UFC 153: Vitor Belfort vs Alan Belcher Head to Toe Breakdown

Both guys wanted it, and now it looks like it’s going to happen.

After Alan Belcher and Vitor Belfort both publicly called each other out this week, it seems that Dana White had no problem setting up a bout between two of the top contenders in the UFC’s middleweight division, according to MMA Junkie.

This is a huge fight in a middleweight division that is suddenly jam packed with potential title contenders. The winner of this one will be in prime position to get a shot at Anderson Silva.

Throw in the fact that the fight is taking place in Belfort’s home country of Brazil and things get even more interesting.

Belfort’s striking is top notch but Belcher showcased some amazing grappling skills when he went head-to-head with Rousimar Palhares on the mat at UFC on FOX 3 making this fight one with show stealing potential.

Striking

The obvious pick here is Vitor Belfort.

“The Phenom” has been destroying fighters with his incredible hand speed for over a decade and he still has the ability to put anyone in the division away with a big left hand.

Since coming back to the UFC in 2009, Belfort has already added Rich Franklin and Yoshihiro Akiyama to his list of knockout victims. Belcher is next on his hit list.

That being said, Belcher is no joke on the feet.

The man has talent wherever the fight goes, but his striking has improved rapidly as he becomes more comfortable inside the Octagon.

If these two decide to come out swinging, Belcher may even get the better of a few exchanges, but eventually Belfort will find his rhythm and start to pick apart his younger opponent.

Advantage: Belfort

Wrestling

Belcher’s wrestling has become one of his best weapons but he’s going to have a tough time utilizing it against Belfort.

“The Phenom” doesn’t find himself trapped on his back very often and his takedown defense has made it nearly impossible to even grab a hold of him.

Still, it’s hard to ignore Belcher’s last few fights.

Belcher dominated Rousimar Palhares on the ground and considering that most middleweights would prefer to stay as far away from “Toquinho’s” jiu-jitsu as possible, I’d call that an accomplishment.

Belcher looked like a monster his last couple of trips to the cage and I think his skills are even more developed than a lot of people realize.

If “The Talent” wants to get it to the ground, eventually he will. And once that happens, Belfort is going to have some scary ground and pound ahead of him. 

Advantage: Belcher

Submissions

Both guys are black belts and neither one of them are easy to tap out.

Belcher is far more eager to go after submissions than Belfort is, but that won’t mean anything if Belfort is able to negate any efforts the Roufusport fighter is able to throw at him.

If this fight does go to the ground, there’s likely going to be a lot more posturing up and trying to ground and pound than diving after armbars.

Unless someone gets rocked on their feet and leaves something open, don’t expect anyone to get tapped out in this one.

Advantage: Toss Up

Final Prediction

This is going to be an extremely tough fight.

Both fighters are well rounded and when they slightly lack in one area they make up for it in others.

Belfort loves to stay on the feet and throw punches but I think Belcher is too smart and too well coached to walk in the cage willing to do that.

Belcher will need to put a tremendous amount of pressure on “The Phenom” if he wants to win this fight because the more comfortable Belfort gets on his feet, the more dangerous he becomes.

Belcher is going to be able to put the pressure on Belfort early but the longer the fight goes on the harder it’s going to be to keep Belfort from landing a big shot.

I think “The Talent” works hard in the clinch and gets a few takedowns in an entertaining first two rounds but Belfort will get his moment in the third when he lands a couple of big punches.

In the end, I think Belcher survives and steals a close unanimous decision.

Alan Belcher by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)