UFC 152: How Vitor Belfort Can Defeat Jon Jones

When the UFC announced that Vitor Belfort would be taking Lyoto Machida's spot at UFC 152 opposite the champ Jon Jones, oddsmakers immediately showed their lack of faith in the former title-holder, giving Jones a 13/1 chance of winning.

While there's no denying that Belfort is the underdog in this fight, this is MMA; you can never count a fighter out, especially of "the Phenom's" caliber.

To beat Jones, it's going to take everything Belfort's got. If Belfort somehow comes out victorious, here's how it's going to happen.

3. Using His Jiu-Jitsu

Belfort is one of the most underrated grapplers in the sport due to his penchant for knocking people out. But "the Phenom" is actually quite the accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioner, having defeated Ricardo Almeida to take bronze in the 2001 ADCC absolute division.

While Jones has a huge advantage in terms of wrestling and possibly in submission offense, his submission defense and his guard have yet to be tested, making it a prime area for Belfort to try to attack.

It won't be easy putting Jones on his back or even working in bottom guard under him, but Belfort should look to be active off his back if he gets taken down and try to sweep the champ. If Belfort can do that, he must look for the submission quickly, as Jones is a wiry guy on the ground.

2. Using His Fast, Powerful Hands

Belfort's biggest asset is his striking game—an area he may actually have an advantage over Jones in.

However, Jones' reach advantage has stifled many top strikers in the past, so Belfort is going to have to channel his younger self and bring back "the Phenom's" speed.

Lyoto Machida showed that coming in quick on Jones is the best way to avoid his reach, but Machida failed to keep the pressure on, allowing Jones to hit him with a big shot while the karate ace looked for an opening.

Belfort needs to get in quick on Jones and stay in so that he can hit the champ with his heavy hands. The former title-holder may be the guy to finally test Bones' chin.

1. Jones Makes a Mistake

But neither of those outcomes can happen unless Jones actually makes a mistake in the cage.

While a loss via disqualification a la the Matt Hamill fight is astronomically unlikely for Jones, he could be forced into a bad spot if Belfort pressures him.

Machida showed that you can hurt the champ using quick footwork, but Belfort has to take it to another level and keep constant pressure on Jones and cut off his angles to force him to make a mistake.

It may be a long shot, but if Belfort wants to win, he has to make Jones play his game—a feat easier said than done.

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