ESPN Mixed Martial Arts

It has been a bit more than eight months since the cancellation of UFC 151, which at the breakneck pace of the MMA news cycle makes it feel as though it happened sometime during the Bronze Age.

Heads have cooled considerably since that bizarre and uncomfortable day last August, which Dana White branded as one of his all-time lows as UFC president. He pulled the plug on UFC 151 just eight days before Jon Jones was scheduled to defend his light heavyweight title against consensus No. 1 contender Dan Henderson. It marked the first time the promotion had scratched an entire event and White seemed to drown his sorrows by blasting Jones, saying he was “disgusted” with his champion for passing up the opportunity to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice once he’d learned Henderson was injured and couldn’t compete.

“The one thing that I never thought in a million years would happen, happened ... ” said White, during one of the tamer moments of a volatile conference call. “A guy who’s a world champion and considered one of the pound-for-pound best turns down a fight.”

These days, Jones and White appear back on friendlier terms; but the unexpected removal of UFC 151 from the schedule set off a chain reaction from which the 205-pound division still hasn’t fully recovered. For evidence we must look no further than this Saturday, when Jones and Sonnen will finally fight in the gratuitous and likely very lopsided main attraction of UFC 159.

Remember that prior to Henderson’s last-minute withdrawal, Jones had cultivated the single greatest 13-month run in MMA history. He’d easily taken the title from Mauricio Rua at UFC 128 and then stomped through consecutive bouts against three other former champions, all without suffering so much as a scratch. His fight with Hendo was set to continue that march, because the 42-year-old legend had become a darling of the pound-for-pound crowd by winning the Strikeforce title, beating Fedor Emelianenko at heavyweight and defeating Rua in the best fight of 2011.

If the sudden collapse of UFC 151 didn’t completely put the brakes on all that momentum, it certainly sidetracked it. After fighting four times during 2011 (all wins), Jones made only two appearances in the Octagon during 2012 and by his own lofty standards the second half of the year was fairly underwhelming. With Henderson out, Jones faced off with Vitor Belfort, another former light heavyweight champion (though only on the flukiest possible terms), who’d more recently become a middleweight and whose reputation hadn’t recovered from a dramatic front kick knockout at the hands of Anderson Silva at UFC 126.

It was a fight that, frankly, nobody wanted to see and smacked of one the UFC booked only because Jones was healthy and the company wanted to put his name on a marquee somewhere. It would have been a total loss had Belfort not almost pulled off a stunning upset via armbar early in the first, before conceding by painstaking and inevitable submission three rounds later.

Now here’s where things get extra confusing: In the aftermath of the Belfort fight many expected the UFC to once again match Jones with Henderson. Instead, it opted to go with Sonnen, who had not fought at light heavyweight since 2005 and whose record at middleweight was just 2-2 during the past three years.

Sonnen is arguably a less logical opponent for Jones than even Belfort, and the fact he’s getting this bout now only makes sense (and then only vaguely) when viewed through the lens of UFC 151. Simply put, Jones deserves better, but he likely felt he had no choice but to accept this matchup in order to retroactively prove he wasn’t ducking Sonnen by refusing to fight him in September.

Unfortunately, the hot feud the UFC may have expected from Jones and Sonnen never materialized and promotional efforts have floundered among hard-core fans who are weary of seeing the best light heavyweight on the planet thrust into nonsensical bouts against middleweights. At least middleweights not named Silva. They are likewise tired of seeing Sonnen trash talk his way into fights they don’t think he deserves and there is a palpable sense of simply wanting to get UFC 159 over with, so Jones can get back to real business.

During the months we’ve all watched Jones and Sonnen perform the sad dance of the uninspired, the decision to mothball UFC 151 also came back to bite Henderson. After twice missing out on the chance to fight for the title he lapsed back into mortality, dropping a tepid split decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC 157. He’ll now take on Rashad Evans at UFC 161 in what is essentially a must-win fight for the future of his career.

If Henderson and Jones never fight, we’ll probably always rue the day UFC 151 was canceled and mourn the time wasted having the young champion fight lesser competition. Perhaps the best-case scenario from here might be for both guys to emerge victorious from their current scheduled bouts.

If that happens, perhaps their original pairing can still be resuscitated and then -- maybe only then -- we can finally let UFC 151 rest in peace.

