Vitor Belfort says he'll be back 'very soon' -- but will it be as number one contender?

Word on the Tweet is that UFC middleweight Vitor Belfort is progressing quite nicely with his physical therapy and is expecting to return to mixed martial arts action "very soon."

The Brazilian updated his health status using the popular social networking platform yesterday afternoon.

After a lingering shoulder injury became too much to bear, "The Phenom" was forced to withdraw from his UFC 112 middleweight title fight against reigning division champion Anderson Silva at the Concert Arena from Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, scheduled for April 10.

It was the second time his bout with "The Spider" was postponed. They were initially penciled in to collide at UFC 108 earlier this year; however, minor elbow surgery for Silva postponed the all-Brazilian brawl until April.

Perhaps it wasn't meant to be -- Belfort even seemed uncomfortable with the quick title shot after a first round destruction of former 185-pound division champion Rich Franklin in a 195-pound catchweight fight back at UFC 103 on Sept. 19, 2009.

In fact, he admitted that Nate Marquardt more than likely deserved the nod over him. Nonetheless, he accepted the bout, twice, and both times the plans had to be scrapped.

He's expected to return at full strength later this year -- but where is his place in line?

Waiting patiently in the wings is Chael Sonnen, who utterly dominated Marquardt at UFC 109: "Relentless" just last month; however, he sustained a humongous gash on his forehead during the three-round unanimous decision win and was slapped with a lengthy medical suspension.

Sonnen, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), is not allowed to spar until March 24, giving him little time to truly prepare to battle a world class and dangerous opponent such as Silva. As a result, Demian Maia was called up to try and do what ten other UFC combatants couldn't -- defeat Anderson Silva.

Whether he does (or whether he doesn't) may not have much impact on the return of Belfort -- but it's hard to imagine the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion returning after both surgery and a long layoff and wanting to go right into a title bout.

Then again, if he gets a tune-up match and loses, that could be even worse.

By the time he heals up and gets back into the gym it might just be about the same time that Chael Sonnen is firing on all cylinders. But would Sonnen agree to forgo a title opportunity to face Belfort if asked? Do these two need to battle for the right to get the next crack at the throne?

There's a lot of lingering questions that may hinge on the exact date of Vitor Belfort's return. Any Maniacs out there want to see him pick up right where he left off? Or is there a more deserving candidate?

Let's hear it.