UFC 142 Fight Card: Rumble Will Send Vitor Belfort into Retirement

UFC 142 will see another legend of the sport pounded into career submission, or at least it should. When Anthony "Rumble" Johnson tangles with Vitor Belfort, the result will be a painful one for Belfort.

Belfort has been competing in MMA for more than 15 years, and the man originally dubbed "The Phenom" is at the end, even if he doesn't admit it.

He has had success in his most recent fights, but the wins have come against less than elite fighters. His biggest win was over a washed up Rich Franklin in 2009. After that, he went inactive for all of 2010.

Belfort's losses read as the who's who of the sport, but his wins are the "who's that?"

Belfort is 34 years old, seven years older than Johnson, and that will also be a factor. Johnson is an amazingly conditioned athlete, though his fights rarely go the distance.

Johnson is known for his explosive striking ability, which is on display here:

Despite his striking prowess, Johnson has a background as a top-notch collegiate wrestler at Lassen Junior College. While his grappling credentials may seem to pale in comparison to Belfort's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, it won't be of any consequence, as this fight will not get to the ground.

Both of these veterans want to stay on their feet and score the exciting victory. Belfort can't win this way, as he simply cannot strike with Rumble.

He will fall victim to a well placed kick or Rumble's powerful right hand, and Johnson will score the KO. Belfort's only chance is a submission, though I don't see him actively pursuing one.

I would hope the aftermath or post-fight interview will include a retirement from Belfort, similar to what we saw from Brock Lesnar after he was defeated by Alistair Overeem.

It makes no sense for him to toil in mediocrity within the light heavyweight ranks, and there is nowhere else for him to go. His frame would not effectively carry more weight to move up, and he's too old to move down and maintain strength. A loss here will prove he can't compete with the best fighters at this weight class.

A fighter of his pedigree should seriously contend or fight no more.

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