Can Vitor Belfort be a contender again?
 

Some factoids to consider:

Age: 31

BJJ Black Belt
Former Chute Boxe and Black House fighter

16-8 overall MMA record
8-4 in the UFC
5-3 in PRIDE

Wins over Wanderlei Silva, Gilbert Yvel, Heath Herring, Randy Couture (via cut)

Losses to Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Alistair Overeem
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I ask the question because I'm hearing some rumblings about Vitor supposedly being in very good shape and focused for his Affliction fight. I've never been a big fan of writing off guys, especially Vitor, who is 3 years younger than Rich Franklin

I say yes hes still got the skills and talent imo he hasnt been right mentally since everything happend with his sister thats all he needs is to get focused again

Absolutely, this guy has had some bad things happen. I would hope the worst is behind him. He is a very skilled fighter, he's dangerous to anyone. Focused and in shape, he's a monster. We've seen it. And he's only 30, many fighters are peeking about now.

16-8, 30 years old. Couture is 16-8, 45 years old and considered a legend.

Will the real Vitor Belford please stand up.

I am going to say yes he can be a contender...but if gets KO'd by Terry Martin I think that will be the end of him. He needs to really beat Martin.

he's an instinctive fighter. if he's mentally prepared, i see him as a top contender.

Depends upon what you mean by "contender".

If you mean within Affliction, it all depends on how strong of a MW roster they can build.

I don't think Vitor could be a contender again in a MW division with the talent pool of the UFC, for example. Gatekeeper at least, for sure, if he is motivated - but not a contender.

But if Affliction doesn't grab any of the top 10 MW's in the world - and I haven't heard any rumors that they are - then Vitor could potentially be the king there.

Yeah I''l add he needs to finish Terry Martin, not just some lame decision, we need to see the old Belfort.

As far as I know, the fight is at 205.

In any case, this matchup will tell us a lot about his present state of mind...I allude only to that aspect of him because we all know that he's certainly got the tools to be a monster again.

im taking martin by ko, i think vitor is done

I really hope he Ko's Martin...