Submit A Prospect
January 13, 2012
Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort is not only a veteran of MMA but one of the sport’s pioneers. He made his UFC debut way back at UFC 12. For those who don’t recall, events back then were tournaments and fighters could fight up to three times in a single night. Many consider Vitor to be a living legend in MMA, entertaining fans in various promotions for over a decade both in North America and abroad. His Current professional record is 20-9-0.
Vitor is without a doubt best known for his striking abilities and considered by many to be one of the top strikers in the sport. His punches often come in flurries of speed and power, forcing his opponents to retreat only to be finished moments later. 14 of his 20 victories have come by way of T(KO) to further illustrate this point. When trading with Anthony Johnson it will be important for Vitor to close the distance and engage quickly as he will be giving up 4 inches in reach.
If indeed Vitor’s striking proves to be too much for Johnson, Vitor may find himself on his back. Johnson is a NJCAA national wrestling champion and has shown in past fights he is fully capable of a take-down. Belfort on the other hand is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and is quite capable of submitting his opponents. At UFC 15.5 submitted Joe Charles without throwing a single punch or kick. Johnson has proven to be susceptible to submissions as 2 of his 3 losses have come this way. Though only 2 of Belfort’s professional wins have come by way of submission I do not believe this is a statement of his ability to do so.
However, Vitor has shown in the past that conditioning can be an issue for him. Of his 9 losses 5 have come via decision. Of his 20 wins only 2 have come in the 3rd round. If history teaches us anything Vitor will be looking to finish this fight fast. As usual fans can look for Vitor to T(KO) Anthony Johnson as quickly as possible and turn his attention to his next endeavor, coaching The Ultimate Fighter Brazil.
Anthony Johnson
When Anthony “Rumble” Johnson made his debut in the UFC as a Welterweight, he did so with a bang… literally. He knocked out his opponent Chad Reiner in 13 seconds of the first round. At UFC 142 Johnson will be making his debut as a Middleweight and no doubt will be looking for a similar result. Currently training out of Imperial Athletics with Mike Van Arsdale, Anthony Johnson holds professional record is 10-3-0.
Perhaps still considered somewhat of an up-and-comer, Anthony Johnson has developed a reputation for knocking opponents out. As the proud recipient of multiple Knockout of the Night bonuses, Johnson has displayed his ability to do so with both his hands and feet. His 78 inch reach will be 4 inches to his advantage and I suspect he will use this to test his striking abilities against the most decorated striker he has ever faced in Vitor Belfort.
If things do not bode well for Johnson on the feet, he may look to take the fight to the ground, using his size to control Vitor, as he did Dan Hardy. Using top position to exhaust Vitor as apposed to finishing him may prove to be a better strategy as Johnson must be weary of Belfort’s ability to submit him. One false move and the momentum can change real fast.
It will be interesting to see how this new weight class suits Anthony Johnson. Many feel he will be faster, and in better condition as his weight cut will be much less dramatic. I suspect Johnson will want to test his striking against Vitor but plans to grind out a decision should Vitor prove to be superior on the feet.
Until next we speak,
Mr. Wizzle
Follow MMARanked and Aaron Phelan on Twitter!
Vitor Belfort is not only a veteran of MMA but one of the sport’s pioneers. He made his UFC debut way back at UFC 12. For those who don’t recall, events back then were tournaments and fighters could fight up to three times in a single night. Many consider Vitor to be a living legend in MMA, entertaining fans in various promotions for over a decade both in North America and abroad. His Current professional record is 20-9-0.
Vitor is without a doubt best known for his striking abilities and considered by many to be one of the top strikers in the sport. His punches often come in flurries of speed and power, forcing his opponents to retreat only to be finished moments later. 14 of his 20 victories have come by way of T(KO) to further illustrate this point. When trading with Anthony Johnson it will be important for Vitor to close the distance and engage quickly as he will be giving up 4 inches in reach.
If indeed Vitor’s striking proves to be too much for Johnson, Vitor may find himself on his back. Johnson is a NJCAA national wrestling champion and has shown in past fights he is fully capable of a take-down. Belfort on the other hand is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and is quite capable of submitting his opponents. At UFC 15.5 submitted Joe Charles without throwing a single punch or kick. Johnson has proven to be susceptible to submissions as 2 of his 3 losses have come this way. Though only 2 of Belfort’s professional wins have come by way of submission I do not believe this is a statement of his ability to do so.
However, Vitor has shown in the past that conditioning can be an issue for him. Of his 9 losses 5 have come via decision. Of his 20 wins only 2 have come in the 3rd round. If history teaches us anything Vitor will be looking to finish this fight fast. As usual fans can look for Vitor to T(KO) Anthony Johnson as quickly as possible and turn his attention to his next endeavor, coaching The Ultimate Fighter Brazil.
Anthony Johnson
When Anthony “Rumble” Johnson made his debut in the UFC as a Welterweight, he did so with a bang… literally. He knocked out his opponent Chad Reiner in 13 seconds of the first round. At UFC 142 Johnson will be making his debut as a Middleweight and no doubt will be looking for a similar result. Currently training out of Imperial Athletics with Mike Van Arsdale, Anthony Johnson holds professional record is 10-3-0.
Perhaps still considered somewhat of an up-and-comer, Anthony Johnson has developed a reputation for knocking opponents out. As the proud recipient of multiple Knockout of the Night bonuses, Johnson has displayed his ability to do so with both his hands and feet. His 78 inch reach will be 4 inches to his advantage and I suspect he will use this to test his striking abilities against the most decorated striker he has ever faced in Vitor Belfort.
It will be interesting to see how this new weight class suits Anthony Johnson. Many feel he will be faster, and in better condition as his weight cut will be much less dramatic. I suspect Johnson will want to test his striking against Vitor but plans to grind out a decision should Vitor prove to be superior on the feet.
Until next we speak,
Mr. Wizzle
Follow MMARanked and Aaron Phelan on Twitter!
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