UFC 142 Results: Vitor Belfort Overcomes Adversity to Submit Anthony Johnson

As Vitor Belfort and Anthony Johnson made their way to the Octagon, there was an equal amount of pressure surrounding both competitors.

Needless to say, Belfort was able to withstand the onslaught early on from Johnson and take advantage of his poor cardio to secure the victory by applying a rear naked choke near the end of the first round.

Johnson looked dominant in the opening minutes as he utilized his size and wrestling to take his opponent down on multiple occasions, but he failed to remain active and improve his position on the ground, forcing referee Dan Mirgliotta to step in and resume the bout on the feet. 

Johnson's failure to make weight for a third time had prompted UFC president Dana White to take immediate action and have the former 170-pound Georgia native forfeit 20 percent of his fight purse to Belfort. Following the loss, it was learned that Johnson was released from the company as a result.

The win was a dramatic and emotional moment for the 34-year-old Belfort, who rejoiced in celebration with the Brazilian crowd, after his last victory on home soil came against Wanderlei Silva 13 years ago.

After recording his second consecutive victory, Belfort will now serve as a coach on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil opposite Silva; It is expected both fighters will meet in an anticipated rematch once the season has commenced.

Belfort's stature in Brazil has immensely grown after UFC 142. The crowd's reaction shows how much loyalty and support they have for "The Phenom." It's moments like Belfort's victory that allow fans to invest so much emotion into a fighter which makes the sport that much more appreciative to watch. 

It's evident that Belfort still has a lot to give at his age and he can remain a formidable threat at 185 pounds.