Veteran MMA fighter Vitor Belfort left the UFC and retired following his KO loss to Lyoto Machida at UFC 224. Now, the 43-year-old has signed a deal with ONE Championship and will fight at heavyweight against Alain Ngalani, who has just 10 MMA matches under his belt. This stat doesn’t perturb him, and he is looking forward to giving the UFC veteran a baptism by fire in Asia.

Ngalani, also 43, is the younger fighter who has a wealth of kickboxing experience. However, his MMA record doesn’t make for good reading when compared to the laurels his opponent has achieved in his 24-year career. Belfort is a former UFC light heavyweight champion, having beaten Hall of Famer Randy Couture for the belt. 

‘The Panther’ is excited to share the cage with MMA royalty and sees this as his biggest fight to date. He said, “I got fans reaching out to me for all over the world and being so excited about this fight. I’m very excited, personally. Vitor Belfort is a legend and fighting him… What could be bigger than fighting a legend? I’m very excited. I needed something to bring the fire back in me.”

Ngalani has never strung a winning run at ONE, but to his credit, he has never had consecutive losses too. Against Belfort, he can be free as he has nothing to lose. He will look to bring his A-game against the legend that can ignite the competitive spirit within him.

Ngalani said, “I needed something to give that motivation, that fire that I was lacking, and fighting a legend is the best thing that could have happened. I’m very excited and I got the fire back in me, and I cannot wait to get back in there and mix it up with a legend.”

Alain Ngalani believes he has the speed and power advantage over Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort has spent his career at 205 pounds and below. He is fighting in alien territory at ONE Championship’s heavyweight division. Ngalani has always competed at the heavyweight and could hold an advantage when the duo collide. 

He said, “I believe my speed and strength are also my advantage. I’m a natural light heavyweight at heavyweight, I’ve been that my whole life. If I’m in the right state of mind and healthy, nothing can stop me. I’m sure of that. Nothing can stop me.”

He expressed confidence at toppling ‘The Phenom’ and is prepared for certain fans to dismiss the result. He opined if Belfort wins it’ll be labeled a “gimme fight” and if he wins, the fans may sympathize with the ONE Championship debutant’s age and his inactivity for nearly two years. 

Read: Demetrious Johnson Says ONE Championship Is ‘Lot More Dynamic’ Than UFC

‘The Panther’ will want to back his words and prove to the world that the competitive fire is back. Moreover, he will want to avoid consecutive MMA losses for the first time in his career. 

What do you make of Alain Ngalani’s comments ahead of the Vitor Belfort fight?