Well damn, didn't expect this, but this will at least give us a match of Anderson vs another striker. (Cote is a striker first, but he is very different than Belfort) However you've got to wonder how Hendo and Marquardt feel. 3 years ago, Hendo beat Belfort, and Belfort tested positive for steroids. Recent wins: Hendo had a meh fight against Palhares, won a decision over Franklin, and KTFO Bisping. Marquardt finished Kampmann to send him down a class, looked excellent against Gouveia and TKO'd him, and pretty much 1 punch KO'd Maia. Belfort finished Terry Martin, finished Lindland and sent him home on a stretcher, and finished Franklin. I guess you could make a case for any of the 3 sides, that Belfort managed to finish Franklin, and that he hasn't already lost to Anderson Silva, or that Hendo already beat Belfort 3 years ago and also beat Franklin, or that Marquardt finished his 3 opponents. I thought Hendo or Marquardt were the best cases for the title shot, although I guess they are catering to the casual fan that doesn't like seeing rematches. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/9/25/1055366/anderson-silva-vs-vitor-belfort
No it isn't. Anderson is going to dismantle him. Belfort is on a hot streak, but he isn't on Silva's level. He isn't on Hendo's level. Belfort should be thrown into the mix with Hendo and Marquardt. Marquardt and Belfort should fight, with the winner fighting Hendo, and the winner of that fighting Silva. Belfort hasn't even fought at 185 for the UFC.
i think what they're doing make sense. two of the three you named need to fight each other with the winner getting the winner of silva and the third guy. doesn't matter to me really who gets which fight but since belfort is the only one who hasn't already lost to silva in the ufc, it makes sense to give him the silva fight so there aren't two rematches.
Kinda weak, I am not saying I am disappoint with the Belfort getting a shot by the match-up but it's pretty much a diss to Hendo after the whole seeing how Bisping would of had a title shot if he won that fight instead of Hendo. Either way, if I see Silva knocking the shit outta someone I am happy.
I just don't see Belfort being a tough matchup for Silva. Silva is going to make him look silly in the stand up.
I don't think anyone is super excited to see Silva/Hendo 2 or Silva/Marquardt 2, so at least this is something different. Should be a decent challenge for Silva.
