Silva winning streak tested by Belfort at UFC 126












"Sometimes we make bad decisions, but guess what, next day we can make it better," Belfort said. "Every time that I'm out of my job as a fighter, I try to improve everything else in my life."

Belfort trains at Couture's Las Vegas gym, but hasn't fought in 16 months while recovering from surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder. The former 205-pound champion doesn't think he has lost any power in slimming down to 185.

"Not a lot of people in the world of martial arts can have the chance that I have," Belfort said. "It's a privilege to fight one of the greatest fighters on the planet. I have to earn it."

Belfort once trained at Silva's Black House gym, but they aren't friends, and the Brazilian press is filled with stories of icy exchanges between the two. When asked during Wednesday's news conference if Belfort is the best striker he has faced, Silva - sitting nearly motionless behind dark glasses - answered: "No."

Belfort is among the most talented boxers in MMA, and he believes he can match Silva's speed and power. He knows Silva can unleash a dizzying array of strikes - kicks, elbows and knees - when he gets an advantage on an opponent, and Belfort has worked on his defense.

No matter the outcome, both fighters are eager to cement Brazil's reputation for breeding champions heading into the UFC's debut in Rio de Janeiro in August.

"In Brazil, a lot of people are talking about this fight," Silva said. "It's two of the greatest fighters that ever came out of Brazil. Everybody is going to watch this fight."

The Associated Press