UFC on FX 8: Belfort vs. Rockhold Preview
UFC on FX is quickly establishing a reputation as the UFC’s best free to view show that the MMA company puts on. It often features veterans and up and comers alike literally fighting to remain or become relevant in the octagon. Tomorrow night’s card on UFC FX 8 is no different. You can expect exciting fights and big hits. Here is a preview of the biggest fight on the card, Vitor Belfort versus Luck Rockhold.
At the beginning of the month we listed this fight as one of the must watch fights taking place in May and nothing has changed since then. These are two of the top middleweights in the world. Vitor Belfort is a veteran fighter who has stood toe to toe with the likes of Tank Abbott and Randy Couture. Luke Rockhold is making his UFC debut after dominating his competition in Strikeforce as the reigning Middleweight Champion.
Belfort has been in and out of the UFC throughout his career. Every time he makes it to the biggest MMA organization in the world he climbs to the top only to fall off the mountain. Belfort made is return to the middleweight division after getting KOéd by reigning Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.  His first fight back in the division was a match in which he ruined Michael Bisping’s shot at Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, by bringing Bisping down with a kick followed by a flurry of punches. Rockhold is in line for a title shot as well if he can get past Belfort. Belfort will be looking to play spoiler and may even earn himself a shot at Silva if he can stifle another potential No.1 contender.
Belfort’s strategy is basically the same going into any fight. He is going to find an opening and then attempt to rain down on Rockhold with a hail-storm of punches.
Rockhold on the other hand is a highly skilled submission artist who previously competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Most of his wins come by way of submission. He is the reigning Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and will now be testing his talents against the best fighters in the world in the UFC.
Rockhold’s strategy will be to try and carry this fight into the later rounds. Belfort is deadly in the early rounds where he likes to try and rush in with punches. Rockhold is a solid all around fighter. While the majority of his wins come via submission, he has gotten the job down while standing with his striking as well. Rockhold also as his youth and endurance on his side.
The money line over at Bovadais close. Rockhold’s money line is set at -125. While Belfort’s is at -105.
