Vitor Belfort ends slide with decision victory over Nate Marquardt:

Vitor eyes more fights.

Two former world champions clash at UFC 212 as former UFC Light Heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort faces once Strikeforce Welterweight king Nate Marquardt in what could be 'The Phenom{s}' final octagon appearance. Belfort is one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history and is looking to possibly bow out on his own terms in his home country Brazil.

Osiris Maia handed this assignment as the opening round got underway. Opening leg kick for Marquardt landed flush as Vitor started tentatively. Brilliant trip from Nate as Belfort fell to his back. A couple of shoulder strikes from Marquardt kept Belfort busy from the bottom before Maia stood them up bizarrely. Belfort tried with a kick to the body but was denied by the elbows of Nate Marquardt. A good clean jab from Belfort scored for the 40 year-old, before Marquardt returned with a kick as the round came to it's close.

Round two got started with a high kick from Nate Marquardt, before Vitor landed a big uppercut hurting Marquardt, but the Denver star recovered and cleared the cobwebs. Marquardt was switching stances well and moving even better with Belfort's offence very limited so far. Nate was landing cleanly smashing a right high kick into the body and head of 'The Phenom',  before both men traded at the buzzer.

The third and final round seen a decent snapping jab from Belfort, but for the first minute or so, Belfort and 'The Great' were moving tentatively. That left high kick was there once more for Marquardt, before Vitor landed twice in quick succession. Belfort tagged Marquardt before sprawling brilliantly, as Vitor returned to that high kick. They go the distance with Nate Marquardt winning both the first and second round in my opinion, but the volume of Vitor in the final round may sway the Brazilian judges. Vitor Belfort picks up surprising unanimous decision.

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