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http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=10324

Belfort Hoping for Octagon Return
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Belfort Hoping for Octagon Return
December 11, 2007
by Cesar Garcia (cgarcia@sherdog.com)

Almost three years have passed since Vitor Belfort (Pictures) last battled in the Octagon.

After apparently resurrecting a career that was supposed to have been nothing but great when it began over 11 years ago, Belfort is ready to return to the promotional company that as he puts it, made his legacy.

Belfort will meet UFC matchmaker Joe Silva on Wednesday, the Brazilian told Sherdog.com, and is specifically looking to avenge his last bout in the UFC, a split decision loss to Tito Ortiz (Pictures).

"I want to rip his big head off," said a re-motivated Belfort. "The last time I had a back problem, and he just laid on top of me with a broken nose bleeding all over me and I tired in the last round."

But now the 30-year-old "Phenom" said he no longer has "a building" on his back, referring to a slew of personal issues, and has concentrated on improving his cardio.

He also explained that while other promotions, like EliteXC and M-1, have contacted him, he is more concerned with re-establishing his legacy in the UFC, beginning with Ortiz.

"I'm willing to fight him winner take all, the loser gets nothing," Belfort said of the former UFC light heavyweight champion. "He's a millionaire, he doesn't need money -- he has to have pride."

Belfort has won only four of his last seven fights since his departure from the UFC, but has won his last two fighting for Cage Rage, a knockout victory over Ivan Serati (Pictures) and a hard fought victory over then Cage Rage light heavyweight champion James Zikic (Pictures).

"I am the champion," said Belfort, referring to his victory over Zikic. "But they never gave me the belt. I was upset with Cage Rage. I fought with a broken hand (he recently had a pin removed from it) and not only did I not get the belt but they never even called after, they never asked if my hand was OK. They just weren't professional" so instead of resigning with the England based company Belfort has eyed the UFC's deep light heavyweight division and even said he would compete in the middleweight division that is ruled by his close friend Anderson Silva.

And while preferring not to fight his friend, Belfort indicated he would be willing to fight anybody the UFC puts in front of him.

"They've proven they are the best, they have the best fighters. I really want to fight in the UFC, I want the title."

Adding Belfort to the UFC 205-pound stable would make an interesting addition. Beside his close loss to Ortiz, he also lost a unanimous decision to Chuck Liddell (Pictures), and has a first round knockout victory over fellow countryman Wanderlei Silva (Pictures).

As many question whether Belfort can recapture the brilliance that spawned his "Phenom" nickname, Belfort repeats that his problems were not physical but mental.

"You have to have the fire," he said. "Now I have the fire."

Anyone interested in this rematch?

[Bullock]

I'd like to see Vitor in the UFC again.

[Howie]

id love to see this fight but i dont think tito would take it

[Marlo Black]

Yep, definitely interested in seeing a possible rematch.

[unknownmAfiA]

I was at Super Saturday UFC 51 and got to see the fight live it was so close I would love to see Vitor back at 205 and if for some reason Wandy lost to Chuck maybe we see Vitor Wandy II?

[gogoplata]

i can see vitor v evan tanner being a good fight. iam just not so interesting in seeing tito v belfort at all though. even silva v belfort sounds crazy

[King Fisher]

Originally Posted by unknownmAfiA

I was at Super Saturday UFC 51 and got to see the fight live it was so close I would love to see Vitor back at 205 and if for some reason Wandy lost to Chuck maybe we see Vitor Wandy II?

I'm sure Wandy would love to avenge that loss

[jlruthven84]

Vitor would definitely add some intrigue to the LHW division. Even if he returns to his old ways, I don't know if I see him really being a contender, though.

[smoogy]

Belfort is still a threat and I hope they sign him.

[supermark21]

Vitor's no good. he hasnt proven himself in any way since he left the UFC and there isnt much of an incentive to re-sign him. i doubt dana will go to any trouble to bring him back.