A month ago, prior to knocking out Michael Bisping in Brazil, Vitor Belfort was asked a direct question by ESPN.com's Brett Okamoto: Had the 34-year-old Brazilian ever applied for or considered using testosterone replacement therapy?

Belfort rambled through a winding nonanswer. Something about public and private information that's all so controversial it's not worth saying anything at all. Well, it didn't take a genius to figure out what the deal was because odds are if you're not on TRT, you'd probably say so.

On Wednesday, UFC officials cleared the fog (at least a layer of it) by confirming Belfort was "diagnosed with hypogonadism, or low testosterone" and "had been on medically approved testosterone replacement therapy under the supervision of a medical doctor from the state of Nevada."

In the face of rumors that he either tested positive or was using a therapeutic use exemption for TRT, Belfort's display last weekend in Las Vegas to reporters now borders on ridiculous.

Responding to anyone that might have wondered what was up, Belfort said: "I think people get jealous when a guy of my age is destroying these people getting title shots.”


A guy his age -- taking shots. Or rubbing in a cream. Or whatever.

We know now that Belfort -- challenged by anabolic steroid rumors even during his earliest days in the UFC, which were confirmed in 2006 by a nine-month suspension and a $10,000 fine payable to the state of Nevada after too much testosterone was found in his system (he blamed not knowing what a doctor had injected into him) -- is allowed to boost up his levels.

This raises questions.

For instance, how does a guy who tested positive for steroids remain eligible for a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone?

It turns out this is possible. The Nevada State Athletic Commission, for instance, does not prohibit fighters who tested positive for PEDs from getting a script for testosterone.

"The issue would be if an applicant's condition was caused by PED usage," said NSAC executive director Keith Kizer. "The applicant's burden would be much higher."

One could also say the same about the body responsible for setting and enforcing that burden. It's unclear how it was handled by Zuffa, which essentially ran the event while reportedly showing a new Brazilian athletic commission the ropes.

"The purpose of a medically administered TRT regimen is to allow patients with hypogonadism to maintain testosterone levels within a range that is normal for an adult male," the promotion said in a statement.

The potential for abuse seems obvious, so it's fair to wonder whether or not Belfort was monitored during his camp. It doesn't seem adequate to only test TRT patients around the fight.

What role did the UFC have in monitoring Belfort, particularly for an overseas event in which it essentially acts as a regulator?

Should Michael Bisping, at 33 just a year younger than Belfort, have been notified that his opponent was under the care of a medical doctor for low testosterone? And that this care allowed him to inject testosterone?

As pointed out in different places, three of Bisping’s last four losses have come against guys under the TRT therapy.

Does the public have a right to know before the fact? There is wagering happening. I imagine it would be helpful to know which fighters are augmented and which aren’t.

TRT isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s a fact of life in the UFC, and needs to be managed the right way.

Cornered

Would dictating who works a corner during a fight be a step too far for the UFC?

Dana White, of course, recently banished Randy Couture to what the UFC president sees as the hinterlands of the MMA world. “The Natural” can’t come close to the Octagon again, according to White. Maybe not even inside the building the cage is set up. And he can absolutely forget acting as the chief second for his son Ryan.

Seriously? There’s no good reason one Couture shouldn’t be allowed to help another, never mind some personal beef over business.

White should (re)read an article written by Lorenzo Fertitta for the Las Vegas Sun
that was published the night of Couture’s final fight.

If that doesn’t make White back off, Fertitta should put his foot down and stand by comments like:

“To me, the term ‘legend’ applies to a good friend, mixed martial arts pioneer Randy Couture,” whom the UFC chairman dubbed a “cornerstone” of their growth.

“Few people represent the sport better than Randy Couture.”

“I’m sure through many endeavors, Randy will remain connected to the UFC and the sport for many years to come.”

The connection, if it’s to exist right now, can’t be about business. But that also has to mean Couture can’t work his son’s corner?

That can’t stand.

Middle-wait

Anderson Silva has guys to fight at middleweight. He just needs to get going.

Chris Weidman appears on deck, and the 9-0 fighter from New Jersey is doing his part to call out the Brazilian icon.

