The internet has been abuzz lately with discussion of the possible inclusion of Vitor Belfort on the UFC: Rio card in late August, but the Brazilian slugger will instead compete state-side earlier in the month, when he faces Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133 in Philaldephia on August 6th, as announced by the UFC today:
Dana White announced today that verbal agreements are in for a UFC 133 battle between two of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division. “After three straight Fight of the Night performances, Yoshihiro Akiyama will take on former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort August 6 in Philadelphia,” he said.
Although “three straight Fight of the Night performances” is an interesting way to spin Akiyama’s 2-fight losing streak, there’s no denying that the judoka is a tough match-up for anyone, especially since Belfort is looking to redeem himself after his sudden KO loss to Anderson Silva in their middleweight title fight at UFC 126.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-3-2)
Loss Michael Bisping (unanimous decision) – UFC 120
Loss Chris Leben (submission – triangle choke) – UFC 116
Win Alan Belcher (split decision) – UFC 100
Vitor Belfort (28-9)
Loss Anderson Silva (KO) – UFC 126
Win Rich Franklin (KO) – UFC 103
Win Matt Lindland (KO) – Affliction: Day of Reckoning