Forrest Griffin was the man left behind in the wake of Jon Jones-Chael Sonnen. He was left without an opponent for UFC 155 but has since signed on to face Phil Davis.
But it appears Griffin passed over Vitor Belfort in the process of choosing Davis. Bloody Elbow has the story from Brazilian website UOL.
“I met with Forrest and he told me that he volunteered for a list of six names and mine was the first. He said he would face any of them except me. It’s good to have this kind of recognition. I am here to serve the company.”
I, like Tim Burke of BE, have to believe the reason Griffin refused to face Belfort is due to the time “The Phenom” spent training at Xtreme Couture. The fight against Davis is a far more dangerous one for Griffin, as “Mr. Wonderful” is entering the prime of his career and one of the best pure wrestlers in the division.
Belfort also explained that he’s open to fights at both light heavyweight and middleweight.
“My weight, my category, are the medium. I am adaptable. But I do not have much time left in my career and I want to have great challenges, be in whichever weight it will be. I can make great fights and don’t run from anybody, I’ll be always ready.”
Belfort last fought at 205 pounds, but was a last minute replacement to face the champion Jones at UFC 152. He performed admirably in defeat, and came the closest of any of Jones’ opponents to finishing the champion.
“The Phenom” was rumored to be facing Michael Bisping in his next fight but as of now, that is pure speculation.
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