Vitor Belfort Reports he Has an Opponent For ONE Debut (And It’s a Heavyweight…)

It’s still not clear when Vitor Belfort will make his ONE Championship debut, but “The Phenom” is reporting who he’ll fight: former kickboxing champ, Alain Ngalani.

Yes, if you follow ONE, you know that Ngalani competes at heavyweight.

Belfort announces Ngalani fight

The former UFC champ signed with ONE Championship last year, after briefly retiring in 2018 (following a knockout loss to Lyoto Machida at UFC 224). More recently, Belfort confirmed that his ONE debut had been in the works, but that the coronavirus pandemic had sidetracked the plans.

Well, more recently Belfort spoke with Asian MMA, and during the interview, he confirmed he’s going to fight Ngalani. In addition, Belfort said this (quote via MMA Mania).

“I like it,” Belfort said. “He’s a very tough competitor and very skilled and very strong. A big man.

That’s what I’m looking for, for a good challenge. I’m focused on what my skills and what my strength is, not where my weakness is. That being said, I’m focused on Belfort, not on him.”

At heavyweight?

So, Belfort didn’t mention in the interview what weight class the fight will be at. But as noted above, Ngalani competes at heavyweight. Is it possible that he could be planning to cut to light-heavyweight for the contest? Maybe?

But, don’t be surprised if Belfort’s agreed to fight Ngalani at that weight. The veteran fighter certainly appears to have bulked up since he ended his UFC run, which finished up with him fighting at 185 pounds.

The 43-year-old Belfort heads into his ONE debut carrying a record of 26-14 (with 1 no-contest). The 45-year-old Ngalani holds a MMA record of 4-5 (with 1 no-contest).