Vitor Belfort must be getting frustrated by now. After defeating Rich Franklin in a catchweight bout, Belfort was set to face middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, at UFC 112. Instead of getting another shot at glory, “the Phenom” had to settle for shoulder surgery. Now on the path to recovery, Belfort can only watch as another competitor takes on the champ. In a sport as unpredictable as MMA, sometimes a fighter finds himself the odd man out. It seems that time is now for Belfort.

With Damian Maia coming up short in his title bid and Belfort out of action, Silva will now square off against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 on August 7, in Oakland, California.

Although fans have been resistant to the idea of Sonnen getting the next shot at the belt, Belfort thinks the Team Quest fighter will prove a worthy adversary. Meanwhile, the Brazilian striker will bide his time as he slowly mends his wounds.

“Each fight is different; I can’t say how it is going to be. For sure Sonnen will be a great challenge, and I’m pretty sure the fight will be tied. They are two good fighters, now it is up to us to wait… I, for sure, will be one too. For now, I’ll just wait for my chance and make it worth it. They said I could work on my fitness, I’m almost released to train. I’ll be ready in September.”

(Source: Tatame)