The bout makes sense. It seems competitive, or at least as competitive as one can imagine a Silva fight to be. But don’t get carried away by the idea that 185 pounds has nothing left to offer Silva if he disposes of yet another challenger.

Underneath the champion, middleweight is as wide open as any class in the sport right now.

Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold’s athleticism and hunger are promising. Hector Lombard could do something crazy on a good day. Ronaldo Souza just comes across as a tough test for “The Spider.”

The division is producing worthy heirs, yet the king continues to comfortably do his thing.

Heavy heart

»The heavyweight division just got strange. What was setting up to be a monster stretch of fights has lost its direction some following UFC 156. Word from MMAFighting.com that Josh Barnett turned down a deal to fight in the Octagon doesn’t come off as the best timing.
»UFC Primetime: Rousey vs. Carmouche was as heartfelt a half an hour of programming as the promotion has ever put together. It’ll be shown a million times leading up to Feb. 23, so find it and watch it. Women fighters can turn into stars so much faster than men. That’s been an amazing phenomenon to watch over the years. Rousey has all the makings of a superstar, so long as she continues to beat women perceived as real contenders and isn’t driven bonkers by the cameras.

LAS VEGAS -- The UFC is set to introduce a rankings system for the first time in its 20-year history. The inaugural rankings will debut after Saturday's UFC 156 pay-per-view event.

Limited to UFC-promoted fighters only, the rankings will encompass all eight weight divisions as well as pound-for-pound. Approximately 90 media members have been invited to the initial vote, according to UFC president Dana White.

“We thought as the sport continues to grow and reaches out more into the mainstream, mainstream people understand numbers,” White said. “Alabama plays Notre Dame -- No. 1 and No. 2.

“We think it would be a lot easier for casual fans just getting into the UFC to understand the sport a little better.”

White made it clear that while UFC-official rankings will be in place for the first time, they will have a limited effect on future matchmaking.

Many fans and media were critical of the promotion’s decision to elevate Chael Sonnen, a former middleweight with no UFC wins at 205 pounds, to an April title fight against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Similar fights might still be made in the future despite the rankings, White said.

“Here’s the thing, no matter what the rankings are, I’m going to put on the fights fans want to see,” White said. “Just so you know.”

Evans was as surprised as the rest of us at Belfort’s callout of Jones

When Vitor Belfort knocked out Michael Bisping in a middleweight bout earlier this month, it was not particularly shocking he requested a shot at the UFC title.

Which title he set his sights on was the shocking part.

Instead of calling out 185-pound champion Anderson Silva, who is currently without an opponent and was sitting cageside that night, Belfort (22-10) demanded an immediate rematch against 205-pound champ Jones.

Jones defeated Belfort via submission at UFC 152 in September. He is already scheduled to defend his title against Sonnen in April.

The bizarre callout surprised even Belfort’s teammate, Rashad Evans, who will fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156 on Saturday.

“I had no idea [he was going to do that],” Evans told ESPN.com. “That took me by surprise. He was excited and just had a big fight. I guess when you lose you have that feeling that you want to come back stronger and beat the guy who beat you.

“Maybe he was feeling he lost to Jon, but he’s a better fighter and wants to prove he can beat him.”

Belfort came excruciatingly close to pulling off an upset when he caught Jones in an armbar attempt in the first round of their fight. Afterward, the Brazilian said he loosened his grip when Jones called out in pain.

Evans (17-2-1) said that decision might be what’s eating at Belfort, but in his mind Jones deserves credit for escaping the hold.

“I think Vitor did everything he could do in that moment to win the fight,” Evans said. “Credit goes to Jones, who didn’t panic. A lot of people might have tapped there, but he kept his composure.”

White skeptical of UFC return for Quinton Jackson

President White responded on Thursday to recent accusations by Quinton Jackson that the promotion lies about pay-per-view revenue in an attempt to underpay its fighters.

In an interview with MMA Heat, Jackson, who fulfilled his UFC contract in a unanimous decision loss to Glover Teixeira last week, said the promotion gives false PPV numbers to its fighters that are consistently lower than those provided to media.

White responded that any UFC fighter who profits from PPV revenue has the right to audit the promotion’s financial records.

“[Jackson] is going out saying stupid stuff,” White said. “Any fighter who has a PPV deal has audit rights.

