With controversy abound, thanks to Vitor Belfort’s now confirmed TRT use, the UFC returned to Brazil for UFC on FX 8 last Saturday night. The aforementioned Belfort headlined the card, knocking out rising prospect and former Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold in devastating fashion.
In co-main event action, jiu-jitsu ace Ronaldo “Jacare” Da Souza made easy work of late replacement opponent Chris Camozzi, validating himself as a potential championship contender in the middleweight division, perhaps sooner than later.
The event proved to be a good night for Brazilians on the home soil, as it often tends to be.
With all of this in mind, MMASucka presents our three questions following UFC on FX 8.
Shawn’s Question: Considering the streak Vitor Belfort is on (4-1 in his late five, 4-0 at middleweight), is it time for the UFC to consider giving him another middleweight title shot? We have to keep in mind his last opportunity ended in embarrassing fashion, and the fact a champion with such highly publicized TRT use may result in bad publicity.
Justin’s Answer: Unfortunately, the UFC is between a rock and a hard place on this one. With his victory over Luke Rockhold on Saturday night, Vitor Belfort really has earned a shot at the winner of the upcoming middleweight title match between Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva. There are a couple of options that the UFC can go with, though,which might help alleviate any issues that the general MMA public has with Vitor getting another title shot. The first option is to book the title match, but do so on the conditions that the fight takes place in the United States, that “The Phenom” gain a therapeutic use exemption for his TRT, and that he submits to random testing of his testosterone levels in the 90 days leading up to the camp. If these three conditions can be met, then I see no reason why Vitor can’t get his title shot. If for any reason the UFC was able to move forward with the first option, then I propose matching Belfort up with fellow UFC on FX 8 victor Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. “Jacare” would provide a good foil for Belfort, and may just be crafty enough to get the fight to the ground and put an end to all the talk of a title shot for Vitor.
Justin’s Question: With the UFC generally being responsible for drug testing its own fighters at their international shows, there has been a history of more fighters getting caught with banned substances in their systems. Given that history, which UFC on FX 8 competitor is most likely to fail their drug test?
Jim’s Answer: It is hard for me to call somebody out on this but if I had to venture a guess I would say Gleison Tibau or Vitor Belfort. Tibau has always been a huge lightweight and being in Brazil may change some of his tactics when he went to cut all that weight.
Belfort has and does use TRT but has so far used the substance within the rules set forth by the UFC. However, it is very possible to have levels over the acceptable limit no matter how careful Belfort was in preparation for this fight. Hopefully though everyone passes their tests and this issue doesn’t intensify.
Jim’s Question: Even though it was his UFC debut, Jacare is now 4-0 against his last four opponents, three of which are in the UFC (Derek Brunson, Ed Herman, Chris Camozzi). With these wins all by finish, what is next for him? Perhaps a title shot or a number one contenders bout? Also, with the win is he now a Top 5 Middleweight?
Shawn’s Answer: There’s no denying the impressive streak Souza is on. His desire to not only come out victorious, but to dominate and finish opponents is something we rarely see at this level in mixed martial arts. Like his jiu-jitsu brethren Damian Maia, Souza has shown an incredible diversity in his skills while skyrocketing to the top of the division. His ever developing knockout skills combined with his slick grappling game makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
Souza is probably in position to have a number one contender’s bout. I love the sound of Belfort vs. Souza as the co-main event later this year under Jose Aldo vs. Anthony Pettis. The fact that champion Anderson Silva has nearly cleaned out the middleweight division certainly works in Souza’s favour. There is an obvious lack of challengers, and I’m sure Souza would feel no regret in sliding himself right into a title shot.
Not only is Souza deserving, but he has the kind of game and provides the type of challenges which could present an interesting challenge to Silva.
