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!!!
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