Belfort To Face Silva for UFC Middleweight Title

Added on Sep 23, 2010 by Bill Jackson in

UFC & MMA

As previously reported, Vitor Belfort has been pulled from his scheduled bout with Yushin Okami at UFC 122 and replaced by Nate Marquardt. The switch was originally said to be the result of an injury, but now those reports appear false.

According to UFC president Dana White, Belfort was pulled from the UFC 122 fight to instead replace Chael Sonnen in a championship fight against Anderson Silva. Sonnen was recently suspended for a positive steroid test and his title shot subsequently canceled. Belfort will now get his chance to become only the third fighter to win UFC titles in two weight classes.

The winner of Okami vs. Marquardt will receive the next title shot, whether it be against Belfort or Silva. Sonnen is facing a $2,500 fine and one year suspension, but claims he will appeal the ruling.

Silva vs. Belfort is penciled in for the start of 2011.