“So, if you really thought you had been ripped off on your PPV deal, wouldn’t you be lawyering up right now and checking the books? Yeah, you would.”

White has said he is open to the idea of re-signing Jackson (32-11), but when asked on Thursday whether he was effectively closing the door on his return, White replied, “Yeah.”

“We’re not talking,” White said. “I talked to his manager a few days ago, he kind of told me what they’re looking at. Good luck to him.

“If you’re not happy here, go somewhere else and work. I’ve got no beef with him.”

Aldo’s sights still on lightweight, but coach says no

UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo longs to challenge himself at a higher weight class, but longtime trainer Andre Pederneiras continues to stifle the idea.

Aldo (21-1) looks to record perhaps the most impressive win of his career Saturday when he defends his belt for a fourth time against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.

It would stand to reason should he defeat Edgar (15-3-1), it would eliminate any reservations his coach might have of him competing at lightweight. Edgar, after all, held that belt from 2010 to 2012.

Sadly for the Brazilian, though, Aldo says that’s not the case.

“That’s my wish, but I don’t think he’ll let me go up even if I beat Frankie Edgar,” Aldo told ESPN.com.

Still? Well, how come?

“I ask that same question, ‘Why not?’ all the time,” Aldo said. “But if he believes I should stay in this weight class, I will stay. He’s my mentor, and whatever he decides is fine to me.”

According to UFC president Dana White, the company is working on a bout between Vitor Belfort and Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. More »

The UFC middleweight landscape is wide open for a guy like Rashad Evans to make a run at Anderson Silva -- but that doesn’t guarantee he will.

Evans, who fights Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a 205-pound bout at UFC 157, became an instant candidate to fight Silva over the weekend when Vitor Belfort knocked out Michael Bisping at a UFC on FX card in Brazil.

A former champion in the light heavyweight division, Evans (17-2-1) talked about a move to middleweight in 2012 but ultimately decided against it. His manager, Glenn Robinson, downplayed rumors of a move, saying he’d only do so to fight Silva.

That apparently hasn’t changed, as Evans said he wouldn’t force himself to drop another 20 pounds if it meant he’d be in the same position he’s currently in at 205.

“I guess if it was a title shot or against a really good, top contender where it would be something people would want to see, I would think about it,” Evans told ESPN.com.

“I’m already at the top of my division. For me to go down to 185, I’ve got to start over and prove myself. I’m good at 205, who’s to say I’d be the same fighter at 185?”

There’s been much speculation as to how difficult or easy a weight cut would be for Evans. Many fans point to his height of 5-foot-11 (well below average for a light heavyweight) and wonder: How hard could it be?

Evans, for one, believes it will be incredibly hard. The 33-year-old, who has competed at heavyweight, says it’s become harder to keep his weight down. His weight between fights has no trouble reaching over 230 pounds.

“It would be a lifestyle change,” Evans said. “I don’t look it because I’m short, but naturally my body goes to like 235 when I’m not consistently training. I would really have to change everything about my diet on a daily basis.

“It’s a big question mark for me. Once I moved past 30, my body started changing. It used to be real easy making 205, but now I’ve really got to focus and pay attention to what I put into my body.”

An immediate title shot for Evans in a weight class he’s never fought would likely not draw the same ire from fans that an April fight between Chael Sonnen and Jon Jones has.

Reason being that while it was widely perceived Sonnen talked his way into that opportunity, Evans is viewed as an elite light heavyweight who just happened to be unfortunate enough to run into the “Jon Jones era.”

Evans, for one, believes he could be the first man in the Octagon to hand Silva a loss, but it doesn’t sound as though he’s willing to put the strain on his body of making 185 unless he knows that’s on the table.

“He’s one of my favorite fighters to watch,” Evans said. “When my career is all said and done, I want to be able to say I competed against some of the best guys in history.

“To be able to say I went against the best guy and beat the best guy? I believe I can beat Anderson Silva. The skills I have are something he’d have a hard time dealing with.”

Anderson Silva has surveyed two potential foes up close, only to have things go haywire.

First he traveled to Montreal for UFC 154 as a prelude to a “superfight” against Georges St-Pierre. Then, two months later, he hit Sao Paulo, Brazil, to check out the latest hubbub, Michael Bisping.

