Many throughout the MMA world were a buzz with the prospect of Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva II going down this summer, but as we’ve documented here with as little effort as possible, Wandy is now fighting Chris Leben. So, where does that leave Vitor? One would think that the UFC is looking to get the machine-gun like striker a bout lined up for its upcoming, August 27th card in Brazil, as Belfort is kind of a big deal there in case you didn’t know. (See Belfort vs. Silva 1 regarding striking metaphor…) Speaking to Tatame Magazine, Belfort updated the publication with the following, regarding where the UFC big wigs apparently are in terms of his schedule / opponent.
“Lorenzo (Fertitta) called me and said he’s trying to find me an opponent, but it’s hard to do it. Wanderlei (Silva) challenged me and then started talking thing on the internet, so I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I’m ready, my dream is to fight at UFC Rio. I believe the fighters found out that I’m hungrier than ever to fight”.
Yes, you would think Belfort’s gotta be ‘starving’ in terms of throwing down again, as despite all the fanfare that surrounded his UFC return in 2009, he’s only fought once since blasting through Rich Franklin at UFC 103. Of course, his last bout in February against Anderson Silva, didn’t exactly go as planned. It will be interesting to see, though, who the UFC tries to line him up against. Will it go with a striker that will stand and trade with Belfort? Or will they go the wrestler route and run the risk of a smother fest?