UFC Fighter Vitor Belfort Already Calls Out Who He Wants To Fight Next After Delivering ‘Performance Of The Night’ KO To Dan Henderson

Last Saturday, November 7, 2015, UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 (also known as UFC Fight Night 77) took place in São Paulo, Brazil, in the Ginásio do Ibirapuera. A total of 10,628 people gathered at the venue to watch the main event, a fight between Vitor Belfort and Dan Henderson. This fight was monumental for both fighters because they both have one win each over the other. Ergo, they were fighting to find out who was the true winner in the final showdown in a trilogy. In the end, the “Performance of the Night” went to Belfort who defeated Henderson within two minutes of the first round with a head kick. By happenstance, that is the same move Belfort used to win his last fight against Henderson. Needless to say but such a wicked knockout with a kick to the face was sure to shelve Henderson on medical suspension.

Apparently, Vitor Belfort is not just sitting around celebrating the fact that he came out on top in his trilogy fight against Dan Henderson. Instead, “The Phenom” is clamoring to get back into action. As a matter of fact, Belfort is already calling his next potential opponent out.

According to MMA News, Vitor Belfort made the call out for who he wants to fight next at the post-fight conference for UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 in Brazil. While answering questions presented by sports media, Belfort announced that he now has Luke Rockhold once again in his crosshairs. Apparently, Belfort finds Rockhold disrespectful.

“There’s a guy, Luke Rockhold, that keeps talking a lot. He’s talking a lot, he’s a talker. Disrespectful guy. Really good, talented, but… I’ve got my eye on him.”

Luke Rockhold did not take Vitor Belfort’s words lying down. Instead, Rockhold took to his official Twitter to deliver a public response saying he too has his eye on Belfort.

As I do him RT @UFCONFOX: Belfort: I’ve got my eye on Luke @LukeRockhold. He’s disrespectful. #UFCSP

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) November 8, 2015

If one were to view Vitor Belfort’s past fight history, there really is no reason for him to challenge Luke Rockhold. On May 13, 2013, Belfort fought Rockhold and knocked him out with a spinning heel kick, 2:32 minutes into the first round. Summarized, Belfort dominated that fight. Ergo, the only person who would have much to gain from a rematch is Rockhold because he has a chance to avenge his loss.

Therefore, the only reason most in the MMA community think Vitor Belfort is going after Luke Rockhold has to do with a UFC middleweight championship pursuit. According to the official ranking for UFC, Belfort is ranked number four in the middleweight division. In order to get back into the hunt, Belfort needs to take out at least one of the three above him in ranking. Rockhold is currently ranked number one. By calling him out, Belfort is making a statement that he is willing to do what it takes to fight the current champion, Chris Weidman (who is also the man who defeated Belfort at UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier by playing drums on his face).

In conclusion, Vitor Belfort may simply be building hype for a potential future fight with one of the top three. As of now, it is scheduled that Luke Rockhold will get his chance to become UFC middleweight champion when he takes on Chris Weidman. Also on that night, Ronaldo Souza and Yoel Romero, who are number two and three respectively, will fight to become the new number one contender for the UFC middleweight championship. Both of those fights will happen on December 12, 2015 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The premier event: UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor.

[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]