With the next position of title challenger ostensibly up in the air, Dana White said after UFC 149 that “there are a few big fights coming up, we’ll see what happens.” One of those big fights  has now been confirmed for UFC 153 in Rio, as Alan Belcher faces off with former title Challenger Vitor Belfort. Both men have not been shy about challenging one another, Belfort recently took to twitter to call out the American, who said a meeting with Belfort would be the most important fight of his life. 

Belcher (18-6) has looked absolutely unstoppable since his UFC 100 loss to Yoshihiro Akiyama, riding a four-fight win-streak, with all wins coming via stoppage. “The Talent’s” most recent run has seen him dominate Wilson Gouevia, Patrick Cote, Jason McDonald, and Rousimar Palhares. The Roufussport fighter looked to impress in his match-up with “Toquinho”, as he not only soundly defeated the Brazilian but did so in the submission ace’s own realm, grappling.

Belfort (21-9) comes into the bout on the strength of two victories over Yoshihiro Akiyama and Anthony Johnson. Since being defeated by Anderson Silva in early 2011, “The Phenom” has yet to let his opponents see the second round. After a recent run as a coach on TUF: Brazil, the MMA legend found himself unable to compete at UFC 137 with a  broken hand. Vitor will now look to continue his winning ways in front of his countrymen.

UFC 152 takes place October 13 and will emanate from the HSBC Arena in Rio. The event will see Jose Aldo once again defend his featherweight title at home, this time against Erik Koch.