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UFC RIO: Aldo vs. Mendes
January 14, 2012
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson
UFC Betting Pick: Anthony Johnson (+120)
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Middleweight bout: Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (-140) vs. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (+120)
Regardless of all the naysayers, in my book Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (20-9) is still one of the best fighters in the world. Given that he will be fighting in his home country of Brazil at UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes, Belfort will be all pumped and ready to put on a show.
Though he is only 34 years old, he has been in the game for over 15 years now and has always fought top level fighters. Regarded as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the middleweight division, Belfort still has some fight left in him.
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (11-3) is an up and comer who still needs to prove himself against the “elders” in his division in order to be considered a viable contender. Though he is a good fighter for his experience, he will be facing a better fighter in Belfort.
Johnson is quick and fast in the stand up but Belfort is more technical and experienced and has gone toe to toe with some of the best strikers in mixed martial arts history. Belfort is perhaps one of the most technical fighters in the UFC today with great defense and technique as he always has his hands up and chin down—his left power hand is tucked on his chin for defense. This, combined with the fact that he is also a southpaw, gives his opponents a lot of trouble. Belfort has even participated in, and won professional boxing matches by TKO as he has been able to knock his opponent down three times within the first minute.
Belfort may not be as fast as Johnson but his technique will dominate and he will be able to pick him apart. Belfort has also fought in the light heavyweight and heavyweight division where he was able to down bigger and heavier opponents. In Johnson’s eleven MMA victories seven of them have come by KO so he will attempt to stand and trade with Belfort which may be his downfall. Of Belfort’s last five fights, four have come by KO so this will suit him fine.
When it comes to wrestling however, Johnson has the advantage. While in high school, Johnson was a two time state champion and two time state runner up, setting the school record for most wins in a row. He was the 2004 NJCAA national champion at 174 pounds and wrestled for TOURO College. Though he may have the wrestling advantage, he will need to get in close to for a takedown and Belfort’s strikes will prevent him from shooting in.
Even though Johnson is the better wrestler, Belfort has met his fair share of top level wrestlers in Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Dan Henderson and Tito Ortiz. All these wrestling based fighters are more accomplished than Johnson with Couture, Henderson and Lindland making the US Olympic roster, meaning they are more talented and stronger than Johnson ever was. Not to mention Belfort now trains at Xtreme Couture with Randy Couture—need I say more?
When it comes to grappling there is no contest as to who is the better grappler. The prized student of BJJ master Carlson Gracie, Belfort is a black belt in what is perhaps the best form of jiu-jitsu for MMA as it focuses on fighting from the top. In 2001 Belfort fought in the ADCC, the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world, where he won the bronze medal in the absolute division defeating Ricardo Almeida by points.
Bottom Line: Johnson’s time has yet to come—he may be a great fighter or even champion one day, however, that day has yet to arrive. For the moment, Belfort is just too experienced for Johnson to take down.
Belfort can still hold his own and coupled with the fact that this fight will be in Brazil, barring any great disaster, I do not see Belfort losing this one. Though this may be a close one, Belfort will be able to out-strike Johnson and win a hard fought victory. To me this fight is not a game of blackjack as I do see value in the young fighter beating the UFC vet.
Johnson will be battered when he tries to get the takedowns but Belfort has enough wrestling defense to keep this fight standing.
Look for Belfort to win a Three Round Unanimous Decision
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