Paulo Borrachinha Says Vitor Belfort Turned Down Fight Against Him
Paulo Borrachinha is a middle division fighter in the UFC and has already earned two victories in the promotion.
Borrachinha was offered a fight against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort and while he accepted the bout, it was Belfort who didn’t.
“This (A Belfort Instagram post) looks more like an attempt of changing the focus from the fight with me,” Borrachinha told MMA Junkie. “I saw he said he was offered a beginner – as if it wasn’t a good thing for him. But even if it were, I think the fact that he didn’t name me means he doesn’t want to fight me. He wants to erase the possibility of this fight happening. I think it’s very hard for this fight to happen, because we can’t make anyone fight. I respect the UFC’s policies, but I think if they’re paying the athlete, they shouldn’t be picking too much. But OK. It looks like he wants an easier fight.”
The two Brazilians last competed at UFC 212, where Borrachinha defeated Oluwale Bamgbose and Belfort defeated Nate Marquardt.
Even though the fight isn’t happening right now, the undefeated middleweight in Borrachinha knows if the fight does happen, that it would be an easy win for him.
“I wanted the fight to happen – I still do,” Borrachinha said. “It’s a good fight. He’s a well-known guy. I think I’d beat him, too. Without much difficulty. I think despite the fact he’s very experienced, I think I could beat him in the first round. Therefore, I’d like the fight. That’s simply it. But it didn’t come from me. The UFC offered it.”
If Belfort had accepted the fight against Borrachinha, it would have been the final fight on Belfort’s current UFC contract.
