UFC 126 fight card:

UFC 126 fight card, Never in his career MMA Vitor Belfort has competed at 185 pounds in the octagon, but the opportunity to fight for the middleweight title at UFC 126 could not have come at a better time for him.

The former heavyweight champion will face UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva on Saturday (10 pm ET PPV) in Las Vegas. It will be the second appearance inside the Octagon Belfort since his return to UFC in 2009.

When Belfort (19-8-0) into the cage, you still have the speed and power has been used to punish their former opponents. But this time there will be a significant difference, which will not be obvious at a glance Belfort will be at peace with oneself.

“I have no pressure,” Belfort told to ESPN.com during a recent conference call. “I used to have a lot of pressure. I was a young man who came on the scene and had to win every fight.

It’s funny how people talk as if losing a fight were to retire. Everyone hopes that we all win, we do great things and that we all.’s never enough. You can never please everyone. So the way I live my life is: “What is the best I can do today?” I’m living for today. ”

UFC 126 fight card, This new approach has led to Belfort, 33, to make some changes in his career. One recent one was breaking relations with coach Shawn Tompkins. The separation was not amicable, and they exchanged words through various media.

However, if Belfort continues to carry resentment of his separation from Tompkins, these are not evident. The last two weeks have been nice to Belfort, and this is reflected in their training.

“Their level of boxing is extremely good,” he told ESPN.com boxing trainer based in Las Vegas, Gil Martinez. “His speed is excellent, and is a very talented athlete. His stand-up game is incredible.

“I really found himself. The camp has been that he and [coach] Ray Sefo have armed, and all the equipment around you is very positive. That’s why it feels so comfortable with the position is. “This is the perfect time to become independent, is, and stays focused. It is a very important fight for him.”

UFC 126 fight card, Belfort positive outlook could be key in the fight Silva, but not the only factor. Both he and the champion will have fully recovered from their recent injuries.  The bruised ribs suffered Silva training a week before his defense against Chael Sonnen in August and has completely healed. Belfort, who had to undergo surgery to repair a torn left labrum, also said be in perfect condition.

Without physical impairments affecting the performance of any of them, are expected to Belfort and Silva both have boxed professionally – deploy the stand-up skills that have been so central to the careers of both.

“The two are Brazilian, they are both lefties and both have a win over me,” said former middleweight champion Rich Franklin UFC, who will face Forrest Griffin on Saturday night in the co-presentation. “Both are effective batterers are very fast and have good footwork.”

Silva (27-4-0) has a great respect for Belfort and not neglected anything in his preparation for this fight. Ready to take the best either standing or on the ground especially after the wake-up call that was against Sonnen in 2010.

“I made some adjustments, but basically, I followed the same path, doing the things I usually do,” Silva told ESPN.com. “It was a very intense training camp. I am always working to improve.

“It’s hard to say what role will the fight on the ground in this fight. I’m training for a little bit of everything. I’m training back, side, feet on the wall. In any case that can be trained, I’m doing”. For Belfort, the physical aspect of his game has never been a problem.

Has always relied on their skills, it is mental and emotional pressure which sometimes has given him problems.

But that is no longer the case. Belfort has found inner peace, and free of pressure, life as mixed martial arts competitor is finding it fun again. Is also excited to return to middleweight category that has not fought since knocking out Matt Lindland in a bout of Affliction in January 2009.

“I’ve fought at 185 and I felt very well,” said Belfort. “It will not be a problem. I have to do my job. I have to make weight. I have to show respect for Anderson, the UFC and all the fans. “It will be a good fight.”