Another World MMA Awards ceremony has wrapped up for the year, with 2012 completely dominated by a wide range of UFC fighters and personalities.According to MMA Junkie, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones took home the “‘Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis…
Another World MMA Awards ceremony has wrapped up for the year, with 2012 completely dominated by a wide range of UFC fighters and personalities.
According to MMA Junkie, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones took home the “‘Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis’ Fighter of the Year” award after a perfect 2-0 campaign.
Even though Jones infamously had his share of problems in 2012—including a cancelled UFC event and a DWI conviction—the young champion nonetheless balanced it out with a string of successes.
Not only did he defeat both Rashad Evans and VitorBelfort to retain his title, but “Bones” also netted himself a lucrative Nike sponsorship to boot.
Here’s the full list of this year’s World MMA Awards winners, courtesy of MMA Junkie:
• “Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis” Fighter of the Year: Jon Jones • Ring Card Girl of the Year: Brittney Palmer • Leading Man of the Year: Dana White • Fight of the Year: Jamie Varner vs. Joe Lauzon (UFC on Fox 4) • Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Chris Weidman • MMA Media Source of the Year: Sherdog.com • Knockout of the Year: EdsonBarboza vs. Terry Etim (UFC 142) • Personality of the Year: Joe Rogan • Female Fighter of the Year: Ronda Rousey • Submission of the Year: Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 140) • Best Technical Equipment: Pretorian • MMA Journalist of the Year: Ariel Helwani, MMAFighting.com/FUEL TV • “Fighters Only” Lifetime Achievement Award: Leon Tabbs • “Shawn Tompkins” Coach of the Year: Rafael Cordeiro • Referee of the Year: Herb Dean • International Fighter of the Year: Michael Bisping • Best Lifestyle Clothing Brand: Bad Boy • Comeback of the Year: Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 140) • Gym of the Year: Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu • Best Promotion: UFC • Best Technical Clothing Brand: Clinch Gear
Ronda Rousey was also in the running for “Fighter of the Year,” but had to settle for “Female Fighter of the Year” on the strength of her two title fights in Strikeforce.
Both bouts ended via Rousey‘s trademark first-round armbar submission skills, although the peak of her year definitely came with her formal induction into the UFC as the promotion’s women’s bantamweight champion.
Michael Bisping and Chris Weidman were the other big winners of the night, as the middleweights took home the awards for “International Fighter of the Year” and “Breakout Fighter of the Year,” respectively.
Bisping and Weidman aren’t UFC champions themselves, but both men are nonetheless angling for title shots against the current divisional king, Anderson Silva. Weidman is currently injured, but Bisping will face off against VitorBelfort during the main event at UFC on FX 7 on Saturday, Jan. 19 for the right to challenge Silva at some point later this year.
MMA legend Wanderlei Silva has decided to provide his two cents on the upcoming UFC on FX 7 main event, a middleweight bout between Michael Bisping and Vitor Belfort.Silva has in-Octagon experience with each of the two combatants who will slug it out t…
MMA legend Wanderlei Silva has decided to provide his two cents on the upcoming UFC on FX 7 main event, a middleweight bout between Michael Bisping and Vitor Belfort.
Silva has in-Octagon experience with each of the two combatants who will slug it out this Jan. 19, owning a 2010 victory over Bisping and a loss to Belfort that comes from all the way back in 1998.
UFC on FX 7’s 185-pound showdown has the distinct feel of a title eliminator—Bisping on the brink of a shot and Belfort not far behind.
“The Axe Murderer” recently spoke with Sherdog to shed a little light on how this meaningful contest might play out:
It is a very well-matched fight. I think Belfort has all the tools to knock out Bisping in a two-round fight. If it goes three to five rounds, I think Bisping swallows Vitor. One of the things about Vitor is that he is very fast – he lands a lot of blows in succession, so he may get tired. And the Englishman talks a lot, but he also trains a lot, so he will be prepared
There seems to be a lot of wisdom in the prediction Silva provides, given Bisping’s sterling reputation as a cardio machine and Belfort’s as a sort of blitzkrieg expert.
But even with the fight outline Silva gives, we’re still left wondering whether Belfort’s early onslaught will be enough to put away his foe or if Bisping will weather the storm and take the bout later on.
It’s certainly an interesting matchup in terms of style and how each man will attempt to take away a W.
How do you think it will play out? Will it be Bisping’s tempered persistence or Belfort’s explosiveness that seals the deal?
After burying most of the UFC middleweight division in his last Yahoo! Sports column — including that poor, poorChris Weidman, who has done nothing to deserve such rough treatment — angry MMA blogger Michael Bisping returned last night with his latest missive, which attacks pretty much every aspect of Vitor Belfort‘s character, from the Brazilian’s physical appearance, to his controversial history of rabbit-punching, to his Rex Ryan-esque affection for his wife’s feet. (Meanwhile, Belfort claims that talking trash is dangerous because it can infect the person doing the talking as much as it can hurt the target. Pffft, whatever!)
On embarrassing fetishes:
“A fan tweeted me a link to Vitor in some Brazilian reality TV show, a clip where he’s in a bath kissing someone’s feet. [Ed. note: In case you’ve somehow never seen this clip before, those feet belonged to Vitor’s wife, Joana Prado.] It was pretty fruity stuff but, if he enjoyed sucking toes, he’s going to have the time of his life on January 19 because I’m going to kick him in the face all night long.” [Ed. note: You son of a bitch.]
On TRT and illegal punches:
“I’m thinking of asking Randy Couture if I can use him old nickname ‘the Natural’ just to make it clear I’m not one of these guys who is on TRT or any of that junk. Whenever someone asks me if I am on it, I give them a straight answer and if they ask me what I think of TRT I always say: ‘I think it is legalized cheating’…I don’t think it has a place in our sport and wish my opinion — and I think the majority of fans’ opinion — was shared by certain other fighters and the people who regulate our sport.
I was disappointed Vitor Belfort started talking in tongues when asked about TRT recently. He had a little more to say on Monday when he was asked directly about my concerns that all his recent UFC fights were won by illegal punches to the back of the head. In between lengthy references to the New Testament, Belfort basically said he doesn’t care if he hits opponents behind the head…
After burying most of the UFC middleweight division in his last Yahoo! Sports column — including that poor, poorChris Weidman, who has done nothing to deserve such rough treatment — angry MMA blogger Michael Bisping returned last night with his latest missive, which attacks pretty much every aspect of Vitor Belfort‘s character, from the Brazilian’s physical appearance, to his controversial history of rabbit-punching, to his Rex Ryan-esque affection for his wife’s feet. (Meanwhile, Belfort claims that talking trash is dangerous because it can infect the person doing the talking as much as it can hurt the target. Pffft, whatever!)
On embarrassing fetishes:
“A fan tweeted me a link to Vitor in some Brazilian reality TV show, a clip where he’s in a bath kissing someone’s feet. [Ed. note: In case you’ve somehow never seen this clip before, those feet belonged to Vitor’s wife, Joana Prado.] It was pretty fruity stuff but, if he enjoyed sucking toes, he’s going to have the time of his life on January 19 because I’m going to kick him in the face all night long.” [Ed. note: You son of a bitch.]
On TRT and illegal punches:
“I’m thinking of asking Randy Couture if I can use him old nickname ‘the Natural’ just to make it clear I’m not one of these guys who is on TRT or any of that junk. Whenever someone asks me if I am on it, I give them a straight answer and if they ask me what I think of TRT I always say: ‘I think it is legalized cheating’…I don’t think it has a place in our sport and wish my opinion — and I think the majority of fans’ opinion — was shared by certain other fighters and the people who regulate our sport.
I was disappointed Vitor Belfort started talking in tongues when asked about TRT recently. He had a little more to say on Monday when he was asked directly about my concerns that all his recent UFC fights were won by illegal punches to the back of the head. In between lengthy references to the New Testament, Belfort basically said he doesn’t care if he hits opponents behind the head.
How he’s gotten away with this in his career is a mystery to me, and I hope we have a strong referee who has the balls to do something about it — if it happens — with thousands of Belfort supporters screaming in the stands. And of course it is down to me to make sure I’m not put in a position where he can unloaded these kinds of shots.”
On chicken legs and chicken hearts:
“I’m looking forward to going to Brazil. I was there for just a few days before Christmas doing PR for this fight. I shook Vitor’s hand and we had a laugh about how at UFC 152 we were around each other quite a lot and got along great — and now we are fighting. It happens a lot in the UFC but it’s always a little strange.
I noticed he looked HUGE. Massive arms, chest and shoulders – a body for posing down at the beach – but then I noticed these little chicken legs sticking out of his arse. I thought: ‘He has the upper body of a lion but the legs of a chicken’.
And – now we are this close to the fight – I will say that he has heart of a chicken, too. He’s a professional bully. If you let him have his way he will rip you apart in short order, but if you fight back and get him tired, he backs down and does basically nothing.”
On back-stabbing:
“In Brazil, we didn’t do a formal press conference but, instead, I was in one room talking to Brazilian media and Belfort was in the next room doing interviews at the same time. I’d just given interviews talking about what a great challenge this was when one media guy said: ‘Wait, Vitor just described you as a hooligan and a thug.’
I didn’t believe him at first — sometimes media people, knowing my hard-earned reputation for embarrassing myself when I get emotional — will tell me stuff like that hoping for a reaction and a nice quote. But everyone in the room confirmed Vitor was sitting in the other room bitching me out like he was on ‘Real Housewives’ or something.
I was very surprised to be honest, because just a couple weeks before he’d been really cool about me training in a gym owned by his sponsors. I really appreciated that but after bitching me out he then sent me a text message saying: ‘Sorry, just hyping the fight.’
Now, I am all about hyping fights but don’t be two-faced. I prefer to fight and train emotionally. If I like an opponent or respect him, I tend not to do as well as I would if I felt I owed them a beating. I was already motivated, but now I want to really put on a show.”
Final predictions:
“Vitor has one or two rounds to beat me – or try to hit me behind the head – and then his gas tank will be empty and the fight will look like Rocky vs. that dead cow.
I’m going to force him to fight at a pace he couldn’t even fight at in his early 20s. He’s going to be miserable in there.”
Michael Bisping is making it clear that he expects Vitor Belfort to take advantage of a bad situation during their main event fight at UFC on FX 7.Whether it’s illegal punches to the back of the head or the possibility of being fueled by testoster…
Michael Bisping is making it clear that he expects VitorBelfort to take advantage of a bad situation during their main event fight at UFC on FX 7.
Whether it’s illegal punches to the back of the head or the possibility of being fueled by testosterone replacement therapy, “The Count” says that Belfort‘s “bully” tactics will eventually start to fail him, UFC legend or not.
In Bisping‘s latest guest post penned at Yahoo Sports, the famed MMA Englishman outlines his hopes that Belfort won’t be able to cheat his way to a win:
I was disappointed VitorBelfort started talking in tongues when asked about TRT recently. He had a little more to say on Monday when he was asked directly about my concerns that all his recent UFC fights were won by illegal punches to the back of the head. In between lengthy references to the New Testament, Belfort basically said he doesn’t care if he hits opponents behind the head.
How he’s gotten away with this in his career is a mystery to me, and I hope we have a strong referee who has the balls to do something about it – if it happens – with thousands of Belfort supporters screaming in the stands. And of course it is down to me to make sure I’m not put in a position where he can unloaded [sic] these kinds of shots.
Most notably, Belfort‘s latest instance of winning a fight with illegal back-of-the-head punches came at the expense of Japanese fighter YoshihiroAkiyama, who went down to strikes in the first round of their UFC 133 bout.
To date, though, Bisping has only been stopped on strikes once, and that was a haymaker blow from one of the sport’s hardest punchers in Dan Henderson.
Fans will get to see whether Bisping‘s chin (or the back of his skull) can hold up against Belfort‘s striking soon enough, as the two top middleweights are still set to face-off at the Ibirapuera Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Should Bisping win, he’s expected to achieve a career-long dream and face Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title.
Throughout a legendary career filled with triumph, defeat, validation and hardship, Vitor Belfort is still standing tall.Over his 17 years competing on the biggest stages across the sport of mixed martial arts, “The Phenom” has developed a passionate f…
Throughout a legendary career filled with triumph, defeat, validation and hardship, VitorBelfort is still standing tall.
Over his 17 years competing on the biggest stages across the sport of mixed martial arts, “The Phenom” has developed a passionate fanbase and a reputation for being one of the most dangerous fighters to ever step into the cage.
Working behind a unique mixture of speed, power and ferocity, the 35-year-old’s drive has navigated him across multiple eras as he’s faced a collection of the best fighters to ever compete.
Next Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Belfort will look to further his legacy when he squares off with Michael Bisping in the main event at UFC on FX 7. This middleweight tilt may not carry the weight of some of his past bouts, but make no mistake about it, Belfort is looking at his showdown with “The Count” as if everything is on the line.
That being said, when the Octagon door closes and the time to handle business comes to call, the rejuvenated warrior spirit of Belfort will bring the fight to Bisping‘s front door.
“I’m really focused to fight and it’s more like an outside vision,” Belfort told Bleacher Report. “I’m like a Navy SEAL going to war. I’m not focused on the politics, just give me the mission and let me accomplish it.
“When a mission is given to a Navy SEAL, they say turn your back and let me do what I’m here to do. Now this fight is my mission. I don’t care about the politics or anything else. I’m focused on accomplishing the mission. I’m very focused right now.
“I’m ready, man. I’m more ready than ever. Better than ever. Fresher than ever. Happier than ever. I’m ready.”
The bout between Belfort and Bisping will feature two fighters on different trajectories. The former TUF winner has won five or his last six showings, and has positioned himself at the doorstep of a potential title shot.
UFC President Dana White recently stated the brash Brit would earn the next opportunity to face champion Anderson Silva should he find success against Belfort in Sao Paulo.
While the former light heavyweight champion may not be in reach of a rematch with “The Spider,” Belfort is still very much positioned at the top of the game.
In his last outing against Jon Jones at UFC 152, Belfort nearly shocked the world by grabbing, and nearly locking up an armbar in the first round against the young superstar. “Bones” would eventually break free and go on to win with a submission of his own in the fourth round.
The fight with Jones showed a portion of his game which many of have overlooked. Due in large part to his one-punch knockout ability, Belfort‘s ground game is overshadowed, and he sees a tactical edge in the fact his submission skills are not something his opponents are worried about.
“That gives me an advantage,” Belfort said. “I have a lot of things people don’t see. There are a lot of things I’ve accomplished. I’m the type of guy where I go to the gym to work hard. Fighters are made in the gym and we achieve things through sacrifice.
“That is how things are in life. If you want something, you have to work hard at it. God gave you the talent and the gifts, but you have to work hard if you want to use them.
“That’s how I approach everything I do. If I want to be a good dad, I need to work hard to be a good dad. If I want to be a good husband, I need to work hard to be a good husband. But you are never going to be anything if you don’t work hard.
“In this fight I have to go out there and do what I do. That’s it. There isn’t much to think about, only to act. I have to go out there, do what I do, and fight my game. It’s not about him. It’s about me.
