Vitor Belfort: “MMA will surpass football around the world”

Vitor belfort He doesn't hide from anyone that in addition to being a fighter, he is an Ultimate employee. The Brazilian athlete, who is scheduled to face the North American Anthony Johnson in Rio de Janeiro, he never misses an opportunity to promote the organization and MMA in general. This Wednesday, during the UFC 142 press conference, Belfort once again stated that MMA will surpass the popularity of football not only in Brazil, but throughout the world.

“I believe that the UFC will surpass football as a sport not only in Brazil, but throughout the world. We have everything to surpass any other sport in the world,” he said. “Guys, this is already happening and it’s undeniable. The fight between the junior gypsy and the Cain Velazquez (broadcast by Rede Globo) there were more Brazilians watching than the Brazil and Argentina classic”, said Belfort, referring to the South American football classic that took place in September.

Vitor also stated that he is not thinking about his participation in The Ultimate Fighter Brasil, the UFC reality show, when he will be one of the program's coaches against Wanderlei Silva, and that all his attention is on the duel against Anthony Johnson.

“I'm so happy to be fighting in this event. I will be a TUF coach, but I am 100 percent focused on Anthony and will only think about it after the event,” said Belfort.

the fight between Vitor belfort e Anthony Johnson it will be the second most important fight of UFC 142, also called UFC Rio 2, scheduled to take place on January 14th, at the HSBC Arena, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. The main attraction of the event will be the defense of the featherweight belt, where the Brazilian José Aldo will put his reign at stake against the North American Chad Mendes.

Check out the full event card below:

Main Card

José Aldo vs. Chad Mendes – Fight for the featherweight belt

Vitor belfort vs. Anthony Johnson;

Mike massenzio vs. Rousimar Toquinho;

Carlos Prater vs. Erick silva;

Edson Barboza vs. Terry emo;

Preliminary Card

Sam stout vs. Thiago tavares;

Gabriel Napao vs. Ednaldo Lula;

Yuri Marajó vs. Michihiro Omigawa;

Richard Funch vs. Mike pyle;

Gaius Monster vs. Fabio Maldonado;

Felipe Sertanejo vs. Antonio “Pato” Carvalho;