Sherdog’s Top 10: Undeserved Title Shots

Vitor Belfort became a contender by default. | Al Bello/Zuffa/UFC/Getty

8. Vitor Belfort vs. Jon Jones
UFC 152 “Jones vs. Belfort” | Sept. 22, 2012 -- Toronto

Although he did not know at the time, Belfort’s unlikely road to a light heavyweight title shot began when Dan Henderson injured his knee while training to face Jones at UFC 151. When “Bones” declined to face replacement opponent Chael Sonnen on eight days’ notice, the 205-pound king was transplanted to UFC 152, where he would face Lyoto Machida three weeks later. That was apparently not enough time for Machida to prepare, however, and he turned down the shot after the UFC had already announced the bout.

Belfort, who was booked to square off with Alan Belcher the following month, was instead tabbed to face Jones in Toronto, despite not having competed at light heavyweight in five years. “The Phenom” was once the UFC’s 205-pound ruler after having defeated Randy Couture at UFC 46, but since his return to the Las Vegas-based promotion in 2009, the Brazilian had fought almost exclusively at middleweight -- save for a 195-pound catchweight clash against Rich Franklin at UFC 103.

“Dream of being the best at what you do is not just something a fighter wants; it’s something any professional wants. I really want that title. In my head, I’m going after my greatest moment,” Belfort told Sherdog.com before the fight.

Despite no recent 205-pound experience, Belfort nearly achieved that moment against Jones, trapping the champion a tight armbar in the opening frame. Jones escaped and was his usual dominant self from there, submitting Belfort with a keylock in the fourth round. It was the closest anyone has come to beating Jones since his title reign began.

“[The arm] was cracking and popping, but he was tough,” Belfort said.

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