[Cat--Smasher]

Belfort: “I’ll be ready for Belcher”

How does it feel to be back in Rio?

Wonderful, it’s contagious and I can feel it already.

Last time you fought at HSBC Arena you got moved. How are the nerves knowing you will go through that experience once again?

I’ve been there, I know what it’s like. I’ve been dedicating a lot so the fans can witness a great show I’m preparing for them and I gotta be focused in order to bring them what they crave for. I’ve been scarifying a lot and training and dedicating myself a lot too.

Did the excitement of the second show in Rio get in the way of your concentration?

I don’t think so, you gotta be focused. I gotta be focused exactly because of the adrenaline. And it works on both me and my opponent. Each one has to use it in his favor. I’ll be on my territory, so I’m dedicating so I can be in my territory and that the alpha male in there is me.

Alan Belcher is a pretty tough guy, one of the bests in the division. What are your thoughts about his game?

Tough, strong, good kicks, fast, good ground game. I guess it’s a very interesting fight. He’s mature and talented.

He has shown intelligence against Rousimar Palhares, blocking his game wisely. Do you think he might use that smart aspect on you?

He did a good job, so sure. It’s a sport and being smart is a part of it.

What are your thoughts about his excellent performances after that eye incident, when he almost quit fighting?

I guess he did pretty great, proved he is a complete fighter and has been improving more and more. I’ll be prepared for him. What I can tell you is that I’m going to prepare so much, so much, so much.

Despite being focused on Belcher, you said this fight might be the way to get another chance at the title. Do you believe he is the right opponent to put you on that road again?

Now my concern is Alan Belcher. What will happen after this fight is in the future and only results can tell us that. So I gotta make sure I get a positive result our of it.

Dana White had said the division has gotten a little cool, but now there are great names on it. How do you see the division currently? Knowing there are tough guys out there cheer you up?

Absolutely and it won’t stop. Now the division also has Cezar “Mutante” (Ferreira), we have Daniel Sarafian… There’re lots of talented guys and maybe people you don’t even realize and there are coming more and more talents, it doesn’t stop. That’s our sport and that’s how great MMA is.

Belfort: “I’ll be ready for Belcher” :: TATAME