Vitor Belfort has proven that with TRT or not, he still has what it takes to hang with the big dogs, and if you’re not careful he will take you behind the shed ‘Old Yeller style.’ Just ask Dan Henderson. After Belfort lost to Henderson at Pride 32 in 2006, he was reborn, went on a 5 fight winning streak, finished four out of those five via TKO/KO, and returned to the UFC.
Belfort’s only two losses since returning to the UFC are title losses to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. Silva destroyed him early with that highlight Segal front kick, but he almost ended the Jones era early with an arm-bar.
Since the Jones loss, Belfort returned to the UFC’s middleweight division and has never looked better. He has walked through top contenders in Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold. Now after his one sided beat down of “Hendo,” it seems that Belfort has climbed his way back to the top of the UFC’s middleweight division.
Lyoto Machida and Gegard Mousasi still lurk in the shadow’s, but I don’t see why the UFC would make Belfort fight one of them right now. The UFC can market all three fighters, so why cancel two of them out? Give Belfort the winner of Silva/Weidman, and give the Mousasi/Machida winner the winner of that one. It’s clear that Belfort should be next for the winner of Weidman/Silva.
For all the TRT haters out there, you will finally get your revenge when the some what unstoppable Belfort gets his UFC middleweight title shot. Either way, Belfort has seen his last win in the UFC for awhile.
Belfort has looked focused and dangerous as of late, but he doesn’t hold water against Silva or Weidman. Silva is too quick and is the more accurate striker. Weidman’s “new breed” mentality will be too much for Belfort to handle.
Belfort has knocked out all strikers in his last three fights. Silva is the better striker, so he loses that one. Weidman is the better well-rounded mma fighter, so Belfort loses that one as well. Can Belfort beat either of these guys? Of course he can. Will he though? That is a whole other beast.
Sure Belfort looks unbeatable as of late, but I think his last win against Henderson will be his last win for awhile. I do not see him ever holding UFC gold again. But I also never saw he returning and looking this good, so what do I know?
Belfort vs. Silva-
Striking-Silva
Striking Power-TRT or Belfort
Wrestling- Belfort
Ground Game/BJJ-Tie
Overall-Silva
Belfort vs. Weidman-
Striking-Belfort
Striking Power-Belfort
Wrestling-Weidman
Ground Game-Weidman
Overall skills-Weidman