St-Pierre won, but wasn’t interested in a bout with Silva. Bisping lost spectacularly, and now we’re right back to where we were long before Silva’s thrown-together gimmick bout with Stephan Bonnar: Who’s next for Anderson Silva?

These are always murky waters.

Silva, whether he admits it or not, wants a rare blend of marketability, worthiness, nonrepetitiveness and beatability in his opponents. He will settle, of course, but Silva’s camp is not afraid to air its druthers. And now that the St-Pierre reverie has past, and Bisping -- our modern-day Sisyphus -- has tumbled back down the hill, who’s out there?

Vitor Belfort beat Bisping on Saturday night, and had a long-shot case. Yet (somewhat inexplicably) he chose to call out light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, in hopes of a rematch of their UFC 152 bout. Dana White reiterated that Belfort would not get the crack at Jones, anyway, given the dramatic finish of their first fight at UFC 126. So no Belfort.

Alan Belcher lost to Yushin Okami very unspectacularly, so he’s out -- and so is Okami, who had his shot at UFC 134 and doesn’t do himself any favors with his grinding, unspectacular style. Feel free to exhale, because it won’t be Okami.

Hector Lombard, whom Bisping referred to as a “little poison dwarf” not so long ago, slipped against Tim Boetsch in his UFC debut, even if he redeemed himself a little against Rousimar Palhares a few months later. He’s an option, but he’s motivated in strange ways. Besides, he's fighting Okami next, and here's guessing he wouldn't mind Bisping after that.
Mark Munoz slipped against Chris Weidman (badly), and Weidman lacks billboard appeal and experience (according to Silva, and Silva’s opinion has echoed down the media chambers). Tim Boetsch lost to Costas Philippou, and Philippou is too green, too new and too unproven.

There are out-of-division intrigues. Dan Henderson would do it, but Silva hates repeat customers, and besides, Hendo’s got a date with Lyoto Machida at UFC 157. Rashad Evans is a possibility, but he has business first with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. If Rory MacDonald wasn’t already locked up with a fight against Carlos Condit, maybe he’d use this opportunity to move up a weight class. But that fight is made, and don’t even try to talk to MacDonald about foregoing his chance to avenge that Condit loss.

Ronaldo Souza is interesting, but he’s not the reigning Strikeforce champion. That leaves Luke Rockhold, who was just a few days ago calling out a cusp top-10 fighter in Philippou. He is the reigning Strikeforce champion, but since dethroning “Jacare” he’s fought Keith Jardine and Tim Kennedy. Should he be asked to fight Silva in his UFC debut, it would feel like he was being jumped into a gang.

The most logical name is Jones. Jones fights Chael Sonnen in April and, realistically, isn’t expected to encounter much turbulence there. Silva could wait it out. But that would be a long time between bouts.

So what is the UFC to do? It would be nice if things were simple, but they’re not. It’s either pick between Lombard, Rockhold or Weidman, or dredge up another Bonnar-type as a potboiler.

Or, the UFC could think bigger. Have Silva travel one more time to check out a potential foe. This time to New Jersey. Put him cageside for Sonnen/Jones, as a looming presence for Jones should he win. With no true No. 1 contender within the division for matchmaker Joe Silva, set the table for the fight people are most curious about.

Convincing Silva might be difficult, but if there’s going to be a superfight, then make a superfight already. The timing isn’t perfect, but given how complex superfights are to put together, it might be as good as it gets.

Michael Bisping is urging UFC on FX 7 foe Vitor Belfort to "drop the Jesus act" after the middleweights nearly came to blows during a faceoff at the event's final news conference. Story »

Things got a bit heated Thursday between middleweight contenders Michael Bisping and Vitor Belfort during a stare-down in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

After a prefight press conference to promote their UFC on FX bout Saturday night, the usually even-tempered Belfort placed his right fist on Bisping’s chin.

Shortly after Bisping shoved the hand away with his left forearm, Belfort gently touched his opponent’s chest.

That final gesture seemed to agitate Bisping, who pointed at Belfort and delivered a few choice words after the two were separated.

By that time, however, Belfort was fired up. “I’m ready,” Belfort screamed at Bisping.

“We went to do the square-up, and normally I like to get near my opponent, but he had his arm fully outreached,” Bisping said. “Then he started making contact with my chin.

