The main event at UFC on FX 7 sees an interesting Middleweight battle with possible title implications. Former #1 contender Vitor Belfort (21-10 MMA; 10-6 UFC) takes on Michael Bisping (23-4 MMA; 13-4 UFC). This is the last of four fights on the main card, and is scheduled for five rounds. UFC on FX 7 is live from Brazil this Saturday night, January 19, with the main card beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
As you would expect in a Michael Bisping fight, there has been plenty of trash talk leading up to this. Bisping has taken the lead, insulting both Belfort and champion Anderson Silva. For his part, Belfort has responded in kind, calling Bisping a hooligan. The result of all of this back and forth should be a very spirited Brazilian crowd, looking to cheer one of the country’s greats on to victory. Expect there to be some serious fireworks in this one.
How do these two stack up?
Belfort: 35 years old | 6’0″ | 74″ reach
Bisping: 33 years old | 6’2″ | 76″ reach
What have these two done recently?
Belfort: L – Jon Jones (Sub) | W – Anthony Johnson (Sub) | W – Yoshihiro Akiyama (KO)
Bisping: W – Brian Stann (UD) | L – Chael Sonnen (UD) | W – Jason Miller (TKO)
How did these two get here?
“The Phenom” Vitor Belfort comes in to this fight on one of the best runs of his entire career. Since changing things up and refocusing on his training in 2007, Belfort has been hot, and is currently on a 7-2 run. Those two loses come against arguably the top two fighters in the world – Anderson Silva and, in Belfort’s last fight, Jon Jones. Many scoffed at Belfort being gifted a title shot against Jones, but he very nearly pulled off the miracle win with an armbar. Sixteen years into a professional MMA career, most fighters are done, but Vitor is still going strong, and he’s eyeing another run towards a title shot here.
More on UFC on FX 7: Belfort vs. Bisping
Michael “The Count” Bisping has seemingly been on the verge of a title shot ever since his UFC debut nearly 7 years ago. After making the transition to Middleweight in 2008, Bisping has been a near contender on multiple occasions, but has never quite put together the win streak needed to get the shot. Lately, he’s looked better than ever. He’s 5-1 in his last 6, with solid wins over Stann and Mayhem, but it was his 2012 loss to Sonnen that really turned heads, as many felt the underdog Bisping won that fight. Will this finally be the win to earn him his shot?
Why should you care?
Love him or hate him, Bisping typically brings a level of intrigue to his fights, plus Belfort is always one shot away from a sudden victory. This could end up being a dull grind, but it has potential for some real excitement.