After recently being laid out in his last bout against UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort returned the favor to Yoshihiro Akiyama in devastating fashion. 

Belfort clipped Akiyama with a right hook that rocked the Japanese star, and followed up a flurry of punches that sent him to the canvas out cold. The performance from Belfort was not only impressive but vintage as well.

The knockout victory now gives "The Phenom" his ninth win in the UFC and improves his professional record to 20-9-0.

The win for Belfort will likely have some fans singing his praises and requesting another shot at Silva, but the Brazilian should see the Octagon one more time before the end of the year to get a clear indication of his future at 185 lbs. 

Considering some the division's contenders are already booked, a bout against the loser of Anderson Silva and Yushin Okami should be a fair and stylistic matchup. Unless an injury is to occur, it is doubtful Belfort will sit out for six months to seek a new opponent. 

UFC 133 gave fans a reminder of what Vitor Belfort is capable of against formidable competition. However, one knockout performance should not imply that he is headed for greener pastures at this time. Belfort's recent track record while competing at middleweight has not been great, and therefore he needs time to build and develop before he is rushed into a bout with title implications.

Belfort's win over Akiyama undoubtedly signified his return but he will have to maintain his status in the division by remaining consistent over elite competition.