Vitor is a dangerous fighter..
He is not an "inferior" striker ..

Vitor is extremely dangerous..

I think this matchup is very dangerous for Silva..

This is the fight i think Silva has an extremely high percentage of losing..

I'd hate to see Silva lose his belt and ruin his streak...

I sure hope Silva prepares and trains hard for this fight..
and does not take Vitor lightly..
 
#18 ·
this fight is very tough, how can any1 think this is easy for AS? vitor has some very heavy and fast hands its very possible he ends up catching AS...i think this is his toughest fight to date

a wrestler wont beat AS, it will either be another elite strifer in vitor or a elite bjj guy with good wrestling to take him down...but a wrestler will never grind out a 25 min UD...just wont happen
 
#26 ·
Exactly and I have been saying this for a while. Its one thing to knock out non technical brawler like Leben who has chin and KO power but not so much technique and speed. Vitor's hand speed and boxing > Silva's, Silva has more versatile striking game overall though with knees and kicks taken into account. Should be a nice fight, and people who are still hyping up Silva's striking; see how well Sonnen, possibly the guy with worst striking out of top 10 MWs did against Silva standing.
There is a reason why Soares wanted to avoid Silva vs. Vitor so badly during the Hendo-Nate-Vitor drama. :)
 
#23 ·
silva will avoid vitors punches and make him look like a bitch then we'll get marquart vs silva which will again be won by silva.
 
#28 ·
Anderson has a fantastic chin.

Vitor does not.

Anderson is mentally strong.


Vitor is not.


I just dont know, Vitor obv has the punchers chance but with Andersons head movement and his great chin, its a very longshot he will catch him early, Anderson will layback and get his rhythm like always early.

Vitor leaves holes when he flurries plus he gases. I just dont think his prospects are bright in this fight.

Ppl say Anderson hasnt beaten a great striker. Well tell me, who was the last great striker Belfort beat?? Wanderlei and Yvel a hundred years ago??

The game has evovled and Anderson is at the head of the pack, an aggressive boxer who leaves openings, doesnt threaten TDs and tends to gas is an easy target for Anderson imo

Belfort hasnt faced anybody the likes of Anderson Silva, he will get his lead leg kicked to hell and countered on everything he throws and have a hell of a time finding Andersons chin and even if he does, he needs to hit the right spot cuz that man can take a shot.

If Vitor wins, ill be stunned but with the power he has early, its not impossible.

Anderson is much too smart to engage in big exchanges very early, he will play the cat and mouse game and frustrate Vitor and the fans a bit til he finds his rhythm and Vitors timing.......
 
#29 ·
Exactly my thoughts. Belfort's skills aren't nearly as technical, or strategic as Silva's. He hasn't fought anyone of comparative challenge is quite some time and his mind is comparatively weak. Silva by (T)KO rnd 3 or 4.
 
#34 ·
really believe in countless Muay Thai fights, amatuer boxing matches, pro boxing matches, amatuer MMA matches and pro MMA matches on every level that Anderson Silvas chin has not been tested???


ok then. Test away. He must be the greatest of all time to never even be chin checked in what is prob over 100 mid to high level fights.
 
#35 ·
I've said it once:
-Anderson has beaten one of the best BJJ artists in MMA (maybe the best) - Maia
-Anderson has beaten one of the best wrestlers in MMA - Chael

Now he will face one of the best strikersin MMA, except him

I am not worried about Belfort's skills, but his long absence from the ring.
If he won't be affected by it, we will have a hell of a fight!
 
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