A middleweight division attraction is set for UFC 224 as #10 Vitor Belfort could be in action against #12 Lyoto Machida.
MMA Fighting first reported the news before UFC officially announced the matchup on Tuesday afternoon.
Belfort (26-13-0-1NC) has won just one of his last four under the UFC banner and that lone win came over Nate Marquardt at UFC 212. Belfort is also a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, defeating Randy Couture at UFC 46 to win the strap. Belfort could be competing in his retirement fight, as his UFC contract expires after this contest and the Brazilian has hinted at retirement in the past.
Machida (23-8-0) has also won just one of his last four in UFC competition, with his win coming over Eryk Anders at UFC Fight Night Belem. Machida is also a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, defeating Rashad Evans by knockout at UFC 98 to win the gold. Machida has spent the last four-plus years competing as a middleweight, earning a record of 4-4-0 in the division.
UFC 224 takes place on Saturday, May 12 from the Jeunesse Arena in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with no main event announced at this time. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
