“The Phenom” is back.
Two days after being granted a licensed by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) and announcing his title fight with UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman on Dec. 8, Vitor Belfort posted a video on his Instagram page showing how pumped he is for his return to Las Vegas at UFC 181 after three knockout finishes in Brazil in 2013.
“I have in my hands the approved license by the Nevada Athletic Commission,” Belfort wrote after his meeting with the athletic commission. “My journey as a fighter never stops. For those who criticize me, the answer. For those who support me, heading to my third title.”
Initially scheduled to face Weidman at UFC 173 in May, Belfort (24-10) was forced out of the title bout after the testosterone replacement therapy was banned by NAC. The Brazilian, a former light heavyweight champion and UFC heavyweight tournament winner, earned his second shot at the 185-pound title with wins over Dan Henderson, Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold.
Weidman (12-0) looks for his third title defense after wins over Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva.