For anyone who’s been around this sport for a while, this recent news of Vitor Belfort coming back to the UFC buzzing around the internet will be met with mixed feelings.
On one hand, you have a man with some of the best hands in the business. Who convincingly stopped Wanderlei Silva, dominated Gilbert Yvel, was robbed of a victory over Tito Ortiz (that’s my opinion at least) and hung tough with Chuck Liddell.
On the other hand, you have a mentally weak quitter, with little cardio and a knack for letting his personal problems get the best of him in the ring.
Now, with Belfort attempting to orchestrate what has to be considered at least his fourth come-back attempt, we must ask ourselves the age old question (Everybody say it with me now):
Is this THE OLD VITOR?????
I for one am a huge fan of The “Old” Vitor. Incredible hand speed and a killer instinct second to none make The Old Vitor a pleasure to watch. The “New” Vitor (or Quitter Vitor, or Boy-In-Man’s Body Vitor, or Titor Belfortiz, or whatever you call him), however is absolutely PAINFUL to watch. Watching him give up in fights against Dan Henderson, Randy (twice) and Alistair Overeem (also twice!) really took it’s toll on my believe in “The Phenom”.
Until earlier this year, I had written the man I idolized while growing-up, off as a “Pay Cheque Fighter”.
Then Belfort knocked out up-and-comer Ivan Serati in Cage Rage early in 2007.
I know: Meh…. Big deal.
Then in September, Belfort defeated Cage Rage 205 lbs Champion James Zikic with a broken hand.
Hmmmm, a little more impressive. But I’m still not convinced this is our beloved “Old” Vitor.
Then he opened his mouth…….
Belfort has never been known as a talker. Although frequently citing personal problems for his losses, and frequently claiming he is over said personal problems prior to, umm, another loss. Vitor is not one to show much emotion outside the ring.
Now call me a sucker, but The Phenom’s recent comments have gotten me all fired up! It feels like 1997 again!!!
Yeah, OK. I probably am a sucker. But I am seeing something flow from Vitor that I’ve NEVER seen before: Anger. Well, not just anger…….
Super-pissed-off-ready-to-tear-someone-a-new-arsehole-then-rip-their-head- off-and-shit-down-their-throats kind of anger!!!
He’s pissed at Cage Rage. He’s pissed at the naysayers. And he’s damn sure pissed at Tito! In fact, his comments about Ortiz were what convinced me that he truly has returned to his former self. Belfort said he wants to fight Tito in a winner take all match. IE; only the winner receives a purse, IE; quashing my theory that Vitor is a paycheque fighter.
I don’t know about you, but I’m taking the leap of faith BACK onto the Vitor Bandwagon! If anybodies interested, I’m out front with a full tank of gas, revvin the engine!!!
(5 votes, average: 4.6 out of 5)
Hell Yeah! Bring Vitor back to the ufc! Vitor vs Jardine
Vitor vs Rashad (If he hasnt gone to MW) Vitor vs Chuck
Vitor vs Rampage!
Anyone of those combos would be awsome to watch but mostly with Jardine! Do they do “winner takes all bouts”? Haven’t heard that before or is he that “pissed” he is just talking. Call me crazy but can someone tell me if they actually do those kind of bouts?? Cheers up!
Vitor Belfort : “I want to rip [Tito Ortiz’] big head off. The last time I had a back problem, and he just laid on top of me with a broken nose bleeding all over me and I tired in the last round…. I’m willing to fight him winner take all, the loser gets nothing. He’s a millionaire, he doesn’t need money — he has to have pride.”
Pride would be good. Thanks PF. Cheers for beers!!!!
Vitor has perhaps arisen from the dead of past problems, maybe? He will no matter what be one of the great MMA fighters.
Yup, one! LOL
Professional boxing will soon take seconds to mixed martial arts in America. Boxing promoters are working diligently to keep alive boxing, a slow death coming as the blood from the wounds continue to flow requiring new blood. Will boxing go into shock? How long will the decades of excitement and history maintain a rock climbing hold in a slippery territory? — Pall Stanley
I think that the WWE will plunder before pro boxing will.(I hope)LOL I remember seeing Sugar Ray fight when I was younger. It was great. Thats a name that will be around forever. As for today they will just have to stay strong in there fight to keep it alive. Watched the Ultimate Fighting; From blood sport to Big Time Yesterday. Interesting turn of events. UFC is huge and will entertain people for years just like boxing did. As Rich Franklin put it “It’s like a human chess game” Somethin’ like that anyways. JMO
I totally agree with this, BTW anyone want to start a petition (the ufc have jacked up their ppvs to $44.99!
Let the petition begin. We pay enough don’t yah think. A small price to pay considering the price of the seats! But oh yah baby. I’ll put my name on it. Damn skippy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That could do some damage, raising the price. I feel that the fans will “just catch it when it comes on for free a year later.” For that extra amount we could all put that to better use. True dedicated fans or not that’s just BS JMO