The UFC has announced an explosive middleweight matchup set for UFC 142. Former UFC light heavyweight champion and current middleweight contender Vitor (The Phenom) Belfort is set to take on Anthony (Rumble) Johnson in Brazil next January.
Belfort and Johnson are known for being two of the most dangerous knockout artists in mixed martial arts.
Belfort (20-9) is coming off a first round knockout of Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133, while Johnson (10-3) is coming off a first round knockout of Charlie Brenneman at UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson.
UFC 142 will mark the first time Belfort has fought in his native Brazil in over 13 years. Belfort defeated Wanderlei Silva at UFC Brazil in October of 1998.
Johnson is known for being an intimidating figure at welterweight. He also has a history of having trouble making weight before his fights. Johnson will be making his middleweight debut against Belfort.
UFC 142 will be headlined by a featherweight title bout between champion Jose Aldo and undefeated top contender Chad Mendes. The event is scheduled to take place Jan. 16 in a yet-to-be-determined Brazilian city.
