Vitor Belfort’s shoulder is recovering from surgery, and according to his manager, the Brazilian star will be ready for a UFC return in November. Belfort’s manager, Fabiano Farah, said in addition to returning to the Octagon, he’ll be ready to fight for the company’s middleweight title as well.
Belfort is expected to return prior to November for a warm-up fight before challenging for the title.
“Vitor will be in (the best) absolute physical condition to return to the octagon and fight for the UFC title by November 2010,” Farah wrote today in an email to MMAjunkie.com.
Belfort (19-8) had been scheduled to face Anderson Silva at UFC 112 for the middleweight title before injuring his shoulder that required surgery. Silva went on to face and beat Demian Maia in a fight that drew the ire of UFC President Dana White when Silva mocked Maia for several rounds even though it appeared that Silva could have ended the fight at any time.
Belfort last fought at UFC 103 last September when he defeated Rich Franklin at a catchweight fight of 195-pounds. Belfort won in just over three minutes and won Knockout of the Night. It marked the return to the UFC for the former light-heavyweight champion who last fought in the UFC in February 2005.
Because of Belfort’s injury, Silva will now face Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 in August. Dana White has gone on record that he would like Silva to make a permanent move to light-heavyweight if he defeats Sonnen and Belfort.
