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Your support makes all the difference.We often hear fighters labeled as ‘legends’, but few are more deserving of that title than the two athletes sharing the Octagon this weekend. Having already faced each other twice, as well as sharing many common opponents, they are very familiar with each other's ability.
Known as ‘The Phenom’, a nineteen year old Vitor Belfort made his UFC debut in 1997, running through his first three opponents in under ninety seconds. Since then he has had a long and storied career, and holds some of the most admirable records in the UFC.
Belfort has more first round finishes than any other fighter in UFC history, as well as the record for most knockouts. His hand speed is legendary, and when he decides to turn up the heat, not many can go toe to toe with him. Standing across from Vitor on the night, for a third time, will be Dan Henderson. A decorated wrestler, Olympic representative for the United States, and owner of the one and only ‘H-Bomb’. Never has a fighter set foot inside the Octagon with more grit than this man.
Henderson's hard-nosed style sees him circle his opponents onto the fence where he can pitch his big right hand over the top and crash into them. If the punch doesn’t knock them out, he will proceed to drag them to the canvas and make the following few minutes as uncomfortable as possible. In their first bout, which took place nine years ago, it was very much a story of Dan Henderson controlling the range and keeping Vitor on his back for much of it. The second encounter was a different outcome entirely. Belfort starched Henderson in just over a minute to become the first person to beat ‘Hendo’ with strikes.
Now these two titans of the game prepare to lock horns once more. Youth and enthusiasm has been replaced with experience and wisdom, and these warriors have never been better equipped to give the performance of their career.
Before that though, we have a supporting cast for the evening and they are equally as talented. In the co-main we have two of the strongest in the light-heavyweight division, as fourth-ranked Glover Teixeira stands in the path of All-American wrestler, Patrick Cummings.
Now firmly inside the top ten with his win over Rafael Cavalcante, Cummings will need a win over Teixeira if he is to crack the top five. His UFC debut came on short notice but with a whirlwind of trash talk. Playing the heel perfectly, to now-champion Daniel Cormier, Patrick failed to deliver on the night, but went on to win three in a row following the bout. Showing, not only that he deserves his place on the roster, but also that his wrestling ability will be trouble for any that face him.
Teixeira is the antithesis of his American counterpart. Brazilian born but living and training in California, Glover was once regarded as the biggest threat to Jon Jones’ title. He gave a valiant effort in the bout, losing a five-round unanimous decision. Although bettered by Jones on the night, his reputation was only bolstered by such a gritty performance. Cummings will know from his research that Glover will not go out without a hell of a fight. He has the power in his hands to stop anyone and the submission skills to steal their oxygen given half the chance.
Both fights promise to be very competitive and rankings will shift when the results are in. The rest of the card is full of amazing talent. Fan favorites like Guida, Tibau and Maldonado sit side by side with rising stars like Rashid Magomedov and Thomas Almeida. It’s a card not to miss and I will be watching live on Fight Pass as always. Tweet and me at @danhardymma and let me know your thoughts on the fight card.
Watch UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson from 1am on Sunday live on BT Sport 2 or catch the Early Prelims from 11:30pm on Saturday, on UFC Fight Pass
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