American novelist Rita Mae Brown once said "Humor comes from self-confidence."
That could explain why a lot of people are snickering at Middleweight striking machine Alan Belcher, will try to keep his limbs out of harm's way when he tangles with Brazilian tree stump Rousimar Palhares at the UFC on FOX 3 event scheduled for May 5, 2012, at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
And if it goes to the floor, well, so be it.
Belcher (17-6) battled his way back from a career-threatening eye injury to finish Jason MacDonald at the UFC Fight Night 25 event held last September in New Orleans. It was the third straight win for the Biloxi banger, who could vault himself back "into the mix" with a win over the muscular menace this spring.
And according to "The Talent" (via Couch Fighter), he might even submit Palhares in the process. Those comments and more, after the jump.
"I feel honored the UFC family wanted me to be on [the FOX] card and believed in my abilities and show the fans that I'm gonna be a champ. I'm one of the top contenders and I'm ready to prove it. I'd be stupid to try and force a grappling match. I'm gonna use my strength, my strategy, not that I can't grapple, but he can't really strike that good. It's a huge advantage for me just by keeping it on the feet. He's gonna have to get me in one of those situations and I'm not gonna let that happen. Best of luck to him, I don't think he's gonna get a hold of me and do anything. I'm a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Some people might be surprised but I'll give him a nice little run on the ground and may submit him."
Palhares (14-3) is also riding three straight wins, having amputated his way to victory over Mike Massenzio at the UFC 142: "Aldo vs. Mendes" pay-per-view (PPV) earlier this year in Brazil. 10 of his 14 wins have come by way of tap, nap or snap, and he currently has four heel hook finishes inside the Octagon.
Belcher hardly seems fazed.
Let's get some thoughts here, Maniacs. Anyone think Belcher has enough "Talent" to keep this fight on the feet? Or is it only a matter of time before he gets dropped and stopped?
Opinions, please.
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