The UFC is traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for UFC 142 this Saturday, and the co-main event features two explosive middleweights in Anthony Johnson and Vitor Belfort.
After a successful run at welterweight, Johnson has made the move up to 185 pounds for the opportunity to face Belfort and stake his claim as a contender.
“Rumble” comes to the HSBC Arena fresh off an impressive and dominant first round knockout victory over Charlie Brenneman.
Prior to his display of explosive striking against Brenneman, Johnson outclassed Dan Hardy with superior wrestling to earn a unanimous decision victory.
Overall, Johnson has collected seven victories in the sport’s premier organization heading into Saturday’s showdown with Belfort.
Now, apart of the Blackzilians in south Florida, Johnson trained under the tutelage of Mike Van Arsdale, Henri Hooft and Flavius Silva.
Having spent time in Johnson’s camp, it’s safe to say that he’s in the best shape of his career and the change in training was a great move for the former welterweight.
As for Belfort, he returns to the Octagon in his country and is looking to win back-to-back fights since being knocked out by champion Anderson Silva in February of this past year.
In preparation for Johnson, Belfort spent the duration of his camp in Las Vegas with coaches Ray Sefo and Gil Martinez.
Since 2007, Belfort has only seen defeat once and that was to the aforementioned Silva at UFC 126.
Belfort bounced back six months later to defeat Yoshihiro Akiyama by opening round knockout at UFC 133.
“The Phenom” possesses lightning quick hand-speed that has paved his way for success throughout his championship career.
However, the Brazilian veteran doesn’t use kicks or takedowns in his attacks, and while that approach was successful against Akiyama, it’d be wise for him to do everything in his power to keep Johnson guessing.
It’s no secret what Belfort’s game plan will be on Saturday night as he prefers to keep his fights standing, but what remains unknown is whether Johnson will utilize his advantage in wrestling to mix things up throughout the fight.
Both fighters possess exciting fighting styles and one should expect an amazing fight between two of the division’s most explosive.
Oddsmakers would like Belfort to defeat Johnson, but “Rumble” holds the edge in athleticism and wrestling, which I expect him to utilize to score the upset victory.
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