Vitor Belfort Prepares for Ortiz

Portal da Vale TudoJan 25, 2005
Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz will make up the main event of UFC 51, which takes place February 5 in Las Vegas. Twice this fight had to be postponed, but both men are healthy and it appears to be a go this time.

Belfort has been training daily with his team, Brazilian Top Team. Carrying all the power of his team at his side, he reveals how intense his time in the gym has been.

“My training is pretty heavy,” says the 27-year-old Brazilian. “I’ve been training 10 hours per day, following a strict diet and with all the support of my team. Everything is working out as planned.”

The light heavyweight contender does not reveal his strategy in hopes that he surprises Ortiz by fight time, but he did say he will “run over Ortiz because I know he fears punches.”

Some fans are anxious about which Vitor Belfort will step in against Ortiz. Will it be the Belfort who surprised the world with his quick hands, earning him the nickname “Phenom”?

“Sure,” he answered. “My fans will be happy with what they will see on the Octagon.”

With this being the last fight under his UFC contract, Belfort isn’t keeping quiet about his plans. “I want to become the PRIDE world champion and face Wanderlei Silva,” he declared.

Speaking about Silva, the PRIDE middleweight champion lost his last fight against Mark Hunt. Belfort had a simple explanation for the defeat of his rival:

“You can’t beat everyone. If God arranges us something, it’s done!”

With the birth of his son, Davi, looming, the Brazilian has shifted his focus between training and his wife. “My wife was with me until today here in Rio de Janeiro. Everyone’s giving me great support. My family is my base and my son is my dream. If I win, I will surely dedicate my victory to him.”

To the fans around the world he has captivated with great performances, the “Phenom” asks for just one thing: “Pray a lot to God and ask him for health to me, I’ll do the rest!”