Originally the UFC had planned to have Vitor Belfort fight in his native Brazil at UFC 134: Rio, but it appears they have a new plan for the former champion.
Belfort will now take on Japanese fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133 which takes place on August 6th in Philadelphia.
It’s a fight that may not sit entirely comfortably for either fighter. For instance, Belfort had made it clear that it was his “dream to fight at UFC: Rio”.
Meanwhile for Akiyama this is a very tough match-up as he attempts to salvage his UFC career following two consecutive losses.
Akiyama is gunning for his fourth ‘Fight Of The Night’ performance in a row however, and a stand-up battle with Belfort certainly sounds like it could produce a show-stopping performance.
Belfort -Akiyama is the most high profile fight so far announced for the UFC 133 card, but at this stage it’s not clear whether it may feature as one of the events top two bouts.
