Vitor Belfort Returns at Affliction: Banned

Vitor Belfort, previously considered one of the best strikers in MMA, returns to the cage after a eight month break to fight at Affliction’s debut event Golden Boy Affliction: Banned on July 19.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist, better known for his hands, will take on UFC vet, Terry Martin, on the "Banned" undercard. Affliction confirmed the bout today on their website.

Belfort, who has struggled throughout his career, hasn’t fought in a major event since his loss to Dan Henderson at Pride 32: The Real Deal in October of 2006. He spent 2007 racking up a couple of wins under the Cage Rage banner and looks to return to his true form against top competition in 2008.

Standing in his way is knockout artist, Terry Martin, who is currently 16-4 with a total of ten knockouts under his belt. Martin is currently on a two fight losing streak, losing via decision in his last bout to Marvin Eastman at UFC 81: Breaking Point and losing via KO to Chris Leben at UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 11. Terry will look to get back in the game with a W and hand "The Phenom" his first loss in three fights.

Also added to the "Banned" fight card, which is literally overflowing with talent, is another undercard battle between Xtreme Couture’s, Mike Pyle, and 9-1 Total Fighting Alliance veteran, J J Ambrose. The two were already scheduled to fight on the card but against other opponents.

Mike Pyle has submitted his last two opponents since losing to Jake Shields via rear naked choke at Elite Xtreme Combat: Renegade in November. He most recently defeated Dan Hornbuckle at World Victory Road: Sengoku 2 last month with a first round triangle choke. Pyle is an extremely skilled ground fighter with a total of 13 submission wins under his belt. Mike has wins over some of the toughest welterweights in the sport including a win over the UFC’s number one welterweight contender, Jon Fitch.

While Pyle is much more experienced and has fought much tougher competition, Ambrose is definitely a threat. JJ has spent the better part of his career fighting under the Total Fighting Alliance banner, racking up 5 wins in the organization. Ambrose will look to make his mark on the big stage in July in what could be the first break out fight of his career.

Source: www.redsweat.com