Belfort (left) and Anderson (right) faced each other in 2011. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
The fight that changed the projection of MMA in Brazil completes half a decade of its existence. On the night of February 5, 2011, in Las Vegas (USA), Anderson Silva delivered a sharp kick to the face of Vitor belfort, obtaining one of the most spectacular victories of his career and which made mixed martial arts combats become appreciated by the broad masses in the country.
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It was no surprise that the duel, the main attraction of UFC 126, gained so much attention on Brazilian soil. This is because it would be a fight between two prominent figures: Anderson, dominant weight champion since 2006, was going through an excellent moment, including gala victories over Chael Sonnen e Forrest griffin.
But Belfort was the great character for the average audience. This is because the “Phenomenon” had great fame not only for his career in fights, but also for his appearances in programs such as the reality show Casa dos Artistas, in 2002. In MMA his moment was also good: he had fought on his return to the UFC, still in 2009, and beat former champion Rich Franklin by technical knockout, in the first round.
Thus, the 100% Tupiniquim duel would put two prominent names face to face, whose aggressive and knockout fighting styles indicated that the fight in Las Vegas had everything it needed to make history.
Originally, the fight would take place at UFC 112, in April 2010, in Abu Dhabi. However, Belfort ended up getting injured and was replaced by Demian Maia, in a combat that ended up being one of the low points in the “Spider’s” successful career.
Hot week in Las Vegas
Weighing in was one of the highlight moments of the duel. Photo: Disclosure
In the days leading up to the fight, the atmosphere was tense in Las Vegas. The event was attended by major Brazilian media outlets, something that had not been seen frequently until then. The situation between Belfort and Anderson was respectful, but there was a feeling that a simple spark would be enough to explode the rivalry.
Anderson held back his words, but said between the lines that he disapproved of Belfort's attitude in wanting to face him. This is because, years before, Anderson himself welcomed Belfort for training, and a supposed fight between them would break the code of conduct followed by the then champion.
The atmosphere only warmed up at the weigh-in. Anderson took the stage with a mask, alluding to the nickname “masquerade” that Belfort had given him. The two made one of the most striking looks in the history of weigh-ins, which raised expectations even further for the following day.
Fast and accurate
The octagon in Las Vegas pitted two of the most dangerous strikers in the category face to face. Naturally, then, what was expected was an explosive fight, full of tension.
That wasn't what happened at first. In the opening minutes, Belfort and Anderson didn't throw a single blow, with both dedicating the moment to studying each other's movements.
The challenger then exploded towards the champion, but without managing to connect any blows. When the fight looked like it was going to get going, the final move came: with just over three minutes of action, Anderson unleashed the famous front kick, which hit Belfort's chin and made him collapse.
“Spider” still went up to settle the bill, but it was no longer necessary: he had already scored the knockout in one of the most notable victories of his career. Belfort, on the other hand, lost for the first time by knockout in striking, as all his defeats had been by decision or by technical knockout on the ground.
The repercussion
The knockout over Belfort boosted Anderson's career to the public. Photo: Disclosure
Expectations for the duel were high, and the definition with a spectacular move lived up to the public's desire. Obviously, Anderson faced good consequences with such a spectacular victory. He himself gained celebrity status in the country, including headlining the first UFC event in Brazil in more than a decade, back in 2011.
However, in 2013, “Spider” entered a complicated phase. He lost twice to Chris Weidman, including a fight in which he suffered a serious leg injury, and, in 2015, he was caught in an anti-doping test in a fight against Nick Diaz.
Belfort also experienced moments of ups and downs. The “Phenomenon” scored good victories, including over names like Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping e Dan Henderson (twice). However, the Brazilian also found himself involved in controversies with doping, TRT, as well as defeats in other attempts he had to win belts, against Jon Jones and the same Weidman.
In 2016, the UFC considered holding a new edition of the “Fight of the Century”, but that ended up not happening. Anderson and Vitor followed different paths, like “Spider” facing Michael Bisping in February and the “Phenomenon” facing Ronaldo Jacare in May. Who knows, Anderson and Belfort could still face each other in the octagon in the future. However, even though the rivalry between the two lasted exactly 3:25 minutes in the octagon, it has already made history by making MMA once and for all popular among Brazilians.
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