“That is how we should think when we step into competition. When Michael Jordan stepped into competition, it wasn’t about what the other team was going to do; it is about what he was going to do.”
Throughout his career, Belfort has competed in multiple weight classes. He has found success in every division, but the past two years, the Rio deJaneiro native has made a home fighting at 185 pounds. In order to make what was historically a difficult cut much easier, Belfort sought the guidance of Mike Dolce.
Where many consider the former TUFcompetitor to be a nutrition guru, Dolce is more comfortable with the title of “longevity advocate,” as his methods reach much further than dietary assistance. Belfort credits Dolce, and his Blackzilians team, for making his rejuvenation possible.
“Mike is a great friend of mine and a guy with a lot of knowledge,” Belfort said. “He is not here full-time, but I know how he works and the meals we need to work into the plan. He knows I’m very dedicated and we are working hard together.
“We have a very good relationship and he’s been a big help for this fight. I tip my hat to Mike. He works very hard and he’s very passionate about it.
“I’m very happy to have Mike and the other guys on my team like Henri Hooft and my other coaches working with me. They are all great guys. Along the way, we have trained together and developed friendships. I’m a very happy guy.”
Next Saturday night, when Belfort steps in against Bisping, it will be yet another high-profile fight to add to his legendary resume. He will be competing against a surging contender who is considered to be one of the world’s best at 185 pounds.
While it is impressive for a 17-year veteran to still be performing at such a high level, the accomplishment becomes amplified when a look at his resume reveals a majority of the fighters he’s faced in the past, have long since vanished from the sport. This isn’t a reality lost upon him, and Belfort is proud of the journey traveled.
“Oh man, it’s amazing,” Belfort said. “I was just thinking the other day that I have been fighting for so long, for so many years, and it’s gratifying not only being able to fight, but to perform with the best. The sport is so hard on your body but I feel young.
“Randy Couture became a champion at 34 years old. I became a champion at 19 years old. I’ve worked so hard, but I’m still young and I thank God every day. I’m very thankful to God.
“When people talk about my name, I just want to be remembered as a guy who always gave his best. No matter what I’m doing, I want to give my best. That’s how I want to be remembered.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained first hand unless noted otherwise.
UFC president Dana White stated that perennial middleweight contender Michael Bisping would get a shot at Anderson Silva’s championship belt if he could get through Vitor Belfort. According to “The Phenom,” that scenario is little more than a pipe…
UFC president Dana White stated that perennial middleweight contender Michael Bisping would get a shot at Anderson Silva‘s championship belt if he could get through VitorBelfort.
According to “The Phenom,” that scenario is little more than a pipe dream. Belfort discussed White’s comment on the latest edition of Ariel Helwani’s “The MMA Hour” (transcription via MMA Mania).
I don’t care. It doesn’t change anything in my life my friend. God is my provider and I have a fight and I’m winning. That’s the only thing I know, I’m winning. I already told Dana, choose another guy to face Anderson because he’s not going to get passed through me. That’s the bottom line.
Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, suffered an embarrassing first-round knockout when he challenged Silva for his middleweight title at UFC 126 in Feb. 2011.
The Brazilian is in the midst of a 5-1 run at middleweight, though his most recent fight was a losing effort against current 205-pound champ Jon Jones at UFC 152 in September.
While Belfort, who was a late replacement, was soundly dominated for four rounds, he nearly caught “Bones” in an armbar roughly one minute into the fight.
As far as “The Count” goes, he also has a 5-1 mark at middleweight dating back to May 2010, though he lacks a signature win against a top-five fighter at 185 pounds during that time frame.
Bisping‘s sole loss came at the hands of former two-time middleweight title challenger ChaelSonnen, who has since moved back up to light heavyweight and will challenge Jones for the belt at UFC 159 in April.
Will Bisping make the mistake of looking past Belfort or will his boxing and underrated grappling game be as sharp as ever and get him past the former champion in impressive fashion?