“I went to move it away and he got all fired up. He lost his cool. I love it. It’s going to be fireworks on Saturday night.”

Granted, Bisping is no choirboy. He has directed his share of taunts at the opposition during prefight photo opts. But there seemed to be no hostility between him and Belfort, until Thursday.

Belfort claims he accepts that Bisping will get a title shot with a win Saturday night, while a victory won’t land him a rematch with champion Anderson Silva.

But Belfort has also stated that he remains determined to become champion again, and beating Bisping is the next step toward accomplishing that goal.

His antics Thursday prove that Belfort is beginning to feel a since of urgency as fight night nears. No more Mr. nice-guy for Belfort.

“Let’s stop talking and do this for real,” said Belfort, a Brazil native. “I’m ready for Saturday night. I’m excited for the crowd that will be there with me.

“The victory is my target and he’s going not going to stand in my way.”

A UFC middleweight title shot awaits Michael Bisping if he leaves the Octagon victorious Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, according to promotion president Dana White.

No such guarantee has been extended to Bisping’s opponent, Vitor Belfort. But that’s just fine with the former UFC light heavyweight champion. Belfort could make a fuss about it, and 10 years ago he probably would have. In the early days of his mixed martial arts career, Belfort was more about himself.

How could he not be, after winning a UFC heavyweight tournament in February 1997 at age 19?

Time, however, has a way of forcing some men to dig deep and examine their attitudes. Not everyone is willing to take such a task seriously -- but Belfort did. And the once self-centered teenager didn’t necessarily like what he discovered. Over the years, Belfort would become a husband and father -- and his life changed for the better.

No longer is he at the center of his world; Belfort’s top priority these days is his family. He'll do anything to secure their present and future, even if it means becoming a company man.

The Brazil native is a UFC company man. It is the reason he has remained calm after not being guaranteed a 185-pound title shot with a win Saturday night in his home country.

“I am very happy,” Belfort, 35, told ESPN.com. “Dana White knows what he is doing and I trust him. He’s the promoter of the organization. My job is to just follow orders and I accept it. And I will make sure I do my part and deliver. I’m always there for the organization and the fans.

“

Dana White knows what he is doing and I trust him. He's the promoter of the organization. My job is to just follow orders and I accept it.

” -- Vitor Belfort, on being a company fighter and putting his trust in the hands of his promoter

“So this will be just another day at the office, and I will stop Michael Bisping. That’s it, that’s my job.”

Some might wonder, what has gotten into Belfort? Has he lost his edge, his fire, his competitiveness? Has he sold out to UFC’s corporate dollars?

It’s none of those things. What has happened to Belfort over the years is that he simply matured. Belfort is at peace with himself. He’s in a better place these days. Life has been very good to him and he appreciates every day to its fullest.

His love for mixed martial arts over the years has also greatly improved. He now puts his heart and soul into the sport. And the result is reflected in his level preparation for Saturday night’s showdown with Bisping.

“Today, I weigh 198 [pounds]; I’m treating myself good, great diet,” Belfort said. “I’m in the best shape of my life.

“[Training partner and former UFC light heavyweight champion] Rashad Evans said: ‘Man, the last time I saw you like this was when you were 19 years old.’

“I feel young. I feel motivated.”

Like a 19-year-old?

Belfort’s rejuvenation isn’t just physical or emotional. He might not get an immediate title shot with a win over Bisping, but becoming a champion still remains his ultimate goal -- even if he isn’t ready to come right out and say it. He’s knows the reason White will not grant him a second shot at middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva at this time. That first-round knockout he suffered -- via a Silva front kick to the jaw at UFC 126 -- is too fresh on the minds of fight fans.

But Belfort is a very spiritual man, and he greatly believes a title shot is in his foreseeable future. He just needs to keep winning -- that fourth-round submission loss to light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in September has no bearing on his standing at middleweight.

Taking that fight with Jones at UFC 152 was Belfort being the consummate company man. UFC won’t hold that setback against him, and Belfort knows it.

“I’m in the best time of my life,” Belfort said. “I’m enjoying every single moment. I’m happy; I’m ready to win [Saturday night]. I’m ready to conquer each step that’s in front of me toward my main goal.

