UFC 113 Post Fight: Is Alan Belcher Ready To Compete for a Title?

It's easy to forget the Alan Belcher that was choked unconscious by Kendall Grove just over three years ago. Or the Alan Belcher that was dominated and stopped in the first round by the unheralded Jason Day a year after that.

Easy to forget, because in the last two years Alan has put together the best performances of his career.

Last night at UFC 113 in Montreal, Belcher furthered his rise in the division with a second-round, rear-naked choke of former title challenger Patrick Cote.

After the victory, Belcher told Joe Rogan, "I'm happy that I finally started fighting to my potential, stopped coming in here trying to goof off and just brawl with guys. I know if I take a step back and breathe, I can pick everybody apart. And you know who I'm talkin' about."

When asked who he was talking about, Belcher replied, "I'm talkin' about Anderson Silva. Everybody knows who can take it to him. Everybody knows who can stand with Anderson. I'm on my way there. Give me a big fight. You know I want that title shot. Give it to me, I'm ready."

While his attitude is certainly admirable, is it realistic?

Despite the recent surge in his career, Belcher hasn't had a win that didn't come with it's fair share of shaky moments. He certainly has shown a willingness to get hit in all of his fights.

In his most notable win against Dennis Kang, Kang hit him with everything in the book and was dominating the fight, until a sloppy take-down attempt resulted in Belcher catching him with a guillotine choke that ended the fight.

Against Yoshihiro Akiyama, in a fight most felt could have gone either way, Belcher was unable to distance himself on the scorecards in a striking match against a much smaller man. Both fighters looked impressive in that fight, but neither looked ready to out-strike the middleweight champion.

Comparing anyone to Anderson Silva can be an unfair standard, so how about the top contenders of the division?

In his close fight with Ed Herman, Belcher was held down for extended periods of time. One can only imagine how he'd fare against an elite wrestler like Chael Sonnen, but I'd guess it would be a very steep challenge.

And while Belcher is becoming more well-rounded with every fight, very few are more well-rounded than Nate Marquardt. Perhaps besides sheer toughness, I'd rank Marquardt higher in all aspects of fighting.

Belcher does hold two of the most important assets of a fighter, though. One being power, or as Teddy Atlas refers to it, the great equalizer. Second, and most importantly, Belcher has a chin. That combination can give him a chance in any fight.

One thing is for sure, Belcher has earned a big-name fight. His willingness to engage and fight anyone, even on short notice, is what the UFC begs for from their fighters. Belcher has certainly played ball, and deserves a shot at the top guys in his division.

I'd prefer a match with Vitor Belfort. I don't see any way that fight would be without fireworks. Both can punch, both can take a punch, and they both need a big win if they want to be the No. 1 contender. I'd also give Belcher a better chance against Belfort, than I would give him against the other top dogs at middleweight.

Does Alan Belcher have what it takes to compete for the title?

I would give him as good a chance of beating Anderson Silva as I give Ralph Nader of becoming president, but he does deserve the opportunity to try and get there.