“I’m just taking it step by step. It’s not being arrogant, but I don’t like to talk about something that’s in the future. Right now I have Michael Bisping and that’s the most important fight of my career. We can talk about the future after this fight.

“But my ultimate goal, everybody knows, is winning, getting to the top of the chain. That’s my main goal.”

Generally speaking, if you feel good, you fight good -- and Vitor Belfort says he’s never felt this good in his entire life.

The UFC veteran will enter the Octagon for the 16th time of his career on Jan. 19 when he faces Michael Bisping at a UFC on FX event in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Belfort, 35, was last seen in a submission loss to Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title in September. This month, he’s back to the 185-pound weight class, a transition that’s been made easy, he says, by a clean diet and a clean mentality on life.

Belfort (21-10) shares a few thoughts with ESPN.com as he heads into yet another big fight.

ESPN: Give us your thoughts on Michael Bisping as an opponent and what kind of fight you’re expecting.

Belfort: I’m looking for a great matchup, first of all. I think Michael is a great warrior. He’s one of the fighters who never picks his opponent. He’ll fight anyone they put in front of him. He’s very honorable to accept this challenge.

ESPN: How are you still evolving at this point in your career?

Belfort: It took me a long time to realize that life is too short. If you look at the past, all these men who accomplished many great things -- they leave behind the most important thing, which is to just enjoy the day. This is something I’m very honored to do. I do it with pleasure. I do it with joy. I just do my best so there is no pressure.

ESPN: Does that mean that doing your best and not necessarily winning the fight has become the most important thing to you?

Belfort: The most important thing for me is today. The day of the fight, the most important thing is the fight. I have a lot of important things to do. One of the important things is winning. That’s my job. That’s my motivation. I wasn’t born to lose, so I win. I’m not just going there to collect a paycheck. This is cheating. This is lying. Only reason I’m still doing this is because I’m motivated to win. I’m motivated to step in there and make the crowd know, "This man stepped here to win."

ESPN: Dana White has said if Michael Bisping wins this fight, he’s next to challenge Anderson Silva. He hasn’t said the same for you, but do you think an impressive performance this month might make him change his mind?
Belfort: I don’t want to even talk about that. It’s none of my business. Pick fights, decide fights -- the UFC has a puzzle. I’m part of that puzzle and I’m doing my part. I’m an employee. My job is to fight and be honorable to the organization. I’m very honorable. I help the organization when they need me. If I don’t trust my promoter, why am I fighting for him? Dana knows what he’s doing, so I’m happy. I enjoy. Nothing can get me depressed, you understand? Nothing. My joy comes from God.

ESPN: You’ve said you feel the best you’ve ever felt. You’ve been fighting professionally since 1996. Where in your career do you think you’re at?

Belfort: In my mind, when I’m 40, we’ll see how my body feels. That’s five good years in front of me. I’m open. I’m just doing my best. My wife will tell me the truth. She’ll be the first one. I believe even Lorenzo [Fertitta] will tell me to stop. The UFC is so nice to its fighters. They never abuse fighters. They could have made money off fighters who have retired, so I think I’m in good hands.

ESPN: Some fighters in their 30s have been diagnosed with low testosterone levels and received exemptions to use testosterone replacement therapy [TRT]. Have you ever applied for TRT or would you consider it?

Belfort: If a question is private, I have the choice to answer or not. If I make it public, it’s not private anymore. If I want to say something private I will say it, but I keep to myself and I respect the laws of the sport. Whatever the organization, whatever the law -- they know what to do. This is too controversial, why am I going to say something that doesn’t accomplish anything? If it’s legal, they know what to do. If it’s legal, there’s nothing to say about it. It’s legal.

ESPN: As you mention, TRT is legal for fighters who qualify for it. Do you believe it’s getting a bad image in the sport? Fans are too quick to judge fighters who use it?

Belfort: It’s hard. Like, you’re either a Republican or Democrat. Who is right? I think it’s this: The truth is always in the middle. Of course, some things are non-negotiable. I think in life, you just need to find a balance. That’s the problem with the rule, is that everyone is so radical. That’s my opinion. I’m very faithful to the things I believe in and I’m working on myself. I don’t like to judge. When you judge people, it sounds like you are God. We live in a freedom country. It is what it is.

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